Need help with Shimla - Kullu - Manali trip

Steele

Hi everyone! Thanks so much sb_amd_us, rajeev1008, vgoenka2000 and the ever helpful Dilliwala for all your great inputs. I have my plan finally chalked up. It is going to be some vacation! India Mike really rocks!
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Day Date Time Description Contact / URL

Day 1
Wed 18/06 11:35 Depart from Mumbai via Paschim Express 2925
http://www.indianrail.gov.in/

Day 2
Thurs 19/06 16:35 Arrive at Kalka
Accommodation in Kalka at "The Shiwalik" in Parwanu http://www.hptdc.nic.in/cir0101.htm#hshiw
ADDRESS: The Shiwalik, Parwanoo ( H.P.) - 173220.
Tel: (01792) - 232295, 232296, Fax: 01792-232297
E-mail: shiwalik@hptdc.in

Day 3
Fri 20/06 05:30 Leave Kalka aboard the Shiwalik Deluxe Express 241 http://www.indianrail.gov.in/hill_trains.html

10:15 Arrive in Shimla
Accommodation in Dalziel Hotel
http://www.dalzielhotel.com/
Dalziel Hotel, The Mall, Shimla - 171 003
Reservations (0177) 2806725
Reception (0177) 2652691
Mobile (0) 9418051504
Fax (0177) 2651504
E-mail: delziel@sancharnet.in, hoteldalziel@hotmail.com

Driver - Travera Hire (Non-AC)
Driver’s telephone/contact???
Mall Road (closes early…so start at 18:30 latest!)

Attractions on The Mall
Scandal Point
The highest point on The Mall, Scandal point is the end of Mall Road. One can have the views of valley and mountain peaks from this point. Scandal point is always full of tourists, due to its scenic location. The name Scandal arises from the deeds of Maharaj of Patiala, who dared the Britishers by kidnapping the daughter of the then Viceroy-of-India from this point. A statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, an eminent freedom fighter of India, is installed here.

Lekkar Bazaar
Popular for its wood crates and souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

The Glen
At 1830m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

Annandale
Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on an edge.

Christ Church
The Christ Church is the second oldest church in North India. The huge colonial monument is a classic example of British art of church construction. The Church's exquisite beauty comes alive with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows.

Vice Regal Lodge

General Post Office
The Shimla Post Office on the Mall is a well carved building out of wood. The post office has the system of Tonga mail delivery in Shimla, one of its kind in India.

I'd strongly recommend dropping in at the Embassy cafe at the east end of the Mall, near Clarke's hotel. A lovely couple bought it about a year ago now and tells me they've been spending a lot of time refurbishing it. It was about half-way there when I visited a few months ago. The views are breathtaking and the couple's plans for it exciting. They'll even make dinner for you if you ask very nicely. http://hpshimla.nic.in/sml_heritage.htm

http://www.indiasite.com/himachalpra...mla/kufri.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.ne...esh/Manali.htm

Excursions: http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/himachal/shimla.htm
Bihargaon (4km) - Approached either past the cemetery below St. Edward's School, or through Tutikandi, this village has splendid examples of traditional Himachal architecture.
Prospect Hill and Kamna Devi (6km) - At 2125 m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular views of the area.
Sankat Mochan (7 km) - This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
Chadwick Falls (8 km) - At 1586m, these rained falls are approached through Summer hill.
Tara Devi (11 km) - A thickly wooded hill whose peak has a temple dedicated to Tara Devi.
Mashobra (12 km) - At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held every April.
Kufri (16km) - At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak.
Fagu (22 km) - At 2510 m, Fagu has some enchanting views.
Naldehra (22 km) - At 2044 m, this is a nine hole, golf course. It was designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curson who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, 'Naldehra' as per second name.
Chail (45km) - This was the former summer capital' of the Patiala State. The palace is now run as a Luxury hotel by Himachal Tourism.
Tattapani (51 km) - At 656 m, there are hot sulphur springs here. Himachal Tourism has a restaurant and a Tourist Bungalow at Tattapani.
Adventure and fishing - There are numerous walks within and close to Shimla And there are many soft to medium treks that can use Shimla as the base. Some treks are to the Shalipeak, to the Kullu valley over the Jalori pass or the Bashleo pass, Shimla to Chail, Shimla to Junga and Shimla to Tattapani. Angling for trout can be done on the river Pabbar, near Rohru.

Day 4
Sat 21/06 08:00 Visit Naldehra Golf course
Ride horses in Kufri
Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri
Indira Bungalow
Check out Fagu and Chail
Chail Sanctuary, covering an area of 110 sq kms, and notified in 1976 as a protected area, it is home to many animals and birds. It is also known for its Chir Pheasant breeding farm. Exploring by foot is the best option for animal viewing.

The Chail Palace is located atop the Rajgarh Hill and built by Raja Bhupinder Singh who was banished from Shimla. This beautiful mansion is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Visit the world famous Cricket ground, encompassed by deodar trees and located at an altitude of 2,144 mts. It also doubles up as a polo ground. Also visit the village of Sadhupal, 14kms from here for a nice picnic.

For excursions out, visit Shimla, Narkanda, Kausani and other hill stations in the region.

Other activities:
Chail is a haven for hikers, and you could opt from the many walking trails available. Horse riding is another pleasant activity. You can also try your hand at fishing in the nearby river, while enjoying a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.
Tourism Info:
H.P. Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
Ritz Annexe, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh - 171 001
Tel: 0177- 2652704 The HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) conducts daily tours from New Delhi. The Shimla-Kufri-Fagu-Chini Bungalow-Naldhera-Mashobra tour starts at 10.30 am and ends at 5.30 pm (Rs 130- approx USD 3.00). Other tours are also available along routes like Shimla-Fagu-Theog-Matiana-Narkanda and back (Rs 165 – USD 3.60) and Shimla-Naldhera-Mashobra-Kufri-Nature Park-Chail (Rs 150 –USD 3.25). All tours start from the Rivoli- Connaught Place bus stand at 10 am.

Naldehra:
http://www.journeymart.com/Dexplorer...ra/default.asp

Chail: http://www.journeymart.com/DExplorer...apes/Chail.asp

Thanedar: Apple country
http://www.banjaracamps.com/Tours_Himachal_Cherry.asp

Day 5
Sun 22/06 ? morn- Departure to Manali, Pass by Pandoh Dam, Beas river, Sutlaj river, Beas Sutlaj Link Project, Kullu Valley, Dassehra Maidan and visit Shawl Factory at Kullu. Arrive at Manali in the evening.

Accommodation at Sunshine Lodge.

They don't put the address on their business cards but it's halfway along the road that joins new Manali to old Manali on the left past negis mayflower hotel & opposite pinewood hotel. You will see a large sign saying loghuts, it is here!

There are two buildings with rooms, try & stay in the white one with the balcony, these are the better rooms.
Sunshine Lodge phone no. +91 1902 252320

Place to stay in Manali? Also, Keylong?

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/kulluk...=WMQzseN zOfk

Oh & try the homemade honey or apricot jam with your butter toast, yum yum!!

Hi Styler, yes I like Moondance & Tibetan Kitchen too, but spend a lot of time at Shiva Garden cafe. If you really want to treat yourself a bit try Johnsons Cafe on the road just before you get back to New Manali they serve some very nice food!

Day 6
Mon 23/06 ? In Manali – sitting by the Beas River

Shopping
There are a good selection of shops in Manali and the area, catering to tourists. There are Tibetan goods, wool sweaters, Buddhist items, music cassettes and low-end jewelry. A high quality pashima shawl made from the underbelly of a Ladakhi goat starts at around Rs 10,000. The test for pashima is, if it creases when crumpled it is not pure.

The Kullu-Kashmir Shawl Emporium is a cooperative run by local women. http://www.travelmasti.com/domestic/himachal/manali.htm

Manali sanctuary: The Manali sanctuary starts from behind the town square and goes up in the mountains behind Manali. There is a biodiversity trail for the visitors, which showcases all the flora and fauna.

Solang Valley (l4km)
In a picturesque setting, this has good ski slopes end picnic spots. It has the glacier closest to Manali.

Solang Nallah: Solang Nallah is a lush green meadow sloped to provide a perfect ski venue. It comes alive during the winter months for ski lovers and during the summer months it is a heaven for Paragliding, trekking and camping. It is just 13 Kms from Manali and 4 Kms from Whispering Rocks resort.

Towards the Rohtang Pass: On the road to Keylong is the Nehru kund (6 km) which is a clear water spring end scenic spot named after the late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Kothi (12 km) is a picturesque village and has a thrilling view of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly races. The beautiful Rahalla falls (16 km) are at an altitude of 2500 m. A crucial link on the old trade route and still the gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul, the Rohtang Pass is at the height of 3980m.

Rohtang Pass: This majestic pass is 51 Kms from Manali at a height of 13800 feet. It is covered in snow for most part of the year and therefore a major attraction for tourists.

Naggar Castle: The old capital of Kullu, it gives a captivating view of the upper Kullu valley

Rohriech Art Gallery: The paintings of the famous Russian artist are exhibited here.

Vashisth Baths: One of Manali's main attractions, is a place to luxuriate in Himachal Tourism's baths where the water of hot sulphur springs renowned for their medicinal qualities has been piped into baths.

Nehru Kund: The crystal clear spring from where Jawaharlal Nehru used to drink water when he was in Manali.

Rahalla Falls: The waterfall on the way to the Rohtang Pass.

Marhi: Picturesque point on the way to the Rohtang pass.

Manikaran: This lies in the Parvati Valley of Kullu District. It is around 70 Kms from Manali via Kullu town. It is famous for its Shiva Temple and Gurudwara and also for its hot water springs.

Day 7
Tue 24/06 ? Vashisht hot water sulphur springs http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.ne...h/Vashisht.htm

Day 8
Wed 25/06 ? Take a morning trip to Rohtang pass and Solang

Day 9
Thurs 26/06 12:00 Leave from Manali for Chandigarh

10:00 Reach Chandigarh after 10 hours
11:30 Leave for Mumbai from Chandigarh
2926A Paschim Express (CDG [Chandigarh] to BDTS [Bandra Terminus])

Day 10
Fri 27/06 15:15 Arrive in Mumbai – Bandra terminus

captaindom

Tia,
I am also planning to go to Kalka, Shimla, Kullu, Manali with the family (two kids and wife). Please let me know how your stay is when you get there.
Thanks in advance for your info
DSF