Top 20 Places to Visit in Shimla and Manali

Shimla and Manali get clubbed together on almost every Himachal itinerary, but they're very different places. Shimla is old buildings, long walks and cups of tea with a view. Manali is snow, rivers and paragliders dropping out of the sky. If you only have time for the highlights, go for The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple and Kufri in Shimla, then Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel in Manali.

Below are the 20 places to visit in Shimla and Manali that we think deserve your time, including a few stops on the road between them. We've also said where you can safely skip something, because nobody can do all 20 on one trip.

Shimla Manali Tourist Places at a Glance

Short on time? Start with this list. The last column tells you what's already on BookFast's 6-day Shimla Manali route. "On request" means we can add it when you book, though some of these will need extra time or an extra day.

Entry fees mentioned below are approximate. They change from time to time, so check at the gate.

Top Places to Visit in Shimla

The British ran India from Shimla every summer, and the town still looks the part. Most of what you'll want to see is within walking distance in the centre. Wear shoes you can actually walk in, because the roads here go up and down all day.

1. The Ridge

Everyone ends up at The Ridge sooner or later. It's the big open square in the middle of town, and it's where Shimla comes out in the evening to walk, eat ice cream and watch the lights come on across the hills. Come around sunset. Scandal Point and Christ Church are right there, so you can tick off all three in one go.

Distance: town centre | Time needed: 1 hour | Entry: free | Best time: evening

2. Mall Road

Mall Road sits just below The Ridge, and cars aren't really allowed on it, which is half the appeal. You get woollen shops, old bookstores and plenty of places to eat. Prices are on the higher side though. For wooden souvenirs at better rates, go to Lakkar Bazaar at the far end of The Ridge.

Distance: town centre | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Entry: free | Best time: evening

3. Christ Church

You'll recognise this one from every Shimla postcard: the yellow church standing over The Ridge. It was consecrated in 1857 and is often described as the second-oldest church in North India. Step inside for the stained glass. You won't need more than half an hour, unless you're here in Christmas week, when the whole place is lit up.

Distance: on The Ridge | Time needed: 30 minutes | Entry: free | Best time: morning or Christmas week

4. Jakhoo Temple

Look up from almost anywhere in Shimla and you'll spot the giant Hanuman at Jakhoo Temple. The statue is 108 feet tall, and the temple sits on the town's highest hill. Walking up is a proper workout, so take the ropeway or a taxi if you're with elders. One warning: the monkeys here will happily grab your glasses or phone. Keep them in your bag.

Distance: about 2 km from The Ridge | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Entry: free (ropeway extra) | Best time: morning

5. Viceregal Lodge

If you like history, don't miss this. Viceregal Lodge was built in 1888 for the British Viceroy, and talks that shaped India's independence took place inside. Today it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Take the guided tour, then wander the lawns. It's shut on Mondays, so check your day before heading out.

Distance: about 4 km from The Ridge | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Entry: about ₹100 for Indians, ₹50 for children and seniors | Best time: morning

6. Kufri

Most people come to Kufri for one reason: snow. Between December and February, it's the easiest place near Shimla to find it. The rest of the year you get horse rides, mountain views and, with kids, the Himalayan Nature Park and Kufri Fun World. It gets crowded and a bit chaotic in season, so leave Shimla early.

Distance: about 16 km from Shimla | Time needed: half a day | Entry: free (rides and parks extra) | Best time: December to February for snow

7. Tara Devi Temple

Fewer tourists make it here, and that's the point. The road climbs through thick forest to an old hilltop temple with wide views over the Shimla hills. Go in the morning if you want some quiet before the town wakes up.

Distance: about 11 km from central Shimla | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Entry: free | Best time: morning

8. Naldehra

Golfers know Naldehra for its old course, one of the oldest in India. Everyone else comes for the deodar and pine forest. Pack some snacks, walk around for a bit and enjoy the fact that there's no Mall Road crowd here. If you have only two days in Shimla, though, you can skip it.

Distance: about 22 km from Shimla | Time needed: half a day | Entry: free (golf extra) | Best time: March to June

9. Green Valley

This is a photo stop, nothing more. You'll pass it on the road to Kufri, with forested slopes dropping away below you. Fifteen minutes is plenty, and the road gets busy, so don't park for long.

Distance: on the Shimla–Kufri road | Time needed: 15–20 minutes | Entry: free | Best time: morning

Staying longer in Shimla? Here are more places to visit in Shimla.

Places to Visit Between Shimla and Manali

Shimla to Manali takes 7–8 hours by road. Don't treat it as dead time. The second half of the drive is one of the best parts of the whole trip.

10. Pandoh Dam and Sundernagar Lake

Sundernagar Lake comes first, a calm spot in the town of the same name. Further on, Pandoh Dam holds back the Beas River in a narrow gorge. Neither needs long. Stretch your legs, have some tea, and get back on the road.

