Shimla or Manali? Know which one to explore first. Check out the alternative way to explore them both in a single tour.
Himachal Pradesh can never fail to mesmerise you. Many travellers find themselves torn between the most celebrated hill stations, Shimla and Manali.
Let’s compare both destinations based on climate, experiences, food, sightseeing and travel ease before telling you why a Shimla-Manali tour package is the best way to go.
Choosing between these two cannot be as simple as it sounds. But it always depends on your preferences. It is important to understand the experiences that each destination has to offer. Both rest in the beautiful Himachal Pradesh. Shimla and Manali are India’s most popular tourist spots.
Shimla: Colonial Charm and Peaceful Hills
Shimla was once the summer capital of British India; it boasts an old-world colonial charm and architecture, bustling roads, and serenity. Shimla is a perfect destination for a calm, laid-back retreat. The city is set at an altitude of 2,276 meters.
Top Attractions in Shimla
- Jakhu Temple – The temple is home to a towering Hanuman statue and has a great view of the town.
- The Ridge and Mall Road – It’s the best place to take an evening walk, café hopping, street shopping, also souvenir shopping.
- Christ Church – The church is one of the oldest churches in North India with a neo-Gothic architecture.
Manali: Adventure Meets Natural Beauty
Manali is all about its mountain beauty, lush greenery, and snow-capped peaks. It is located at 2050 meters surrounded by majestic peaks, apple orchards, a river cutting through town, and adventure activities.
Top Attractions in Manali
- Solang Valley – The list will go on, zip lining, snow mobiling, skiing, paragliding and lots.
- Rohtang Pass – snow-covered adventures.
- Hidimba Devi Temple – an architectural and spiritual landmark.
Accessibility – Shimla vs Manali
| Shimla | Manali |
| By Air – Jubbarhatti Airport. It is the quickest, but not the cheapest. The flights are not regular and are not available from all cities in India. You can take a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh and travel by bus to Shimla. | By Air – Bhuntar Airport. Flights are available from major Indian cities, but they are high-priced. Same as Shimla, from Delhi you can take a bus to Manali. |
| By Train – Kalka Shimla Toy Train. A scenic journey from Kalka. | By Train – There is no direct train route. The nearest station is Joginder Nagar or Pathankot, or even Chandigarh, followed by road travel. |
| By Road – 350 Km from Delhi. | By Road – 540 Km from Delhi. |
Weather and Climate
Shimla – Summers, as in from March to June, have pleasant weather with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. Winters from December to February have occasional snowfall. The temperatures can range from -2°C to 10°C, but with proper packing and essentials, it can be manageable. Check out the must-have Shimla travel essentials to ease your trip. Monsoons from July to September, with temperatures between 13°C and 20°C, are off-season due to the risk of landslides and slippery roads.
Manali – The peak season in Manali is between March to June, where the temperature falls between 10°C to 25°C. July to September is the monsoon season, which can endure heavy rains that might pose the risk of landslides, so the trips can be avoided during that period. You can check out the weather forecast at TourismBharat before planning your trip. The winter season will have a great snowfall from December to February the temperature ranging from -7°C to 10°C. The winter season is great for winter activities and snow sports.
Shimla vs Manali – Activities and Attractions
Shimla
Shimla is the capital of the British Empire in India. So if you are interested in architecture, Heritage Walk, Gaiety Theatre, Christ church, IIAS, and State Library are some of the must-visit destinations.
There are mainstream attractions are The Ridge and Mall Road, Christ church, Viceregal Lodge, Gaiety Theatre and Jakhoo Temple.
Adventure activities
- Kufri: Skiing, tobogganing, horse riding in winter, trekking in summer.
- Narkanda: Skiing and apple orchard tours.
- Trekking: Shali Tibba trek, Chadwick Falls hike.
- Camping: Multiple camping spots are there around Shimla.
Leisure Activities
- Summer Hill for Peaceful walks
- Annandale for the Army Heritage Museum.
- Chadwick Falls for trekking.
- Tattapani for hot water springs
Manali
Manali is one of the beautiful serenities in Himachal. You can explore the Parvati River, pine trees and mountains and get lost in the serenity.
The mainstream attractions are Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Naggar Castle and Manu Temple.
Adventure Activities
- Solang Valley: Paragliding, zorbing, skiing, snowmobiling, and cable car rides.
- Rohtang Pass: Skiing, Snow activities, and scenic drives.
- River Rafting: Thrilling rafting on the Beas River.
- Trekking: Hampta Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, and Chandratal Lake treks.
- Camping: Riverside and alpine camping.
Leisure Activities
- Vashisht Temple
- Jogini Waterfall for trekking
- Great Himalayan National Park
If you are interested in colonial architecture, Shimla is your place. But if you want to explore old Himachal scenic routes, then Manali is your place.
How About Safety?
When it comes to solo travelling, Himachal is a preferred destination. Both towns are equally well when it comes to safety. But there is a warning of danger from wild animals in Manali.
Food and Cuisine
Shimla
Shimla offers you street food on Mall Road, especially Channa Madra and Bun Samosa.
Manali
There are cafes in Manali that offer Himachali, Indian, and continental cuisine, such as Café 1947 and Johnson’s Café. Siddu is a must-try.
But Why Choose When You Can Do Both?
You may not have realised it yet that you don’t have to pick one over the other, Shimla and Manali are just 250 Km apart, and they can offer you a Himachal experience. That’s where our Himachal 5 Nights/ 6 Days tour package comes in.
Join our Travel Forum – ask questions, get tips from experienced travellers, or share your own journey through the hills.
Tips for a Smooth Himachal Tour
- Book permits in advance for Rohtang Pass (if visiting).
- Layered clothing is essential—even summers are cool here.
- Always keep motion sickness medication if you’re prone to it.
- Try Himachali dishes like Chha Gosht, Sidu, and Babru in local joints.
- Respect local customs and avoid plastic in eco-sensitive zones.
FAQs
- How far is Shimla from Chandigarh?
Approximately 113 km, taking around 3.5–4 hours by car.
- What’s the best time to book a Shimla-Manali combo package?
April to June for pleasant weather, and December to February for snow lovers.
- Is it safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, both Shimla and Manali are safe, but always follow general precautions and book through trusted operators.
- Are there any direct trains to Shimla?
Yes, the famous Kalka–Shimla toy train is a UNESCO heritage experience.
- What kind of clothing should I pack?
Warm layers, woollens, gloves, and good walking shoes, even during summer.