Shimla, Manali & Dharamshala Tour Package 7N/8D

Main tourist attractions in the Shimla, Manali & Dharamshala trip

Shimla:

Christ Church Shimla– Christ Church, Shimla, is one of the oldest churches in North India. Built-in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in Shimla. Christ Church is situated on The Ridge and is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla. The Pipe-Organ of Christ Church is one of the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899.

Mall Road Shimla– Mall Road is a city center area with a walking street with shops around. Mall road is closed for vehicular traffic. About 1 km long street, at one end of the Mall, is The Clarkes hotel and the other end is the ridge and Christ Church. Mall Road in Shimla is perhaps the most happening of Mall Roads in all Hill stations in India and therefore a popular hangout place for a large number of regular getaway seekers from neighboring plains and for tourists to Shimla. Mall Road is accessible from a Circular road via a lift. Mall road is extremely touristy and often gets crowded in evenings and therefore must be avoided by those who seek peace and tranquility.

Viceregal Lodge Shimla– A Historic monument at 3 Kms from Shimla Mall area where India-Pakistan Partition talks were held. A guided tour can be arranged that details architecture and history. There is also a manicured garden and a cafeteria attached.

Walk to Viceregal Lodge– A Walk from Mall road to Viceregal Lodge can be interesting as one passes through several historical monuments of the area.

Indian Institute of Advanced Studies– Institute of Advanced Studies, an impressive colonial-era building, takes one back in time. It’s one of the historic places where India – Pakistan Partition pact was sealed. A guided tour is available of the area. It can also be a short walk from the Mall or just a hop away from what’s popularly considered the city center.

Himalayan Nature Park Kufri– Situated about 18 km from Shimla, at over 2,600 meters altitude, the Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many wild animals of the Western Himalaya. Animals in the Nature Park include Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Bharal, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, Sambhar, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Monal, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer pheasant.

Fun Skiing at Kufri– It snows in winter in Kufri and that’s when guests from around (Shimla, Chail, Shilon Bagh, Mashobra, Naldehra, Fagu, etc.) arrive for a bit of fun with snow. Mahasu peak is a popular area for this activity.

 Manali:

Hadimba Temple– 1533 Hadimba Temple, also known as Dhoongri Temple, is an ancient temple situated in Manali.

Vashisht Hot Springs– Vashisht is a small village on the banks of the Beas River, the village is famous for its hot springs and temples.

Manu Temple– Manu temple at Manali is believed to be the only temple in India of Sage Manu (Manu Rishi).

Solang Valley Ropeway ride– 15 Kms from Manali town center is Solang nullah, a hub for a range of adventure activities all around the year (Skiing in winter and Paragliding / Zorbing, etc. in summer). Ropeway here is popular for some stunning views of the area.

Skiing in Solang Valley– Solang Valley, 15 Kms from Manali town is home to skiing in winter. Ski lifts have been set up in 2011 for organized skiing.

Rohtang Pass– 40 Kms from Manali is Rohtang Pass, one that takes guests into Lahaul and Spiti valley. Rohtang Pass is open June – Sept. However tourists travel up to the base of the Pass till Kothi (16 Kms) and a bit beyond to enjoy a snow experience that includes a bit of sliding and fun playing with snow. This area is extremely touristy in high season and often sees heavy traffic jams.

Dharamshala:

War Memorial– At their start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post-independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh

Norbulingka Institute– The Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 by the present 14th Dalai Lama at Sidhpur, near Dharamshala. The institute is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage. The institute is named after Norbulingka, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, in Lhasa, Tibet. The main building is a replica of the Norbulingka palace in Lhasa. The Centre for Arts offers training in Tibetan statue making, thangka painting, printing, appliqué and tailoring, wood carving, wood, and metal craft. The Academy also offers long-term courses in Tibetan Buddhism. The institute also has the two-storied Seat of Happiness Temple (Deden Tsuglakhang) built-in 1985 and set amidst the Japanese-inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is known for its 1,173 murals of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas, and drawings chronicling the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. In the main hall stands the 4 mt high gilded copper Buddha, one of the largest outside Tibet. Around the temple are workshops of artisans and apprentices, which produce various handicrafts, also sold at the Norbulingka Gift Shop and Showroom, for the benefit of Tibetan refugees. A short distance from the institute lies the Dolma Ling Buddhist nunnery, and the Gyato Monastery, temporary residence of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Norbulingka Institute is a must-visit for any visitor to Dharamshala for a Tibetan cultural heritage experience.

St John’s Church– Between Forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming church of St. John. The area is under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863.

Dalai Lama Monastery– Most prominent site in Mcleodganj is Dalai Lama Temple or Dalai Lama Monastery. It has a large statue of Padmasambhavna

Bhagsunath Temple– 3 Kms from Mcleodganj town center is lands end, where the road ends. This is where the Bhagsu temple is situated. The temple is popular with North Indians and there are a number of hotels situated here. Guests can walk up to a perennial waterfall adjoining the temple at a short walk away.