Distance: on the Shimla–Manali road | Time needed: 20–30 minutes | Entry: free | Best time: morning

11. Kullu Valley

After Pandoh, the road runs right beside the Beas, and the views improve with every bend. Apple orchards cover the slopes. Stop at one of the shawl factories if you want a Kullu shawl to take home, and try rafting on the Beas if you're here in summer.

Distance: about 40 km before Manali | Time needed: 1–2 hours | Entry: free (rafting extra) | Best time: March to June, September to October

Top Places to Visit in Manali

Manali town itself can feel crowded. The real pull lies just outside it, in the forests, side valleys and high roads. Give yourself at least two full days here.

12. Hadimba Devi Temple

Built in 1553, Hadimba Devi Temple looks nothing like the temples you see in the plains. It's made of wood, with a four-tiered roof, and it stands among huge cedar trees. In peak season the queue can get long, so get there early.

Distance: about 2 km from Mall Road, Manali | Time needed: 1 hour | Entry: free | Best time: morning

13. Old Manali

Cross the bridge and the mood changes. Old Manali has narrow lanes, stone houses and cafés right by the river. Younger travellers and couples tend to spend most of their evenings here, and we can see why. Skip the Mall Road dinner one night and eat here instead.

Distance: about 3 km from Mall Road | Time needed: 2–3 hours | Entry: free | Best time: evening

14. Vashisht Hot Springs

Hot water coming straight out of the mountain feels great when it's freezing outside. Vashisht is a small village just above Manali, with an old stone temple and natural hot springs. The bathing areas are basic and separate for men and women. Bring your own towel.

Distance: about 3 km from Manali | Time needed: 1 hour | Entry: free | Best time: morning or evening

15. Manu Temple

Manali is said to get its name from Sage Manu, and this temple in Old Manali is dedicated to him. You reach it through a short uphill walk past old village houses. It rarely gets as crowded as Hadimba, so pair it with your Old Manali evening.

Distance: in Old Manali | Time needed: 30–45 minutes | Entry: free | Best time: morning

16. Jogini Falls

Want to stretch your legs? This is the easiest good walk near Manali. It's about 3 km from Vashisht through forest and orchards, around 45 minutes each way, and you end at a tall waterfall. After rain the path gets slippery, so wear proper shoes.

Distance: about 3 km walk from Vashisht | Time needed: about 2 hours | Entry: free | Best time: March to June, September to November

17. Solang Valley

Paragliding, ropeway, zorbing in summer, skiing in winter: if you want action, this is the place. A paragliding flight costs about ₹1,500–₹3,500 per person, depending on how long you stay up. Not into adventure sports? Go anyway. The meadow with snow peaks all around is reason enough.

Distance: about 13–14 km from Manali | Time needed: half a day | Entry: free (activities extra) | Best time: all year

18. Atal Tunnel and Sissu

Few drives in India change as suddenly as this one. You enter the 9-km Atal Tunnel in green Manali and come out in the dry, rugged Lahaul Valley. Sissu, just beyond it, has a waterfall and a lake. In winter there's often deep snow on this side, but the road can shut after heavy snowfall, so ask before you set out.

Distance: Sissu is about 40 km from Manali | Time needed: half a day | Entry: free | Best time: May to October, and winter when roads are open

19. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang is close to 4,000 metres high and famous for its snow, but it takes some planning. It's usually open only from around May or June until the first heavy snowfall. Your vehicle needs a permit of about ₹550, numbers are limited, and permits generally aren't issued for Tuesdays. If you can't get one, Sissu makes a very good backup.

Distance: about 50 km from Manali | Time needed: full day | Entry: permit per vehicle | Best time: May to June, September to October

20. Naggar Castle

Naggar was the old capital of the Kullu kingdom. Its castle, built around 1460 from stone and wood, is now a heritage hotel with a small museum, and the valley views from the courtyard are excellent. Add the Roerich Art Gallery nearby and you've got a quiet half day, far from the Manali traffic.

Distance: about 20 km from Manali | Time needed: 2–3 hours | Entry: about ₹20–₹50 | Best time: March to June, September to November

Want to add Naggar, Jogini Falls or Rohtang to your trip? WhatsApp +91 88174 30000 with your dates and we'll plan the route around the places you want to see.

Best Places by Season

Summer (April to June)

This is when nearly everything is open and the weather is at its most comfortable, so it's also when everyone else turns up. Solang Valley, Naldehra and Old Manali are all at their best, and Rohtang usually opens around May or June. Start your sightseeing early, or you'll spend it in queues.

Snow Points in Shimla and Manali (Winter)

Looking for snow? From late December to February, your best bets are Kufri near Shimla, and Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel side near Manali. Forget Rohtang, which stays closed. On heavy snow days, the last stretch to some snow points may be open only to local 4x4 vehicles.

Monsoon and Autumn

July to September turns the valleys green and fills up waterfalls like Jogini, but landslides are a real risk on hill roads, so keep a spare day. October and November are underrated. The skies clear up, the mountains look sharp, it's apple season, and Kullu Dussehra falls in October.

