A perfect holiday blends natural beauty, thrill, and culture. Touring from Surat to Shimla Manali is just perfect for that. Shimla and Manali are nestled in the northern region of India.
They are two of the most famous hill stations in Himachal Pradesh offering an enjoyable experience. That stands out further with their scenic landscapes, lush valleys, snowy peaks, and charming colonial buildings. This blog post will meanwhile serve as a travel guide. With that, anyone can firstly plan a trip from Surat to Shimla and Manali.
Getting from Surat to Shimla and Manali
The journey starts from Surat, a bustling city in Gujarat. It https://www.shimlamanalipackage.com/surat-to-shimla-manali-packages takes you to the serene hill stations of Shimla and Manali.
This journey is a bit long, but it ensure to be a scenic and enjoyable experience. Here is how you can further make the journey more enjoyable.
By Air
The nearest airport to Surat is the Surat Airport. But, it does not have direct flights to Shimla or Manali. To reach Shimla or Manali by air, You will need to take a flight from Surat.
That takes you to Delhi or Chandigarh, as both cities are well linked to Surat. From there, you can either take connecting flight to Shimla (Jubbarhatti Airport) or Manali (Bhuntar Airport). If not, then you can meanwhile opt for a road trip.
1: Surat to Delhi/Chandigarh by Air
Many airlines run direct flights from Surat to Delhi or Chandigarh. That are firstly the nearest major airports to these hill stations.
2: Delhi/Chandigarh to Shimla by Road
After reaching at Delhi or Chandigarh, you can hire a taxi or board a bus. That takes you further for your onward journey.
Shimla is around 350 km from Delhi and about 120 km from Chandigarh. The drive to Shimla takes around 7 to 8 hours. It meanwhile offers stunning views of the countryside.
3: Chandigarh to Manali by Road
From Chandigarh, Manali is about 300 km away. It will meanwhile take about 8 to 10 hours by road to reach the hill station.
By Train
For a scenic and budget friendly journey, touring by train is a good option. Surat has good connectivity with major cities for example Delhi and Chandigarh via the Indian Railways. From Delhi or Chandigarh, you can catch a train to Kalka.
It is the nearest major railway station to Shimla. After that, you can take the famous Toy Train to Shimla. The toy train journey is an experience in itself. It meanwhile passes through the stunning hills and valleys.
Further, from Chandigarh or Delhi, you can take a bus or hire a taxi. With that, you can reach Shimla or Manali directly.
The train journey firstly offers a comfortable and scenic way to reach your spot. It meanwhile makes it a great option for nature lovers.
By Road
If you enjoy road trips, driving from Surat to Shimla and Manali is an exciting option. The road journey is long. But, it allows you to enjoy the ever changing landscapes and charming towns along the way.
The total distance from Surat to Shimla is around 1600 km. From Shimla to Manali, it is further about 250 km. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, and plan for multiple rest stops.
Best Time to Visit Shimla and Manali
The best time to visit Shimla and Manali further depends on your choices.
Summer (March to June)
This is the peak tourist season in Shimla and Manali. The weather is pleasant during this time. That makes it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying the natural beauty.
Monsoon (July to September)
While the hill stations are scenic during the monsoon. But, the rains may meanwhile cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. It’s better to avoid this season unless you are ready for some sudden issues.
Winter (November to February)
If you love snow and winter sports, it’s the perfect time to visit Shimla and Manali. Snowfall meanwhile blankets the hills, creating a winter heaven. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow based sports in both regions.
Things to Do in Shimla
Shimla is better known as the Queen of Hills. It is famous for its colonial charm, scenic landscapes, and pleasant weather. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do further in Shimla.
1: The Ridge
Located in the heart of Shimla, The Ridge. It firstly offers stunning views of the nearby mountains. The Ridge is a perfect spot for a calm walk.
2: Mall Road
This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. That further makes it a great place to shop for souvenirs or enjoy some tea.
3: Jakhoo Temple
Situated on Jakhoo Hill, this ancient temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman. It further offers stunning views of Shimla and the nearby hills.
4: Kufri
A small hill station near Shimla, Kufri is a famous place for thrill seekers. Here, you can enjoy activities for example skiing, tobogganing, and hiking.
5: Christ Church
Built in the Gothic style, Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in North India. Above all, it is a must visit landmark in Shimla.
Things to Do in Manali
Manali, is famous for its outdoor sports and scenic beauty. It firstly offers a perfect mix of fun and thrill filled activities. Here are some highlights of this region.
1: Solang Valley
Known for outdoor sports for example skiing, paragliding, and zorbing. In other words, Solang Valley is a must visit place for thrill seekers.
2: Rohtang Pass
A high altitude mountain pass located about 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass. It firstly offers stunning views of the snow capped mountains. This is a famous spot for snow sports and trekking.
3: Hadimba Temple
Set amidst lush forests, this ancient temple is devoted to Goddess Hadimba. Above all, it is a building marvel and one of the major attractions in Manali.
4: Old Manali
If you are looking for a more laid back vibe, visit Old Manali. It firstly offers cozy cafes, stunning views, and a quiet ambiance. That is perfect for unwinding after a thrill packed day.
Where to Stay
Both Shimla and Manali offer a wide range of staying options. That range from budget guest houses to lavish resorts.
Famous areas to stay in Shimla further include Mall Road, The Ridge, and Kufri. While in Manali, Old Manali, Mall Road, and Solang Valley offer great options.
Conclusion
A trip from Surat to Shimla Manali is a pleasant experience. It meanwhile offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, thrill, and cultural remains. You can enjoy the serene landscapes of Shimla.
Further, you can engage in thrilling sports in Manali. A Surat to Shimla Manali journey will provide you with joys to cherish for a lifetime. Above all, remember to plan your trip as per the season. Ensure to book your stays and transport in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday.