If you have been to Shimla many times and want to explore a bit beyond it, you have come to the right place. The Shimla District is made up of smaller towns & villages that bring the same glowing views minus the crowds.
More often than not, we’ve visited the Shimla District by road, using our own vehicle. However, there’s been one time when we’ve taken the bus to Shimla & taken trains back to New Delhi.
And there’s been one time when we’ve taken the train to Chandigarh & then switched to a self-drive vehicle. Choose the mode of transport that suits you the most. Within the Shimla District, you can easily opt for sightseeing using the local cabs.
Putting our limited experience of this District together, we put together a seven – day itinerary. This holiday will bring together the charming towns of Chail, Mashobra & Tara Devi.
Let’s begin – Delhi – Chail – Mashobra – Tara Devi – Delhi!
Day 1 – Drive to Chail
Drive to Chail (~seven hours) & reach by evening. Check in at Chail Palace.
Day 2 – Walking & Driving Around Chail
Take a walk around The Chail Palace and experience the former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala at its best. Opt for lunch at the Palace restaurant. The Fruit Cream & Saag Mutton are appetizing.
After lunch, head to the Chail Cricket Ground. It is inside a cantonment area; you’ve to fill in your details in a register to enter. On your drive around Chail, stop at multiple points to breathe in the fresh air!
Day 3 – Drive to Mashobra
Post breakfast, drive to Mashbora (~two hours). Check in at Khanabadosh (dog – friendly). Use this day to soak in the experience of the Himalayas by visiting an apple orchard and by exploring the umpteen forest trails around.
Day 4 – Fagu & Theog
Drive to Theog (~one hour) after breakfast. Offer prayers at Kanag Devi. Gape at the snowy Himalayas in the distance. Try your eyes at birdwatching. Come a little way back to Fagu (~20 minutes).
The entire route is full of spots where you can halt to give much – needed respite to your brain. Drive back to Khanabadosh to call it a day.
Day 5 – Drive to Tara devi
Post breakfast, check out from Khanabadosh & head to Tara Devi (~one hour). Check in at Casalini Estate (dog – friendly). Hike to the Ancient Shiva Temple (~30 minutes). While you rest on your way up & down, get grand views from the clearings.
Spend the evening at leisure. Take a walk around the expansive gardens of Casalini Estate.
Day 6 – Tara Devi Temple
After breakfast, visit the Tara Devi Mandir. You will have to climb/ walk to the temple. You will be surrounded with greenery & divine presence. The temple architecture itself is quite fascinating.
Back to Casalini Estate for a relaxed evening.
Day 7 – Back to Base
The saddest day of the trip – the day it ends! Check out post breakfast & head home. (Tara Devi to Delhi = ~6.5 hours)
While we like to maximise our trips with as much sightseeing as we can, we don’t believe in overdoing it. We recommend the same – don’t treat sightseeing as a competition or a checklist.
So, even if you don’t manage to see a few of the above, it’s okay. It’s more important to enjoy yourself. Happy sightseeing!
