3-Day Shimla Itinerary – Explore the Best Places to Visit, Foods to Eat & Things to Do in Shimla

Shimla – the place vibes well with scorching summer heat of the metro cities and is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. Once you look up on internet, you’ll find heaps of information on a 3-day Shimla itinerary but we bet, if you’re a first-time traveller to Shimla, we suggest you bookmark this link right away. For an ideal Shimla summer holiday, all you need to do is to follow this great itinerary and you won’t be disappointed.

Shimla is serene, picturesque, and breathtakingly gorgeous; so much so that no camera lens can ever do complete justice to its raw beauty.

Here goes the Shimla travel itinerary for 3 days:

Travelling to Shimla

Arriving in Shimla is easy from any part of India either via road or air. If you’re travelling to Shimla from Delhi via air, the flight will take you till Jubbarhatti Airport in Himachal Pradesh. Once landed, board a taxi to take you to the hotel comfortably. 

If you have a passion for travelling by your car via road, lead on to NH 44 highway and you’d reach your destination easily in roughly 7-8 hours. Also, there are several tourist and luxury buses from Delhi to Shimla for a convenient ride. Several HPTDC Volvo AC seaters are also available for bookings and take close to 9 hours to reach Shimla from Delhi.

If you are planning to travel by train, then note that Kalka Railway Station is the nearest station that connects Shimla. It is located 89 km away from Shimla and is easily accessible.

Weather in Shimla can get unpredictable at times with rains, snowfalls, and cold. Make sure you’ve packed enough warm clothes to enjoy in this weather.

Once you’ve reached the hotel, get plenty of rest, walk around the hotel property, and eat some amazing local food at the hotel dining area. Make sure you’re well rested before you get on with the travel itinerary to explore Shimla for the next 3 days.

It’s best to start your trip to Shimla a night before from Delhi or other parts of the country. This will make sure that you reach Shimla in the morning and you’ve an entire day to explore the gorgeous surroundings.

Day 1 – Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

Take the Heritage Mountain Train from Kalka to Shimla for a fun joy ride while exploring the picture-perfect views all the way. Make sure the camera is fully charged and you’ve extra batteries too. A pro tip here is to book the train ride in advance before landing in Shimla as it gets really touristy during summers and fetching last-minute train tickets could get difficult.

Enjoy the hot and delicious lunch served on board the train ride which just adds to the entire experience. You can also visit Dharampur, a popular spot with travellers at a distance of just 65 kms from Shimla. The ride would sure be interesting as you can stop at some local dhabas and restaurants on the way to grab piping hot butter chicken and butter naan – the perfect way to kickstart a holiday!

Reach back to the hotel, take rest, and get ready for day two of adventures.

Day 2: 

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Grab a hearty breakfast on your first morning in Shimla, at the Wake & Bake Café. This eatery serves mouth-watering breakfast delights, including sausages, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. Wake & Bake is the ideal place to visit to treat yourself to a delightful and wholesome English breakfast. 

Jakhoo Temple

After you’re done with the breakfast, make your way to Shimla’s Jakhoo temple, which is not just a significant religious hub but also a popular tourist attraction. Jakhoo Hill is no less than a paradise with charming scenery and a treat for the camera pictures. As the temple sits right in the middle of the vast green expanses, it is impossible for you to take your eyes off it. 

Chadwick Waterfalls

If overpowering expanses of nature and greenery happen to be your thing, then add a trip to Chadwick Falls without a doubt. The place is peaceful and a perfect bliss for those wanting to catch up on a less-touristy destination. The sound of water drizzling on the rocks makes for a great watch while holding your partner’s hands.

Mall Road 

In the evening, don’t waste a minute and head straight to the Mall Road as that’s where all the buzz is. Being the main street in Shimla, you’d find the street at both sides are lined with shops and eateries. Park your vehicle before Mall Road as there is a ban on the entry of cars. 

Stroll around the brightly-lit streets and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of this quaint hill station.

Head to Himachali Rasoi for authentic Himachali food and enjoy a nice and cosy meal in the bustling Mall Road. You can also check out Hideout Café opposite Town Hall to grab some desserts. Hideout Café is popular for its apple pie, burgers, brownie, and serves the best coffee in Shimla.

Retire at the hotel in night and get some rest for day three.

Day 3 – Visit Markets of Shimla

Mall Road

Shimla is a sight to behold during those lively (and romantic) summer evenings. Make your way to Shimla’s Mall Road area because it is one of the buzzing places in Shimla. Gaze at the vibrant visuals Tibetan Market with avid shoppers trying to get a good deal. Do look for the traditional Himachali hats and souvenirs to take back home for family and friends. The Tibetan Market is no less than a paradise for all of the budget shoppers out there. 

Himachal Emporium

Himachal Emporium is the go-to place to buy some locally-made handicrafts and keep them as memories. It would take you less than five (5) minutes to reach the emporium if you’re hotel is stationed anywhere near Mall Road. Also check out the locally-made woollen shawls and clothes. 

You’d certainly come across Shimla’s Christ Church during one of those breezy evenings if you’re roaming around the Mall Road area whilst looking to help yourself to a cup of tea (and supper). Remember to make it to Christ Church before 6 pm if you are planning to pay this colonial wonder a visit. 

Make your way to the Wake & Bake Café to grab a quick bite. The good thing about this café is: it gets up and running by 9 am and keeps churning out delicacies till 10 in the night. Carrot Cakes, crepes and pasta in white sauce are its major crowd pullers.

Explore Himachali Cuisine

Also, allow the flavours of the authentic Himachali cuisine to set your taste buds on fire. Ashiana& Goofa is one of the most beloved restaurants in Shimla’s Lower Bazaar area. Combine tangy tomato gravy with the bread of your choice and enjoy a memorable meal at this very popular eating joint. Those wanting to try out Sidu, Dham and Madra can make their way to this restaurant. Apart from the food, it is the ambience that’d stay with you for a considerable amount of time. 

After you are done eating, make your way to one of the many book stores in Shimla and buy yourself a few books. In this way, you’d be able to keep yourself busy during the long journey home. 

It goes without saying that goodbyes are difficult, and leaving this place after saying ta-da is going to be a job easier said than done. However, all good things come to an end (they just have to). The good part is: you’ll have plenty of memories to savour once you reach home. 

Goodbye, until we meet again…