Mesmerizing Himachal with Chandigarh

Upon arrival at Chandigarh Airport, we drive to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful hill resort was the erstwhile summer capital of the British. It is one of the top tourist destinations in India owing to its mild climate, meandering streets and snow-clad mountains. Often referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations’, Shimla is perched at a height of around 2000 meters above sea level. Besides its natural beauty, what attracts hordes of tourists to this place is the opportunity to indulge in various adventure activities, such as trekking, mountaineering, and skiing. Once you reach Shimla, complete the check-in formalities at the hotel and take some rest. stay overnight at the hotel

After a delicious breakast this morning, get ready to venture into Kufri - a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With panoramic views of the Himalayas, steep hikes, adventure sports and quite a few fun and interesting sightseeing attractions, Kufri is a great place to unwind.

Popular specially with trekkers, the splendid weather and stunning natural beauty make Kufri an ideal summer getaway. Interestingly, Kufri is also the venue for an annual winter sports festival held in February. With the oldest skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is also famously referred to as a ski destination. Himalayan Nature Park in the outskirts is home to over 180 varieties of fauna.

After, visit the famous Mall Road in Shimla. Also check out the pleasant small square Scandal Point and Jhakoo Temple. Return to your hotel and have a tasty dinner. Overnight stay at hotel in Shimla.

After breakfast, get ready to drive to Manali - one of the most popular hill stations in India situated at a height of 6260 ft above sea level. The exquisite River Beas flows through the town of Manali, creating a spellbinding landscape against the massive peaks of the valley. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and get comfortable with your splendid surroundings. Your evening is free for leisure.

Both an ancient site and a modern town, Manali is a fairyland dotted with a number of tourist attractions such as the Rohtang Pass(at own cost) and Solang Valley nearby. Whats more, it is flocked by honeymooners and family vacationers all through the year. It is also fast emerging as an adventure destination with activities such as zorbing, paragliding and white water rafting. Overnight stay at your hotel in Manali.

After the breakfast, get ready to go on an excursion to Solang Valley. At 8500 ft above mean sea level, the preferred location for adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh, Solang Valley is a must-see for adrenaline junkies. You can choose to go parachuting paragliding, skating or zorbing (at own expense). Its lush forests, apple orchards, snowcapped peaks and rivers attract visitors as well. Also halt at Nehru Kund. Then proceed towards Atal Tunnel. Atal tunnel starts from Solang, and the total distance of tunnel is 17 kms one way and takes 1hr 15 min one way and tunnel ends at a place called SISSU . On the way back they can do activities at Solang. By evening, return to your hotel in Manali and enjoy a lovely dinner. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.

After breakfast, walk through Manali town visiting newly constructed Buddhist Monastery and the handicraft centre. Later, visit the 450 years old temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi, Jagatsukh and Vashist kund.

Hadimba Devi Temple - is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas.

Vashisht, an extremely picturesque little place clinging to the steep hill side. On the way up to the village you come upon the Vashist hot baths where a natural sulphur spring is piped into a modern bath-house.

Return to hotel by late afternoon. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast, check out and hit the road to Dharamshala. Dalai Lama’s home and winter capital of Himachal Pradesh in the Kangra district, Dharamshala is exactly what it means - ‘rest house for pilgrims’. The high snowclad Dhauladhar ranges are an exquisite backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamsala. Look forward to views of numerous streams of clear water and dense pine & deodar forests trailing you all the way, cool clean air, beautiful surroundings and fantastic views of the mountain ranges.

On the way, feel the cool breeze in your hair and take in the stunning, scenic sights around you. Upon arrival in Dharamshala, check-in at the hotel. Later embark on a sightseeing visit to the famous Tibetan Medical Centre, where treatment is done using rare Tibetan medicines.

St. John Church, which is one of the oldest churches of this region. It is widely acknowledged for its Belgian stained-glass windows, which were donated by Lady Elgin. Other than these attractions, some other places to visit include Kangra Art Museum, Tea Gardens and Kunal Pathri Temple.

Overnight stay at Hotel.

Check out from your hotel after breakfast. Later, hit the road to Dalhousie - a famous hill station and unique summer retreat in Himachal. Watch for curious painted rock carvings of Buddhist deities along the south side of the ridge. The ravishing rhododendrons, gorgeous greens and pristine air add to the beauty of Dalhousie. Quite a few Tibetan refugees have found and made their homes in Dalhousie as well. You can also choose to visit the British-era churches of St John (1863) and St Francis (1894) or wander around the market areas of Subhash Chowk and Gandhi Chowk. Your evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at hotel in Dalhousie.

Soon after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and thereafter, drive towards Chandigarh, popularly referred to as the 'City Beautiful'. Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, is regarded as one of the best planned cities of the country. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend some time to repose.

If time permits, you can go for boating at Sukhna Lake (open until 6pm) or you can do some shopping as well. Visit Sector 17 and 22 that are some of the popular shopping zones of Chandigarh. Here, you can buy traditional Phulkari suits, Kolhapuri slippers and exquisite jewellery. You can also try out some local delights that are served at most of the restaurants here. By evening return to hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast today, get ready to proceed for a day-long local sightseeing tour of beautiful Chandigarh. Visit the popular attractions of Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Capitol Complex and Open Hand. Formed from urban and industrial waste, Rock Garden is an open-air exhibition hall which houses many items made of porcelain, metal wires, auto parts, mudguards, frames, etc. Go boating, or indulge in some water skiing or yachting at man-made Sukhna Lake, at the foothills of the Shivalik range with a 3 kilometer shoreline. Don't miss the giant Open Hand - a 50 tonne and 14-metre high structure made of metal sheets. The hand is a symbolism of unity and peace. Return to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Chandigarh.

After breakfast, check out from hotel & transfer to Chandigarh Airport/railway station for departure, back to home with beautiful memories of a life time trip.