How to Plan a Budget Trip to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Are you envious of your peers’ and colleagues’ vacation photos as you scroll through social media? It gets even more difficult when you are on a tight budget. Ugh!!

We’ve all had that feeling when long weekends or holidays approach, or when there’s simply a desire to get away from the monotony of life, away from colleagues and friends, to remote locations.

Don’t worry if you only have a few thousand in your bank account; there are plenty of budget-friendly tours in India to choose from. From North to South, and East to West, there are a plethora of places just waiting to be discovered. Budget-friendly cities appeal to a wide range of people and Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations, is one such city.

The state capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla. It is a top-rated hill station that attracts thousands of tourists each year. Shimla has something to offer everyone. There is something for people of all ages and budgets. It is recommended that you travel to Shimla by bus or train to save money on transportation. It has good roads and a powerful rail network that connects it to all of the major cities. If you’re planning affordable travel to Shimla and are concerned about the cost of sightseeing and other activities, don’t sweat.

A Shimla tour plan is a wonderful choice for a spectacular hill station experience. The planning process entails determining the length of your trip, determining the best time to visit, developing an itinerary, arranging lodgings and transportation, and budgeting.

 Here, we’ll inform you about a variety of activities that will keep you active and entertained in Shimla without breaking the bank. You can stay amused without spending a lot of money experiencing varied attractions and activities in Shimla.

Take a tour of one of The Best Cafe in Shimla:

In Shimla, there are several lovely and pleasant cafés. The majority of them feature warm interiors and a spectacular view of the hills outdoors. Many also have a rooftop or balcony where one may relax with a cup of hot coffee or a slice of delicious, exquisite vanilla cake while watching the bustle of the town against the gorgeous Himalayan scenery.

The following are some of Shimla’s well-known cafés and eateries that any visitor should visit:

Argyle House Café

Many of you may use the elevator to the Mall road; as you exit the elevator, you will find this café in Shimla. It is housed in a British-era building that is 150 years old.  Everything here is amazing, from the pancakes to the soup to the coffee. On weekends, it is usually very busy, so if you have to wait a few minutes to be served, do so because it will be well worth your time. Take a chance – this could be your sweet paradise!

Average Cost: ₹500 for two people (approx.)

Wood Street Café

This Shimla café is a newcomer, but it is quickly gaining recognition. It is located in Lakkar Bazar and has a very nice décor. They provide delicious cuisine and outstanding service. It is one of Shimla’s greatest cafés for foodies. The café’s décor will appeal to teenagers since each table is tastefully decorated with complementary wall art.

Bring your family and friends here if you’re searching for a romantic spot, as this location will charm them. To satisfy your hunger, order tandoori momos, hamburgers, and fries. They are very unique because of their low prices.

Average Cost: ₹300 for two people (approx.)

Café Under Tree

This is the place to go if you’re seeking a budget-friendly café that also serves good food. It is Shimla’s highest café, located near Jakhoo Temple. The café is adorable, has a pleasant atmosphere, and is vegetarian-friendly. This vegan café offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience as well as friendly service. When it comes to food, their menu isn’t particularly unique, but you’ll enjoy hot cocoa, pasta, and a variety of food drinks. Surprisingly, all of these delectable dishes are reasonably priced. Your trip to Shimla up here will be well worth it.

Average Cost: ₹400 for two people (approx.)

Naldehra Golf Course is a must-see

It’s an enormous golf course. There is also a golf club on the premises. The employees and staff are friendly and helpful. While going here, one can play a round of golf. It’s lush, tranquil, and breathtakingly gorgeous. Even if you don’t want to play golf, you may easily spend hours on the grounds relaxing and observing the beautiful flora and natural beauty. During the day, there are hiking routes around the golf course that can be enjoyed by experiencing affordable travel to Shimla.

The Naldehra trek takes you through deep deodar and pine forests. It has a hiking trail that is surrounded by wide tracts of nature. It meets the lovely Naldehra golf course on one end. Trekking is done on horses, although it can also be done on foot. Many tourists come to this location for a picnic in the woods. 

Revisit the British Era with Viceregal Lodge

During the reign of Lord Dufferin, British architect Henry Irwin planned and erected the Viceregal Lodge in the Jacobethan style. The building began in 1880 and was completed in 1888. On July 23, 1888, Lord Dufferin moved into the lodge.

The Majestic Viceregal Lodge, popularly known as Rashtrapati Niwas, is a miniature museum of British colonial authority, including a collection of antiques and images from the period.

