Shimla Itinerary for 3 Days – Your Ultimate Guide to the Queen of Hills

Whether you're escaping the city heat, seeking romantic views, or simply craving a breath of fresh Himalayan air, Shimla delivers it all, with elegance, history, and mountain charm. Known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is one of India’s most iconic hill stations, offering a seamless blend of colonial heritage, pine-scented nature trails, cosy cafés, and scenic vistas.

This Shimla itinerary for 3 days is your complete guide to experiencing the best of this hill town, whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to relive the magic. We'll cover top attractions, hidden gems, local food, tips, and where to stay, perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers. Each day brings a mix of leisure and exploration, letting you soak in the charm without rushing. Get ready to wander where time slows down, and every turn reveals a postcard-worthy view. 

Best Time to Visit Shimla:

The best time to explore Shimla depends on your travel style:

• March to June: Pleasant weather and blooming landscapes, ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and family trips.
• December to February: Snowfall season, perfect for a cosy winter escape or honeymoon.
• July to September: Monsoon brings lush greenery but also occasional landslides, best suited for offbeat travellers.

For a balanced experience, summer and early winter are the most recommended.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Heart of Shimla

Morning – Arrival & Check-In

Most travellers reach Shimla via:

• Road from Chandigarh/Delhi (comfortable and scenic)
• Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO heritage experience)
• Shimla Airport (Jubarhatti) – limited flights, 22 km from town

Check into your resort, preferably one with mountain views or heritage architecture.

Unpack, relax, and get ready to dive into the charm and beauty that Shimla has to offer.

Afternoon – Discover Mall Road & The Ridge

No Shimla travel itinerary is complete without Mall Road, the social, commercial, and cultural lifeline of the city. It’s where locals and tourists come together to stroll, shop, and soak in the lively hill-station atmosphere. From colonial-era buildings to street-side cafés and handicraft stores, every step here offers a slice of Shimla’s character.

Must-visit places on Day 1:

• The Ridge – A wide open promenade at the heart of Shimla, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, colonial-era architecture, and a perfect spot for sunset strolls and cultural events.
• Christ Church – The second-oldest church in North India, known for its neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and peaceful ambience. It looks especially stunning when illuminated in the evening.
• Scandal Point – A famous junction where the city’s colonial past meets local legend, named after a rumoured royal love affair. Today, it's a lively hangout with great photo ops and valley views.
• Lakkar Bazaar – A bustling market lane known for handcrafted wooden artefacts, warm woollens, walking sticks, and local Himachali items, ideal for souvenir shopping and exploring local craftsmanship.

Stop for coffee or a late lunch at one of the cosy cafés overlooking the valley.

Try local favourites like momos, Himachali thali, or wood-fired pizzas to refuel before you continue exploring.

End your day watching the sunset from the Ridge, where street lights and cool breezes offer the perfect welcome. As the sky turns golden and the church glows softly, Shimla truly begins to cast its magical spell.

Day 2: Temples, Peaks & Local Experiences

Early Morning – Visit Jakhoo Temple

Start your day with a short trek through deodar forests or take the scenic Jakhoo Ropeway to reach Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point.

Jakhoo Temple: A sacred Hanuman temple famous for its 108-feet-tall statue and breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Keep your belongings safe, playful monkeys roam freely around the temple and are known to snatch snacks, sunglasses, or anything that catches their eye!

Late Morning – Kufri Excursion (Optional Adventure)

Just 16 km from Shimla lies Kufri, a small hill station known for snow (in winters) and family-friendly fun.

Things to do in Kufri:

• Horse/Yak rides to Mahasu Peak – A scenic and fun way to reach Kufri’s highest point, offering sweeping views of snow-clad mountains and pine forests.
• Adventure parks for kids and adults (ziplining, go-karts) – Perfect for thrill-seekers, these parks offer safe, family-friendly activities amid the hills.
• Himalayan Nature Park – Home to leopards, bears, and more – A must-visit for wildlife lovers, the park features native Himalayan species in a natural, forested environment.
• Snow activities (Dec–Feb): skiing, sledging, snowball fights, Kufri transforms into a winter playground, ideal for first-time snow experiences and snowy fun for all ages.

Afternoon – Mashobra or Naldehra (Scenic Drive)

After Kufri, continue your exploration with a short, scenic drive to nearby hill hamlets that offer a refreshing change of pace from central Shimla:

• Mashobra – Known for its lush deodar forests, peaceful trails, and colonial-era charm, it’s perfect for forest walks, quiet picnics, and a laid-back escape from the crowds.
• Naldehra – Home to one of India’s oldest 9-hole golf courses, Naldehra offers rolling meadows, pine-covered slopes, and tranquil views, making it a favourite for nature lovers and serenity seekers.

Both spots offer a more natural, offbeat, and less touristy Shimla experience, ideal for travellers who enjoy calm, scenic surroundings and slower moments.

Evening – Back to Shimla for Shopping & Sunset

Return to Shimla by evening, just in time to enjoy its lively yet peaceful twilight charm.

Things to do:

• Shop for shawls, woollens, Himachali caps, and fruit jams at Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs and locally made goodies.
• Try Tibetan food like steaming momos, thukpa, and tingmo at cosy stalls and cafés tucked around the bazaar, a comforting way to end the day.
• Watch the sun set behind Christ Church, as the golden light bathes its neo-Gothic spires and the town begins to glow under twinkling lamps, a picture-perfect Shimla moment.

Day 3: Heritage Walks, Local Culture & Farewell Views

Make your final day a little more relaxed and heritage-focused, giving yourself time to truly absorb the charm and slower pace of the hills.

