Chandigarh is a city and a union territory in the northern part of India that serves as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Laid out in self-contained sectors, Chandigarh is aptly known as ‘The City Beautiful’. The heart of the city is Sector 17, marked by a piazza, where a musical fountain has become the hub for people to gather. The city of Chandigarh was one of the early planned cities in the post-independence India and is known internationally for its architecture and urban design.

Arrival at Chandigarh and Transfer to Hotel. STD Check – in time at most hotels in India varies from 1200 Hrs to 1400 Hrs.

 

Afternoon free to relax. In the evening you may explore the surroundings on your own or visit to the man made Sukhna Lake. This serene and peaceful reservoir, nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik mountains, instils calmness in you, as you enjoy the beauty of the various migratory birds, the tranquil blue waters, the mighty Shivalik hills in the background and the people escaping the urban rush while they spend their leisure time at the Sukhna Lake.

A visit to the School for the Blind in Sector 26 and an old age home next to the Sukhna lake, showcases dedication and courage among children and senior citizens. Time spent with these kids and old persons teach you that one can still be happy without all the  comforts in lives, and never lose the hope to live.

 

After Breakfast, check out and you will be escorted in a chauffeur driven car for city tour. Visit The Rock Garden, called a colourful kingdom of art and sculptures. It is enchanting to witness this brainchild of a man in the form of thousands of statues, a model village of Punjab, huge swings, streams and deep gorges all made from waste material placed in walled paths. Next we visit the Rose Garden a breath taking massive garden spread across 30 acres, with the most exquisite beautiful and rare roses. Each year a Rose Festival is held here towards the end of February . 

Post Lunch, drive to Shimla- “The Queen of Hill Stations”.

On arrival at Shimla check-in to your hotel. Rest of the evening free and enjoy the facilities at Hotel. 

After breakfast, depart for a visit to the winter sports capital – Kufri, (16 kms from Shimla). Kufri is one of the most sought-after holiday destination and its high altitude location makes it a place with snow all through the winters. Kufri is known for its trekking and hiking trails and adventure seeking travellers throng Kufri in the winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Also, this region seeks the attention of travellers with its nature parks and picnic spots. 

 

After Kufri, drive back to Shimla and continue sightseeing. Visit Jakhoo temple, set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges on the Jakhoo hill. The temple hosts the world's largest Hanuman statue, visible from many parts in Shimla. The construction of the Hanuman Statue is a marvellous piece of engineering as it is situated at the height of over 8000 feet, making it the tallest statue (700 metres) in the world at such a height above sea level.

 

The Christ Church in Shimla is the second oldest church in entire Northern India and is a site of pure devotion as well as architectural beauty. The church, which took 11 long years to complete, stands as a reminder of the British colonisation in India. At night, the church glows when it is lit up, while in winters it dons the look of a magnificent castle. The Mall Road is one stretch, that truely celebrates the spirit of this hill town. The stores that are located on the Mall Road are famous for their woollen clothes and exclusively handcrafted works, apart from the usual books and jewellery. The wooden furniture shops are particularly well-known.  This road is also famous for its variety of cafes and the delicious delicacies that they serve. In fact, people here are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to have a meal at.

 

PS: Vehicular traffic is prohibited on the Mall road. 

After Breakfast we head out sightseeing.

Start with a Darshan at the Hadimba Temple. Located amidst the snow-covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. Another noteworthy temple is the  Vashisht Temple dedicated to sage Vashisht, the Kula guru of Lord Rama. The Vashisht temple is believed to be more than 4000 years old. Next we head to Jogni Falls located in the beautiful Valley of Manali, about 3 kilometres away from the bustling town and around 2 kilometres away from the famous Vashisht Temple. After exploring the falls we head to the Tibetan Monastery acknowledged as one of the most important settlements of the Tibetan community in Manali. You can find a wide array of beautifully crafted Tibetan arts and craft exquisites here. 

Often acknowledged as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road is renowned for its street shopping adventure, bustling with heaps of activities and lined with multiple restaurants, cafes and dhabhas. This place is ideal to end the days touring and indulge in retain therapy. 

 

Once the shopping spree is complete head back to the comforts of your hotel. 

Today after breakfast we head out for some fun and adventure. Located at a height of 3979 metres above sea level and at a distance of 51 kms from Manali Rohtang Pass is on the highway to Keylong/Leh. In winters, the pass remains closed but is open from June to October for motor vehicles. This pass is also a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. The best time to visit the pass is between May/June to October/November. In the month of May, Rohtang becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts. Various thrilling activities like snow scooter, skiing, paragliding and mountain biking are offered here. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful views of the glaciers, peaks and Chandra river that flows down in the Lahaul valley. 

On the way back we visit Solang Valley also popular for skiing, Para gladding, cable car ropeway and the snow scooter.

Once back remainder of the day is free to relax at the hotel or walk along the local market for some more shopping. 

After a sumptuous breakfast, check out and get ready for a long drive back to Chandigarh. 

On arrival check in at the hotel, enjoy dinner and retire for the night. 

Overnight at Chandigarh