Do you want to explore how to go to Shimla on a low budget? But do you have a tight budget?? We will give you some suggestions to help you enjoy your vacation without spending too much money. So let’s get started!
Introduction
The weather was scorching in the subcontinent, and British people were not used to such hot weather. During summer, they moved to such areas where the weather was cold. Shimla was one of these places, and it used to be a living hub for British officials in the summer. During their stay, they also built some buildings which have great significance. Shimla is a great place to visit because of its weather, culture, and adventurous activities.
After imagining all these fantastic things, the first thought that comes to mind is how you can enjoy your vacation within a limited budget because if it is beautiful, it is expensive also. So if you’re planning to visit in peak season, you should be aware that, during this season, the rates of hotels, food, and transport will be quite a burden on your pocket. But we have the solution to your problem. We will tell you a plan that will make your vacation memorable without losing any fun chance. Yes, you heard it right; you don’t need to compromise or hesitate to plan your visit to Shimla; you only need to read this article carefully to prepare for your holiday better. Let’s explore in detail how to go to Shimla on a low budget.
Choose the right time to visit.
First, you need to plan your vacation from July to September during the off-season. This is the season where you can avail of exciting discounts on flights and accommodation. During the peak season, you will not find such deals and offers, and if you plan during this season, you will get broke within a few days. The peak season is usually from March to June, so it is advised not to plan your visit during these months.
A round trip can cost you 5000 to 10000 Rs. So here is the trick for you to save your money on flight tickets. Always book your tickets in advance to avail yourself of many offers and discounts. Furthermore, some platforms compare prices to help you choose the best and cheap. These platforms, such as Skyscanner and MakeMyTrip, can save your money.
Use public transport or shared cabs.
If you want to stay within your limited budget, never rent a private car or taxi. Private cars and taxis are costly, and why use private transport when you have access to public transportation, which is affordable and comfortable as well? There are few options to travel to Shimla.
First, you can take a train from Delhi to Kalka, and later, a connecting toy train will take you from Kalka to Shimla. The first will cost you around 300 to 500 Rs and 50 to 200 Rs for each person. The toy train journey will have a long-lasting effect on your memory because this journey will be full of beautiful scenes as this train goes through many valleys and mountains.
Secondly, you have another option which is a bus. The bus will take you from Delhi to Shimla for just 500 to 1000 Rs for each person. It also offers many beautiful scenes during the journey, which takes around 8 to 10 hours.
You can also hire a shared cab for your journey, which will take 6 to 8 hours, and the estimated cost is around 1000 to 1500 per person. This option is best for you if you want a more comfortable journey.
After reaching Shimla, you can start exploring Shimla through local buses. You can also go for shared cabs to avoid traveling by local buses. The local buses will cost 10 to 20 Rs for each person, but if you want to go a little far, then a shared cab is the best option for you, and it will cost you 50 to 100 Rs.
Stay in budget hotels or homestays.
You have a lot of options for accommodation once you reach there. You will get from high to low-budget options. There are five stars luxury hotels, guest houses, and homestays everywhere. But you are trying to do things on a budget, so you should choose hotels and homestays that match your budget range and make sure that these hotels and homestays are clean and comfortable.
The Mall Road or Old Bus Stand are the best places to find affordable hotels. You can get a double room for a night in just 500 to 1500Rs. Moreover, these hotels will also provide services like Wi-Fi l, hot water, TV, etc. But if you are looking for homestays, you will find these in the outskirts. A double room will cost you around 1000 to 2000Rs per night. These homestays will give you a feeling of home.
You can visit Tripadvisor or Airbnb to save time and make your journey more accessible and comfortable. These platforms let you choose hotels and homestays within your pocket range.
Eat at local eateries or street stalls.
You will find many options for eating in Shimla. There are many fancy restaurants, pubs, bars, and much more. You will find a variety of there, but our mission is to save as much money as possible. So you will choose street stalls that offer delicious local food that is cheap and yummy. In this way, you will be able to explore their local food.
If we talk about local food, we will name a few of them, such as side, sepu baqi, patience, and much more. You can find all these eateries near the Mall Road. You can eat these within the 100 to 200Rs range.
You can also find snacks near the Ridge or the Scandal Point within 20 to 50 Rs. You can have chaat, samosa, pakora, and many other snacks in just a few Rs.
Explore the free or cheap attractions.
Money is essential for life, but it can sometimes become irrelevant if you are in Shimla. For example, if you are in Shimla and are short of money, many fun activities and sites can be done by spending a nominal amount. Some of them are discussed below:
The Mall Road: Being the commercial hub of Shimla, the road is always full of people, and there is hustle and bustle all day round.
The Ridge: on walking distance to Mall Road, you can go to the Ridge and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the town, mountains, and religious buildings.
The Scandal Point: Visit the spot and get amazed by the tall statue of Lala Lajpat Rai and listen to the stories ascribed to the place’s name.
The Jakhu Temple: The temple is situated on the highest peak of Shimla and is built in the dedication of Lord Hanuman. A tall statue of the Lord is also placed here.
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study: As the British used Shimla as a summer retreat, the building is the legacy of the colonials. The British rulers used to stay here.
The Himachal State Museum: Adjacent to Mall Road, the museum represents the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Annandale: A place for many fun activities, such as playing golf, cricket, and many other games. It is also a famous picnic spot for the locals.
The Kufri: A place for many winter sports and other activities such as horse riding, hiking, and camping.
The Mashobra: A small village near the town for enjoying long walks, cycling, etc.
The Naldehra: The place is lovely, with the oldest gold course in India. You can also have fun by riding horses, camping, etc.
The scenic spot near Shimla, where you can see the oldest golf course in India and enjoy horse riding and camping.
Final Thoughts
Shimla is not a place only for the rich. People from all classes of society can go there and have great fun. Shimla welcomes all and offers many opportunities to see the natural waterfalls, cultural and historical buildings, and mesmerizing native culture. You can also enjoy many activities in Shimla, such as hiking, skiing, horse riding, cycling, camping, etc. Just follow our tricks and suggestions, and you will have great fun. Let’s prepare for the adventure and set off to one of the most beautiful places in India. That’s all about how to go to Shimla on a low budget so go and enjoy your trip.
