As the “Queen of Hills,” Shimla charms tourists with its scenic beauty, colonial history, and fresh mountain air. It may be a perfect place for relaxing vacations, adventure trips, or family trips. But before packing, it’s essential to put a budget for travel so that enjoyment is without a financial hitch. Let’s break down the budget for the Shimla trip so you can plan smartly and spend wisely.
Travel costs
Transportation costs vary mainly depending on where you come from. For all those travellers coming in from Bengaluru and other major cities, here are the options:
Flight
Fly to Chandigarh, the nearest airport to Shimla. Round-trip from Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 is the usual price for a one-way flight, subject to variation depending on the carrier and the time of booking. The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is roughly 113 kilometres. It can be travelled using a private taxi at Rs.2,000 – Rs.3,500 or by bus for Rs.300 – Rs.600 per head.
Train
Take a train from Bengaluru to Kalka. Shimla’s closest railway connection is at Kalka, where a beautiful, narrow-gauge toy train is linked to the city. Train prices from Bengaluru to Kalka can range from Rs.2,500 to Rs.4,500, depending on the class. The toy train from Kalka to Shimla trip price is Rs.500- Rs.1,500.
Bus or car
Luxury buses are priced at Rs.800-Rs.1,500, while private cabs range from Rs.2,000 to Rs.4,000 if one is travelling from nearby cities such as Delhi or Chandigarh.
2. Accommodation expenses
Shimla has all the budget’s accommodation options:
Budget hotels
These start from about Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,500 per night and provide guests with very basic amenities, such as clean rooms and hot water.
Mid-range hotels
One can enjoy a very comfortable stay for around Rs.3,000 to Rs.5,000 per night. Most of these come with Wi-Fi, room service, and views of the mountains, making them suitable for families with small children, including the Shimla trip cost for couples seeking honeymooning.
Luxury hotels and resorts
A wide range of heritage, colonial-type properties, and modern resorts are built for such expensive budgets and can be booked at prices varying between Rs.7,000 to Rs.15,000 per night. These types of luxurious stays offer services, including spas, fine dining, and many other curated experiences.
3. Meals and dining places
The cost for Shimla trip includes a wide variety of dining options, from street food to top-end fine dining:
Street food and local eateries
For foodies on a tight budget, local eateries serve meals for 100-300 Indian Rupees per person. Some popular dishes are momos, chana bhatura, and Himachali thali.
Mid-range restaurants
Eating in mid-range restaurants may cost you something between 500 and 1500 for a two-person meal. You can also check out cafes like Café Simla Times.
Fine dining
Very high-end dining in luxury hotels or themed restaurants can cost Rs 2500-plus for two and often include multi-cuisine options with views of the mountains.
4. Local Transport
Travelling around Shimla and visiting the nearby attractions calls for a combination of local transport modes.
Private taxis
A taxi hired for the day to visit popular attractions like Kufri, Naldehra, or Chail costs approximately 2,000-3,000.
Shared cabs and buses
The economical option is shared cabs or the Himachal Roadways, which charge from Rs 20 to Rs 200 depending on the distance.
Self-drive cars
Another option is renting a car, which increases the Shimla trip expenses by Rs 2,000 and Rs 3,500/day.
6. Activities and sightseeing
Shimla has a wide variety of experiences to offer, and depending on what activity you choose, this has a varied cost:
Major attractions
Entry fees for Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and the Viceregal Lodge are from Rs.50 to about Rs 200 per person. Visiting Kufri for skiing or horseback riding can cost Rs.500 – 1,500.
Adventure activities
Well-known paragliding, trekking, and mountain biking costs from 1,500 to 4,000.
Cultural experience
These include Mall Road or Lakkar Bazaar, where you can buy souvenirs, wooden artifacts, shawls, and other handicrafts for Rs.500 – 2,000.
6. Miscellaneous expenses
Consider this additional cost of trip to Shimla:
Shopping
Budget Rs.2,000–Rs.5,000 if you plan to indulge in local crafts, clothing, or other items.
Tips and gratuities
Keep Rs.500–Rs.1,000 for tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Emergency and unplanned expenses
Keep Rs.1,000–Rs.2,000 aside for unforeseen needs.
Estimated Costs for a 5 day Shimla Trip
Expense category
Budget (Rs.)
Mid-range (Rs.)
Luxury (Rs.)
Transportation
8,000–12,000
15,000–20,000
30,000+
Accommodation
5,000–7,500
15,000–25,000
40,000+
Food and dining
2,500–3,500
7,500–10,000
15,000+
Local transportation
2,000–3,000
5,000–7,500
10,000+
Activities and sightseeing
3,000–4,000
7,000–10,000
15,000+
Miscellaneous
2,000–3,000
4,000–6,000
10,000+
Total (Approx.)
25,000–30,000
50,000–60,000
1,00,000+
Tips to save on Shimla Tour Cost
Book early
Bookings allow for the locking of lower fares on flights, trains, and accommodation.
Off-peak traveling
Travel during off-peak times like summer or Christmas to get great deals.
Living at a home stay
Cheap homestays or guesthouses are always economical compared to hotels.
Travels with friends or family
Travel together with friends or family to cut costs on transport and accommodation.
Meal planning
Local dhabas or street food are most worth trying out.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to Shimla is easy, as one can mould the Shimla trip budget according to preferences, knowing what is to be expended. So, whether the traveller is a backpacker or a luxury seeker, things are simple regarding travelling to Shimla. Visit the Tata Capital website or download the app to explore a travel loan that helps bring your dream trip into reality.
06 January 2025
5 mins read
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