Morning – Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

Formerly the summer residence of British viceroys, the Viceregal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study) is a magnificent example of Scottish Baronial architecture, nestled amid manicured lawns and historic charm.

Take a guided tour through:

• Grand halls and wood-panelled libraries that echo with colonial-era whispers
• Lush botanical gardens filled with vibrant seasonal blooms and shaded walking paths
• Colonial-era artefacts and exhibits that tell stories of pre-independence India

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama set in the Himalayas, with the added beauty of mountain air and panoramic views.

Midday – Nature Walks or Glen Forest Picnic

Not a fan of museums? Swap architecture for nature with peaceful walks and lush forest escapes.

• Glen Forest Trail: A short, scenic trail enveloped by tall deodar trees, perfect for birdwatching, light trekking, or simply reconnecting with nature.
• Annandale Ground: A serene, flat meadow maintained by the Indian Army, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment surrounded by green hills.
• Summer Hill: A quaint suburb known for its ivy-covered houses, tranquil vibe, and a railway station where Mahatma Gandhi once stopped during his travels.

Pack some snacks, a warm drink, and a camera; you’ll want to capture the pine-scented breezes, quiet trails, and peaceful hillside moments that make Shimla unforgettable.

Afternoon – Last-Minute Shopping & Café Hopping

On your final stroll through Shimla, take time to revisit your favourite corners of Mall Road and The Ridge, soaking in the last glimpses of the mountains and colonial charm.

Some popular local gifts to take home:

• Kullu shawls – Warm, handwoven pieces in vibrant patterns, perfect for gifting or personal keepsakes
• Dry fruits and fruit jams – Locally sourced and packed with flavour, especially apricot, plum, and apple varieties
• Handcrafted wood items from Lakkar Bazaar – From walking sticks to carved toys and home décor, each piece carries Shimla’s artisanal touch

Wrap up your Shimla trip with a farewell meal at a cosy café or heritage restaurant, savouring the views, the flavours, and the memories of three perfect days in the hills.

Practical Tips for Your Shimla Trip:

Shimla is mostly walkable, especially around tourist hubs like Mall Road, The Ridge, and Lakkar Bazaar. Strolling through the town's narrow lanes and scenic viewpoints is part of the charm. Local cabs and shared taxis are available for longer distances, but private vehicles are not allowed near Mall Road, so be prepared for a bit of walking, especially if your hotel is in the central zone.

What to Pack?

• Warm layers – Even in summer, Shimla evenings can get unexpectedly chilly, so carry light woollens or jackets.
• Comfortable walking shoes – There’s plenty of uphill and downhill walking; sturdy footwear is a must.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and caps – The sun can be strong at higher altitudes, even in winter, so protect your skin and eyes.
• Umbrella or light raincoat (especially if visiting during the monsoon season) – Weather can change quickly in the hills.

Medications & motion sickness tablets, if you're prone to nausea during winding hill drives.

Local Food to Try:

• Chana Madra – A traditional Himachali dish made with chickpeas simmered in a spiced yoghurt-based gravy, offering a rich and tangy flavour.
• Babru (Himachali kachori) – A deep-fried, crispy stuffed bread similar to kachori, usually filled with spiced black gram paste and best enjoyed with tamarind chutney.
• Sidu (steamed stuffed bread) – A Himachali delicacy made from wheat dough filled with a mix of lentils or dry fruits, steamed to perfection and served with ghee or chutney.
• Tibetan thukpa & momos – Popular street-side favourites; thukpa is a hearty noodle soup, while momos are steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, often served with spicy red chutney.

Where to Stay in Shimla

Club Mahindra Kandaghat, Shimla Resort in Himachal Pradesh, offers a perfect blend of comfort, scenic beauty, and family-friendly experiences. Nestled amidst pine-covered hills, this resort in Shimla features spacious rooms, local Himachali cuisine, and a range of activities for all age groups. It’s an ideal base to explore nearby attractions like Chail and Kufri while enjoying peaceful hillside vibes. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, the resort promises a relaxing and memorable stay.

A Club Mahindra membership unlocks access to a network of over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts across India and the world, offering a variety of experiences, from serene hill stations to coastal escapes. With simple booking processes and flexible holiday options, planning your next getaway is effortless. Members enjoy well-curated stays, family-friendly activities, and exceptional hospitality. Backed by thousands of positive member reviews, it’s a trusted choice for creating lasting holiday memories.

Optional Add-On: Extend Your Shimla Trip

If you have extra time, consider extending your Shimla trip itinerary with nearby destinations that offer unique experiences away from the crowds:

• Chail – Quiet, serene, and surrounded by deodar forests, Chail is famous for being home to the world’s highest cricket ground. The former summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, Chail Palace, also features nature trails and panoramic hill views, making it perfect for a relaxed escape.
• Tattapani – Located along the banks of the Satluj River, Tattapani is renowned for its natural hot sulfur springs, which are believed to possess healing properties. It’s also a hub for river rafting, trekking, and camping, making it a great spot for adventure and rejuvenation.
• Kasauli – A peaceful cantonment town with British colonial charm, pine-covered hills, and quiet walking trails. Visit the Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, and Monkey Point, or simply unwind in the serenity of this lesser-known gem.

This 3-day Shimla itinerary is carefully designed to give you a balanced experience of heritage, nature, adventure, food, and relaxation. Whether you're here for the cool mountain air, charming colonial lanes, scenic drives, or spiritual calm, Shimla welcomes every kind of traveller. Unlike the fast-paced life of metro cities, Shimla invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the hills, with history, and with yourself.

As you wrap up your journey, don’t be surprised if you find yourself already planning a return, because Shimla has that quiet magic that lingers long after the trip ends.