Shimla, the stunning capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a famous place for tourists. The Shimla packages from Kerala firstly offer a different experience for tourists. Shimla further offers cool weather, stunning landscapes, and charming colonial buildings for Kerala tourists.
It is unique for those who are coming from Kerala. As it is a state known for its tropical beauty and backwaters. If you are dreaming of a Shimla vacation within the bank, this guide will help you. With this guide, you can meanwhile plan an affordable trip with some key tips.
Best Time to Visit Shimla on a Budget
No doubt Shimla is a scenic place year-round. But, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons. Starting for Shimla tour packages from Kerala during January to March or September to November can save you a great amount.
During these periods, hotels and flights are often cheaper. Further, you can avoid the large tourist crowds of peak summer and winter. The weather is pleasant during these months. That meanwhile makes it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor thrills.
Monsoon season (July and August) might offer even lower prices. But, be mindful that heavy rainfall can sometimes disrupt travel plans.
It is perfect for those who enjoy a quiet ambiance and misty hills. For them, monsoon trips to Shimla can be quite serene.
How to Reach Shimla from Kerala
One of the major expenses of any trip is transport cost. Further, reaching Shimla from Kerala needs some planning.
Since Shimla doesn’t have a direct airport link with Kerala. So, you’ll need to take a mix of flights and road or rail travel. Meanwhile, here are a few cost-saving options.
By Flight
Book a flight from Kerala to Chandigarh or Delhi. Both cities are well linked to Kerala’s major airports for example Cochin, Trivandrum, and Calicut.
Early bookings and using budget airlines like AirAsia or Indigo can highly reduce costs. From Chandigarh, Shimla is just a 4-hour scenic drive or a toy train ride from Kalka. Above all, buses or shared cabs are there for budget-conscious tourists.
By Train
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, take a train from Kerala to Delhi. After that, catch one more train to Kalka.
From Kalka, the toy train ride to Shimla is a pleasant experience. Further, it may be a slower journey than by road.
Affordable Accommodation Options in Shimla
Shimla offers a number of stays to suit various budgets. That goes further from cozy homestays to budget hotels and mid-range options. To make your stay even cheaper, try these types of stays.
Homestays and Guesthouses
Opting for a local homestay or guest house firstly helps you to save money. It further offers a more in-person experience.
Many homestays offer breakfast as part of the Shimla packages from Kerala state. That can meanwhile reduce your daily food expenses.
Budget Hotels
Shimla has plenty of budget hotels that offer basic amenities. Further, they are perfect for those who prefer to spend most of their time exploring. Above all, booking in advance can give you access to lower rates.
Hostels
No matter whether you’re going solo or with friends. Staying in hostels is a great way to cut costs.
Some famous options offer clean dormitories and private rooms. That too at a fraction of the cost of famous hotels.
Exploring Shimla on a Budget
Once you’ve sorted out your travel and stays. The next step is to plan affordable activities during your stay in Shimla. By luck, many of Shimla’s main spots are either free or low-cost.
The Ridge
This open space is the heart of Shimla. It firstly offers stunning views of the nearby hills.
It’s the perfect place for a joyful walk. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a sunset without spending a dime.
Mall Road
A stroll down Mall Road is a must when in Shimla. It’s lined with cafes, shops, and ancient buildings.
While you may be tempted to shop. But, do window shopping and enjoy the buildings. Further, it can be just as satisfying if you’re on a tight budget.
Jakhoo Temple
For a divine and scenic experience, take a short hike or ride to Jakhoo Temple. This temple is firstly located atop Jakhoo Hill.
The temple is home to a huge Hanuman statue. Above all, it offers stunning views of Shimla.
Chadwick Falls
A bit off the beaten path, Chadwick Falls is a hidden gem in Shimla. Visiting this quiet waterfall is firstly free. But, you may need to pay a small fee if hiring a local guide.
Heritage Walks
Shimla is filled with colonial-era buildings. That reflects its history as a summer capital during British rule.
Exploring Shimla’s culture on foot is a great way to immerse in its charm. That is further possible without spending a lot of money.
Budget Friendly Day Trips from Shimla
Meanwhile, to make your Shimla trip even more pleasant, take a few budget-friendly day trips. That can be taken to nearby places.
Kufri
A mere 45-minute drive from Shimla, Kufri is a small hill station. That offers scenic beauty and outdoor activities like horse riding, skiing (during winter), and hiking. You can either hire a shared taxi or take a local bus for low-cost trip.
Mashobra
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visit Mashobra. It is located just 12 km from Shimla and a perfect spot for nature lovers. Above all, it’s a great place for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the serene ambiance.
Naldehra
About 22 km from Shimla, Naldehra is famous for its golf course and pine forests. Firstly, it’s a quiet escape from the busy streets of Shimla. A local bus can get you there for a lower fare.
Saving Money on Food in Shimla
Eating out in Shimla doesn’t have to be costly. To save money, avoid dining in fancy tourist places along Mall Road.
Meanwhile, explore local eating places and dhabas (roadside cafes). These places further serve tasty North Indian and Himachali meals at lower prices. Famous budget-friendly options include.
Himachali Dhabas
Local dhabas offer tasty meals at a fraction of the price charged by high-end restaurants. Try dishes for example rajma chawal (kidney beans with rice) or aloo paratha (stuffed flatbread). That is filling and cost-saving.
Street Food
Try Shimla’s street food, for example, chana chaat (spicy chickpea salad) and momos (dumplings). It is not only cheap but also flavorful.
Affordable Shimla Packages from Kerala
Many travel agents offer affordable Shimla tour plans from Kerala. That further includes transport costs, stays, meals, and sightseeing. To save money, compare various Shimla packages from Kerala for you.
After that, choose those that cater to budget tourists. Look for deals that offer group discounts or off-season prices. As these can further reduce costs.
Online travel platforms often offer great discounts on Shimla packages, especially for early bookings. Keep an eye out for special offers, flash sales, and loyalty discounts. That further helps you to get the best value for your money.
Final Thoughts
A trip to Shimla from Kerala can be affordable with careful planning and smart choices. Travel during the off-season, opt for budget stays, and explore free or low-cost attractions. Above all, keep an eye on affordable Shimla packages from Kerala deals.
With that, you can enjoy a pleasant vacation without breaking the bank. Whether you’re soaking in the beauty of The Ridge or hiking to Chadwick Fall. Shimla offers a number of experiences for the budget-conscious tourist.