Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh That Are Ideal for a Summer Vacation with Kids

Starry nights, followed by chilly mornings, walking in the fog with the cool mountain breeze while enjoying a Softy, and the beautiful people – these are just some of the things I remember of Himachal as a young boy.  

Himachal, which is among the top weekend getaways from Delhi, has a lot to offer to children. Think everything aforementioned and add to it camping opportunities, toy train rides, amusement and wildlife parks, breathtaking scenery, and more. If you are a parent thinking of a vacation with your kids, look no further. While your kids can get their lessons on nature in Shimla, you can enjoy the thrill of paragliding and river rafting in Manali. Here are five reasons why you should visit Himachal with your kids this summer.

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What’s in It for Kids:

1.  Toy Train Ride to Shimla:

 

There is no better way to reach the Queen of the Hills than by the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka - Shimla toy train. Travelling slowly and gracefully through hundreds of bridges and 102 tunnels, past enchanting valleys, the toy train reaches Shimla from Kalka in about five hours. This gives you ample time to have fun with your kids, get down at every railway station en route, most of which look from a different time altogether. Enjoy the day turning into night as the train makes its way into the darkness of a tunnel. As the journey goes forward, try locating tunnel number 46 (hint, it doesn’t exist!)

Train Timings: The first train leaves Kalka at 4 am and the last train to Shimla departs from Kalka railway station at 12:10 pm.

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2. Kufri Fun World and Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri:

 

Kufri is a small hill station, just 18 kilometres from Shimla. Situated at an altitude of over 2,600 metres, Kufri is nothing less than a paradise for children. While your children will love spending time at Kufri Fun Campus, an amusement park, they’ll equally enjoy walking through the Himalayan Nature Park, which has more than 90 hectares of temperate vegetation and several attractive animals like Musk Deer, Barking Deer, Ghoral and Tibetan Wolf in large enclosures.

Kufri Fun World:      

Address: NH-22, New Kufri, Gallu Hill, Shimla - Himachal Pradesh | Ph No: 01783-239277,  9318192601

Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm (Monday - Sunday)

Entry Fee: Rs. 500 – Rs. 2,600 (according to the activities you choose)*

Including GST

Himalayan Nature Park:

Address: Kandaghat-Chail-Kufri Road, Kufri, Himachal Pradesh, 171012

Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Monday - Sunday)

Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for children and Rs. 20 for adults*

Book Your Flight to Chandigarh

3. Beas Kund Trek and Camp, Manali:

 

After enjoying the beauty of Shimla, it’s time for you to visit another popular weekend retreat, Manali. Here, apart from relishing the natural beauty, your children can enjoy a trek to Beas Kund amidst great views of the Pir Panjal ranges. You can even set up your camp at Dhundi or Bakar Thatch and let your children spend the evening in the lap of nature.

Book Your Flight to Kullu (nearest airport)

Read more: Manali: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

What’s in It for You:

1. Mall Road, Shimla:

 

Just a level below The Ridge in Shimla, is the Mall Road. Built during the British colonial rule, the area is frequented by locals and tourists, for shopping, and delicious food choices. While your kids enjoy a horse ride at The Ridge spend some ‘we’ time with your partner exploring the Christ Church, Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre and the State Library. Later, you can visit the Jakhoo Temple to check out the world’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman constructed at an altitude of 2,470 metres.

2. Adventure Sports in Manali:

 

Manali offers a plethora of adventure activities to get your adrenaline fix. Right from trekking and camping to river rafting and paragliding, there is no better way to explore nature in Manali than by playing with it.

Where to Eat:

The Devicos, Shimla

Once you and your kids have had ample fun in Shimla, it’s time for a good meal. Although there are several restaurants on Mall Road, you can head over to The Devicos, near Scandal Point, to relish great North Indian food.

Address: 5, The Mall, Shimla | Phone: + 91-177-2806335

Read more: 5 Hotels in Shimla for a Hill Station High

*Prices may vary