Best Places by Traveller Type

Couples and Honeymoon

The best Shimla Manali places for couples are the slower ones: Old Manali's riverside cafés, a quiet afternoon at Naggar, sunset on The Ridge. If you're on honeymoon, spend at least one night in a valley-view stay near Manali. Avoid long weekends if you can. You'll get more space and better room rates.

Families with Kids and Elders

When choosing Shimla Manali places for family trips, go by how much walking is involved. The Ridge, Kufri, Hadimba Devi Temple and Solang Valley are all easy, and kids tend to love the last two. With elders, take a taxi or the ropeway up to Jakhoo, and leave out the Jogini walk.

Adventure Lovers

Base yourself around Solang Valley for paragliding, ziplining and skiing. In summer, add rafting on the Beas near Kullu. And if you want something less touristy, walk up to Jogini Falls or drive through the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul.

Offbeat Places Near Manali

Tired of crowds? Try Sissu beyond the Atal Tunnel, the old castle town of Naggar, or the walk to Jogini Falls. All three are close to Manali, yet they feel far quieter than the town itself.

How to Cover These Places: A Simple 6-Day Route

Six days is about right for Shimla Manali sightseeing without rushing. Reach Shimla on Day 1 and walk The Ridge and Mall Road in the evening. Do Kufri and Jakhoo Temple on Day 2. Day 3 is the long, scenic drive through Kullu Valley to Manali. Spend Day 4 around town at Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht and Old Manali, and Day 5 at Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel. On Day 6, you drive home.

This is the same route our Delhi to Shimla Manali tour package follows, in a private car with fuel, toll, parking and driver costs included.

Plan your Shimla Manali trip: a private sedan for the full 6-day route costs ₹24,000 for up to 4 passengers. For 7-seater and tempo traveller prices, call or WhatsApp +91 88174 30000.

How to Get Around Shimla and Manali

These places are far apart, and buses won't get you to most of them. A private car is simply the easiest option, since you don't have to find a new taxi in every town and you can stop whenever a view catches your eye.

Starting from Chandigarh? We run a Shimla Manali tour from Chandigarh too. Bigger groups can book a tempo traveller for Shimla Manali so everyone stays together. And if you only need a ride one way, there's the Delhi to Shimla one way taxi and the Delhi to Manali one way cab.

Tips Before You Go

• Start early: By late morning in peak season, Kufri, Hadimba Temple and Solang Valley are packed.

• Be ready to walk in Shimla: Vehicles are restricted on Mall Road and The Ridge.

• Carry a jacket even in summer: Evenings get cold, and winter calls for heavy woollens.

• Guard your things at Jakhoo: The monkeys go after phones, glasses and food.

• Ask about the roads: Snow can shut the Atal Tunnel and Rohtang Pass for hours or even days.

• Sort your budget first: Our Shimla Manali trip cost guide covers the car, hotels, food and activities.

FAQs: Places to Visit in Shimla and Manali

What are the best places to visit in Shimla and Manali?

In Shimla, go for The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple and Kufri. In Manali, don't miss Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel. On the drive between them, Kullu Valley is the highlight.

Can Shimla and Manali be covered in 5 days?

Yes, but it will feel rushed. From Delhi, three days go on the long drives, which leaves you just two for sightseeing, one in each town. Six days is more comfortable.

Which is better, Shimla or Manali?

It depends on what you want. Pick Shimla for colonial history, easy walks and family time. Pick Manali for snow views, adventure sports and river valleys. They're about 245 km apart and feel very different, so most people do both.

Where can I see snow in Shimla and Manali?

From late December to February, try Kufri near Shimla or Solang Valley near Manali. The Atal Tunnel side and Sissu often have deep snow too. Rohtang Pass still has snow in early summer, when it opens.

Which places in Shimla and Manali are best in summer?

Solang Valley, Naldehra, Old Manali and The Ridge are all great in summer, when the weather is cool and everything is open. Rohtang Pass usually opens around May or June, and rafting in Kullu is popular from April to June.

What are the best places to visit between Shimla and Manali?

Stop at Sundernagar Lake, Pandoh Dam and Kullu Valley. Kullu is the pick of the three, with river views, apple orchards and shawl factories. The full drive takes about 7–8 hours, so these stops give you a good break.

Which places in Manali are good for couples?

Try Old Manali for its riverside cafés, Naggar Castle for some quiet, Jogini Falls for an easy walk together, and Solang Valley for paragliding and snow play.

Is Rohtang Pass open all year?

No. It usually opens around May or June and stays open until the first heavy snowfall. Vehicles need a permit, which is generally not issued for Tuesdays, so check the current rules before you go.

Plan Your Shimla and Manali Trip

You could easily spend a week on the best places in Shimla and Manali, so don't try to fit in everything. Pick what suits your season and your group, and leave time to enjoy the drive. Our 6-day Shimla Manali trip covers the main sights in a private car at one clear price. Call or WhatsApp +91 88174 30000, and we'll help you plan the route.