Fun fact: It is situated on Observatory Hill, Shimla’s second-highest point.

Experience a Toy Train Journey

The Kalka Shimla Toy Train is one of the greatest ways to see the hill station’s rich colonial history, as well as the array of fine-dining restaurants, bars, and boutiques that line the Mall Road and the Ridge. The Kalka Shimla Toy Train, which covers 60 miles and passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges, is a must-see for visitors of all ages.

Timetable from Kalka to Shimla

• The Rail Motor Car (72451) departs from Kalka at 5:10 a.m. and arrives at its destination at 9:50 a.m.
• The Shivalik Deluxe Express toy train (52451) departs Kalka at 5:20 a.m. and arrives at its destination at 10 a.m.
• The Himalayan Queen toy train (52455) departs Kalka at 12:10 p.m. and arrives at its destination at 5:30 p.m.

Shimla to Kalka Train Timetable

• The Rail Motor Car toy train (72452) leaves Shimla at 4:25 p.m. and arrives at 9:35 p.m in Kalka.
• The Shivalik Deluxe Express (52452) train leaves Shimla at 5:50 p.m. and arrives at 10:30 p.m. in Kalka.
• The Himalayan Queen train (52456) leaves Shimla at 10:40 a.m. and arrives in Kalka at 4:10 p.m.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Fare

• The Rail Motor Car charges INR 320 one way for adults and INR 160 for children on the Kalka Shimla Toy Train.
• The Shivalik Deluxe Express costs INR 510 for adults and INR 255 for children to go one way.
• The Himalayan Queen costs INR 470 for adults and INR 235 for children to travel on one trip.

Reasonable Hotels in Shimla to stay

To appreciate Shimla’s splendour, you must stay near appealing areas in the best budget hotels. If you are planning a Budget trip to Shimla, this article will be useful in informing you about the “Best and Affordable Hotels in Shimla.”

CK International Hotel

In every way, selecting the best budget hotel in Shimla is challenging. Fares, services, amenities, and hospitality are all included. Hotel CK International is Shimla’s first drive-in hotel, located 3 kilometres from the city centre. The hotel is a newly constructed establishment with 41 rooms and public places that present you with a choice you can’t afford to miss.

Hotel CK International is the finest choice for anyone looking for the greatest hotel on Shimla Mall Road. It also has its own parking place. It also offers a meeting room, as well as a fitness centre and a massage centre.

Amritara The Zion Hotel 

Amritara is surrounded by beautiful mountains. In Shimla, the Zion offers a lovely spot to stay. Amritara The Zion brings the best of Shimla to your doorstep, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable stay. It is located distant from the main city and all other noisy traffic, allowing you to relax during your visit. This property has the best view in the entire city of Shimla. The hotel is a haven of tranquillity that is enhanced by Shimla’s lovely natural surroundings. The Mall Road is a short distance from the hotels and can be covered by street walk.

The underground parking area has secure parking for vehicles and bikes. Two shopping centres are attached to it. Along with the restaurant, there is a smoke-free conference space with free Wi-Fi. In addition, all rooms have cable internet access and a flat-screen TV with popular channels. A shower with a rainfall showerhead is also included in the bathrooms. Additionally, complimentary toiletries and hair dryers are provided.

Snow View Resort Treebo

We’re talking about Shimla, a mountainous station of spectacular beauty. People flock to this location to take in the beauty of snow-covered mountain summits and snowfall. If you’re visiting Kufri, rent a room at Treebo Snow View Resort in New Kufri to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of one of Shimla’s most handy-budget hotels. The hotel is also known as Kufri Snow View Resort because of its great location on the ridge, from which you can enjoy the breathtaking splendour of nature. It is 9.9 miles away from Shimla’s Mall Road. Treebo Trend Snow View Resort is 1.2 kilometres from Kufri’s centre on NH5, Fagu Road.

Travelling with Zingbus

We make travelling simple and easy for you. To book a bus ticket from Delhi to Shimla at Zingbus is simple, fast, convenient, and affordable. For a comfortable trip between Delhi and Shimla, all of our buses are Premium AC buses, and you have the option of taking a variety of bus kinds. The buses are sanitized after each trip to ensure the safety of our passengers. Go get ahead and enjoy your trip.

You can easily book your bus by visiting the website – https://www.zingbus.com/ or downloading our app, as per your time convenience and travel anywhere in India.

With zingbus, ab safar karo befikar!