Trip Shimla-Kulu-Manali

Hi Guys -

I'm a new member and loving this forum! Very helpful and comprehensive than expected.

K...here's the question: My entire family i.e. Dad, Bro and Me along with our respective wives have planned for a trip to Simla-Kulu-Manali from the 30th Oct to the 9th of Nov. We've taken care of the transport to Delhi and the stay at Manali.

1).Need help in figuring out whats the best way to Simla and manali from Delhi? My flight reaches Delhi @ 930am.
2). Any good places to stay in Simla? Reasonably priced
3). Will it be a good time to trek in Manali at this time cause i've been there only during May?
4). Any feedback on the Sterling resorts in Manali?

Awaiting enlightenment!

Evening volvo buses are available for Shimla & Manali. Will take 9-10 Hours for Shimla & 13-15 Hours for Manali. Shimla to Manali will take 8-10 Hours by bus.

Hi traveljunkie1,

You can try going by Shivalik Express ( toy train) which leaves from Kalka (5.30 a.m) to Simla. Its a really good experience .

I was told about this this - however, the issue is i will be reaching in the morning at 9:30 and will be wasting one whole day in delhi needless to say i would have to check into a hotel, spend the night and leave the next day

How about hiring a taxi from Delhi to Shimla - How much would that cost me?

The Distance s around 350 Kms. and you'll have to pay return charges too, so expect to pay around Rs. 4500-5000 for a smaller car.

Some queries , I am travelling from Chandigarh (Kalka) to Simla.. I tried for Shivalik Exp,, But WL 26/27, I am sure it wont come down....

So I booked in Himalayan Queen ( no 256) which starts at 12.10 pm and reaches Simla at 5.10 Pm.. I got my seats also... Whats ur view abt this train? I mean is it as equally good as Shivalik one?

Hi - also with respect to my previous question - any good hotels to stay at Ambala on the way back from Manali??

hi how are these are hotels for shimla with numbers...

A. Sunrise Villa : Stay with nature - www.sunrisevilla.in - 0177 2860075

B. Hotels in Shimla - hotelsneardelhi.com - 09711887170 -

C. hotels in shimla - www.hamaraholiday.com - 09805622660 -

D. Hotel Bridge View - www.hotelbridgeview.in - 0177 2800091 -

E. Hotel Quality Inn Himdev Shimla - maps.google.co.in - 0177 2831012

F. Dolmaar Trek 'n' Tours - dolmaar.com - 09837556666

G. Honeymoon Inn Shimla - maps.google.co.in - 0177 2624967

H. VEERGARH VILLAGE RETREAT - www.veergarh.com - 0177 2860650

I. Combermere Shimla - maps.google.co.in - 0177 2651246

J. Hotel Fairmount Shimla - www.fairmountindia.com - 0177 3294142

hotels in manali are ...

A. Hotel Silmog Garden - www.silmoggarden.in - 09816032347

B. Manali Hotels - www.orchardresortsmanali.com - 09711887072 -



D. BUDGET HOTEL IN MANALi- 09899936836 - 1 review

E. budget hotels manali - www.hotelparkresidency.net - 09816069065

F. Manali Hotels Manali Tourism - 09694860310 -

G. hotels in manali - www.himachaltourismindia.com - 09872723159

H. Hotel Manali Heights - www.manaliheights.com - 09316101103 -

I. Manali Hotels - www.manalirooms.com - 09882324460

J. Hotel Snow Valley Resort Manali - www.snowvalleyresorts.com - 01902 253228

I saw one Batra hotel close to the Bus stand... looked good from outside...

thanks guys - also Vikram where did you click you profile picture?? The place looks great!

Hello TheQuest,

Himalayan queen is equally good. I would like to share my experience with Shivalik. When we booked our shivalik tickets our Waitlist was WL 37/38. We booked it just 2 hrs late on the first day of booking. So we had plenty of time in hand to wait for the wait list to come down. Till the last 20 days our waitlist came down to WL 24/25. On the last 2 days it came to WL 11/12. We boarded our train to Kalka with little hope that the tickets would be confirmed. The day we reached kalka at 4.50 a.m, We checked the status of Shivalik( departure 5.30 a.m).. It was 1 confirmed and one on waitlist 1. We went to the ticket counter and we got our second ticket confirmed as well. And we also got to know that an extra coach was added to shivalik along with an extra Shivalik express arranged 1 hour later. IT was really most exciting to board shivalik. There are 101 tunnels to cross and the views are amzing. You get breakfast at Barog station with Tea , water . Its a 4.30 hrs journey. In the beginning it is exciting . LAter you may feel little boring.
You can also look for a 'Motor rail' which is of one coach and quite comfortable. But breakfast is not provided. There is no 'Washroom' attached to this rail.

Thanks Smita for your feedback,,,,,

I also wanted to take Shivalik EXP. When I booked the ticket it was WL26/27. I waited for 15 days,,, but it did nt move at all. So I cancelled few days back and booked in Himalayan Queen. This I feel is quite convenient as my son is very small. SO the timing would good for me, and I did nt want any trouble at the last moment....thats why I prefer Himalayan queen,,, whats ur opinion?

Hi THEQUEST,

I have not experienced Himalayan Queen. But surely it would be enjoyable.