To plan a pleasant family tour, Shimla and Manali rival the natural beauty and peace. The Shimla Manali tours offer both of them. That further makes them perfect for touring with family. Nestled in the foothills of the great Himalayas, these are charming hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. That are meanwhile ideal for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
There are snow capped peaks, lush green valleys, and a pleasant climate. With all of them, Shimla and Manali firstly offer the perfect blend of thrill and ease. However, to ensure that your family tour is pleasant, it is must to plan Shimla Manali family trip Chennai ahead. Here’s a guide to help you explore the process of your Shimla Manali tour.
1: Best Time to Visit Shimla and Manali
The first step in planning a pleasant trip is to choose the best time to visit. Both Shimla and Manali enjoy a pleasant climate year round. But, the ideal season further depends on your family’s choices.
Summer (March to June)
If you prefer mild weather, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, summer is the best time to visit. Temperatures further range from 15°C to 30°C. That meanwhile makes it perfect for Shimla Manali tours to explore these towns. It is ideal to engage in activities for example nature walks, trekking, and boating.
Winter (November to February)
If your family enjoys snow, winter is the time to visit. Shimla and Manali meanwhile transform into winter heavens with snowfall. That is perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. Further, be ready for cold climate, with Manali often dipping below freezing.
Monsoon (July to September)
The monsoon brings lush greenery, but it can bring heavy rainfall. That further leads to slippery roads and random landslides. It’s better to avoid this season unless you are comfortable with the risks.
2: Traveling to Shimla and Manali
Reaching Shimla and Manali can be a bit tricky, mainly for families. That are touring with young children or elderly members. Planning the right mode of transport will meanwhile make your journey more comfortable.
By Air
The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport. It is around 23 kms away from the city. Manali’s nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, about 50 kms away. However, the air travel options are less, and flights may be subject to weather conditions. From the airports, you can meanwhile hire taxis to reach your destination.
By Train
Shimla is well linked by the narrow gauge railway from Kalka. It offers a scenic and soothing journey. This toy train ride is a hit with families. That meanwhile offers scenic views of the hills. While Manali does not have a direct train connection. But, you can take a train to Kullu and then drive to Manali.
By Road
The most famous and easy option is going by road. Shimla and Manali are well connected by highways. A road trip firstly allows you to take in the stunning landscape. If you are going by car, further make sure to plan your route and stops carefully. It is must mainly if you are going with kids or older family members.
3: Accommodation Options for Families
When going with family, comfort is key. Finding the right stay is must for a stress free tour. Both Shimla and Manali firstly offer a wide range of options. That further goes from lavish hotels to budget friendly guest houses and home stays.
Luxury Resorts
If you want to indulge in a lavish stay, there are many high end resorts. That further offer stunning views of the mountains, great comforts and kid friendly options.
Family Friendly Hotels
Opt for family oriented hotels that offer spacious rooms, play areas, and kid’s menus. Many hotels in both Shimla and Manali further offer guided tours. So, you won’t have to worry about planning each little detail.
Homestays and Cottages
For a more intimate and local experience, try staying in home stays or renting a cottage. This can give your family the chance to talk with locals. Further they can enjoy the charm of the region from the comfort of home like ambiance.
4: Planning Family Activities
Shimla and Manali are packed with activities that suit all ages. It further ensure that all in the family has some thing to look forward to.
Shimla
Visit the famous Mall Road for shopping and sightseeing. The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and Christ Church are must visit spots. If your family enjoys nature, meanwhile take a trip to Kufri. There you can enjoy activities for example horse riding, skiing, and visiting the Himalayan Nature Park.
Manali
For families who love thrill, Manali is a great place to enjoy outdoor thrills. Few are for example paragliding, zorbing, and river rafting. Families with younger children can visit the Solang Valley for snow sports during winter. They can take a dip in the natural hot springs of Vashisht. Don’t miss the scenic Rohtang Pass, mainly in winter, for snow play and scenic views.
Relaxation
For families who prefers to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty, Shimla and Manali are ideal. They further offer plenty of spots for picnics, nature walks, and tranquil time by the river.
5: Stay Safe and Enjoy
While Shimla and Manali are mainly safe for tourists. But, always ensure to be safe. Its must mainly when taking part in outdoor thrills. Follow all safety tips, mainly given for children. Above all, ensure that you have a travel insurance. In short, plan your transport, hotels, activities, and packing in advance. With that, your Shimla Manali tours will be the perfect family getaway. That will be full of scenic moments, ease and thrill.