Shimla or Manali: Which Is Better To Visit?
Are you planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh and wondering if you should visit Shimla or Manali? I’ve got you covered!
If you’re thinking of exploring the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, you’ve probably heard of two iconic towns: Shimla and Manali. If you’re caught between which place to visit, my recommendation on which one is better depends on what you’re looking to do on your trip.
I visited Himachal Pradesh when checking out wedding venues in the mountains because my partner and I love the natural beauty of the Himalayan landscape. I can happily report that the scenic views did not disappoint!
Best things to do in Shimla
If you are looking for more of a nature getaway I wouldn’t stay directly in town in Shimla, but the area has plenty of nature around to explore and enjoy.
Ride the Toy Train
The Kalka-Shimla railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through tunnels, bridges, and picturesque hill stations.
Wander The Ridge and Mall Road
Here you’ll get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Adjoining Mall Road is filled with shops, cafes, and colonial structures. No vehicles are allowed here so enjoy your stroll without the usual pulse of Indian traffic.
Visit Kufri
A hill station that’s a quick drive away with hiking trails and parks to enjoy the serene nature.
How to reach Shimla
It’s easier to reach Shimla than Manali. So if you don’t have as much time for your trip it may be easier to stay around Shimla.
✈️+🚗: The nearest airport is in Chandigarh. From there, it’s a scenic 4 hour drive.
✈️+🚂: Fly into Chandigarh Airport and take the toy train up to Shimla (about 5-6 hours).
When is the best time to visit Shimla?
Summer (April-June): Mild temperatures make it ideal for sightseeing.
Monsoon (July-September): Expect heavy rainfall. So not the best for outdoor activities.
Winter (December-February): Snow lovers, this time is for you.
Best place to stay in Shimla
📍 Taj Theog Resort: While a bit outside of Shimla I’d highly recommend staying at here. It offers a unique luxury experience and our stay was unforgettable. Beyond the impeccable Taj service, the property is set up on a mountain ridge and provides gorgeous views in all directions.
📍 Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Resort is another beautiful luxury property I visited in Shimla that delivers an incredible and peaceful stay.
Best things to do in Manali
Manali is paradise for a nature lover! If you are an adventure traveler, you’ll definitely want to plan a trip to Manali.
Great Himalayan National Park
You will need a permit to enter this UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is a paradise for nature lovers; you can trek, bird watch, and even camp overnight.
Hampta Pass Trek
This four to five day trek, connecting the Kullu Valley to Lahaul’s Chandra Valley, is for the more experienced hikers. The best time to take on this challenging but beautiful hike is from June to September.
Trek to Bhrigu Lake
This moderate trek is appropriate for beginner hikers. If you don’t want to undertake Hampta Pass, consider this alternative which will take you to Bhrigu Lake, known for its reflections of the surroundings mountain peaks.
Manikaran
Manikaran is famous for its hot springs, believed to have healing properties. It’s also a sacred site for Sikhs and Hindus.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is known for its paragliding. If you are an adventure traveler, get your adrenaline fix here.
How to reach Manali
✈️: Bhuntar Airport is the closest, but the small airport only has sporadic slights.
🚌: You can take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. From Delhi, it’s a 14 hour drive and there is a sleeper bus that runs overnight. From Chandigarh, it’s an 8 hour drive.
🚗: If you are comfortable driving in India, you can take a scenic drive yourself from Chandigarh. It’s about an 8-9 hour journey.
When is the best time to visit Manali?
- Summer (March-June): Best time for trekking, paragliding, and mountain adventures.
- Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rainfall might lead to landslides, so I’d avoid this time of year.
- Winter (October-February): Perfect for snow sports.
Learn more about what destinations to visit in India based on the seasons here.
Best place to stay in Manali
📍The Manali Castle: A boutique hotel in the heart of Manali. The perfect spot to stay after your days filled with action and adventure.
Shimla vs. Manali FAQs
Here’s some more information to help you plan your trip to Himachal Pradesh.
How many days should I spend in Shimla or Manali?
If the trip you’re planning is 3 days or less, Shimla is more realistic for your schedule. If you have a trip of 4+ days, then I’d recommend making the journey to Manali.
What is the distance between Shimla and Manali?
It’s about 250 kms (155 miles) between Shimla and Manali by road and will take you about six hours to drive.
TL;DR: Shimla or Manali: Which is better to visit?
Both are Shimla and Manali are Himalayan travel destinations worth visiting. Which one you pick just depends on your mood. Shimla offers a mix of colonial heritage and natural beauty, while Manali is more about wild nature and adventure.
For other nature getaways in India, consider a trip to the beautiful Northeast of India, including the abode of the clouds, Meghalaya.