Capital City of Himanchal Pradesh

Its been months I didn't have road trip to anywhere, So its time to have one and now time to decide where to head for weekend only. After having lot of places in mind, I've decided to visit Shimla even I already been there for couple of times But its beautiful places to relax and enjoy nature. In earlier time I did travel to Shimla by train from Delhi to Kalka and then By the "Toy Train" to Shimla.

I would recommend to go Shimla by train at least once in a lifetime, toy train from Kalka to Shimla is must visiting place for everyone. There are total 107 tunnels built over the journey but because of landslides only 102 tunnels are still working. Those tunnels journey will give you such an amazing view of nature that you will capture in your heart forever. Also Station view of Shimla is also pretty amazing and its also not too far from mall road in Shimla.

Shimla is the capital and largest city of Indian state of Himanchal Pradesh. The colonial architectures and churches, the temples and natural environment of city attracts tourists. It has an average altitude of 2206 m ( 7238 ft) above sea level and extends along a ridge of seven spurs.

Shimla was built on seven hills: Inveram hills, Observatory hill, Prospect hill, Summer hill, bantony hill, Elysium hill and Jakhoo hill. The highest point in Shimla is the Jakhoo hill, which is at height of 2,454 metres.

If you planning to have bike road trip, you need to be prepared for everything. Like Leh-Laddakh road trip you don't need to worry about petrol cans, because there are too many petrol pumps on the way But still you need to fill your petrol tank in full to avoid any circumstances. Some of things I would recommend that will surely help you a lot.

1- Google Map ( no need to worry about network, good network on all the way, I've Airtel)
2- Chain Lube ( Motul , easy to carry and buy)
3- Power bank
4- Waterproof bag for carrying accessories
5- Water bottle ( Much needed to carry, If possible have hot water)
6- Camera (Recommended)
7- Riding gears ( Full faced helmet , Jacket, gloves , elbow guard, leg guard)
8- Bike papers( Must have - RC, Driving license, Insurance and Pollution certificate)
9- Night Vision Sunglasses ( Avoid night ride if possible)

Safety is much needed on such road trips, drive safe and cautiously, You will pass through around 4 or 5 tolls on the way But there are no toll tax for bikes and on every toll there is bike lane on extreme right, bike travellers need to take that lane in most of the tolls.

I've planned to start journey from Noida in early morning around 3 AM to avoid any traffic But as usual plan didn't worked out I was able to start my journey at 4 AM in morning.

Route Map -

Noida to Mall Road Shimla

I've started from Noida and by following NH-24, Mohan Nagar and Signature Bridge, facing some traffic of trucks, finally left Delhi around 6:00 AM. After crossing Delhi, I stopped for a short water break, and than started again. After continue ride of 2 more hours I reached somewhere in Kurukshetra and there I've stopped at Dhaba for breakfast, time was around 8:00 AM.

There I met with some other solo riders also who were travelling to Spitti valley. We've taken breakfast together and shared our stories of travelling with each other.

After around 30-35 mins, I've decided to move further journey to the Shimla. I again gear up myself and said bye , Happy Journey to everyone and finally left from there around 8:45 AM.

Road conditions were amazing and here you can ride around 100 KM/h easily but as others highways in India, people can be there at any moment and from wrong side as well So you have to take care of these aspects also while you riding on that much speed. Just drive Safe and in speed limit.

I continued my ride without any breaks till Panchkula and reached there around 10 AM in morning. I would suggest to avoid travelling from inside the Chandigarh as there are so much chances to get fined for something even you have all papers.

Distance to Shimla from Panchkula was around 105 KM, beautiful scenic views start from here and the highway to Shimla will give you amazing feeling as It was so so beautiful. So I stopped there for a short break for water and rest, It was very hot because of sunny day.

After having 10-15 mins break and clicking some pictures. I've started ride again and continued ride for 2 hours more and then again taken break for Tea and snacks.

Finally around 1:00 PM I've reached Shimla mall road and now search begins for stay. Searching some hotels from Oyo and MMT, finally got one hotel near mall road. I checked in to the hotel and taken rest for a while.

In the evening It was time to visit beautiful Shimla, I would strongly suggest to visit Mall Road, The Ridge, Church, Our National Flag.

After visiting those places I had dinner in a restaurant at Mall road and returned back to hotel.

Next day early morning I was ready to travel more places in Shimla. Firstly I've checked bike conditions and applied lubrication to the chain as it was dry and tied my luggage to bike(most difficult task :-P)

Around 10 AM I checked out from hotel and started ride again. I've decided to visit Kufri (most famous place in Shimla), where you have to take horse ride to reach at top. As I've already visited that place earlier, So I decided not to take horse ride.

First I decided to visit Mashobra, and reached there around 11:30 AM, beautiful landscapes, clouds below yourself, cold weather and much more beauty which can't be explained in words, anyone must need to feel that by visiting there.

In Mashobra there are famous Apple Garden and newly opened Carignano Nature park which is beautiful place to visit. Ticket costs around 50 /- per person and for foreigners it would cost more. No Paytm and card transactions, need to pay in cash only.

After visiting Mashobra, I ride to Kufri and spend some time over there and done some shopping too. And finally around 2:00 PM I started riding back to Delhi. In Shimla there might be very chances to get stuck in traffic as well. On the way back It started raining heavily but I continued riding but with more care as roads were slippery now, around 20 KM/h, It was raining continuously till half hour, I was completely drench in water, when rain stopped I stopped for a break for Maggie and Tea ( one of most favourite food for riders on mountains).

Around 7 PM, I stopped at Kohinoor Punjabi Dhaba at Ambala Chandigarh expressway and had dinner over that place and took rest for half an hour.

Then continued ride to Noida without any short breaks even for water or anything and around 10:30 PM, I entered in Delhi and 11:15 PM in my home.

It was much needed and beautiful experience as Solo Rider !!!

Keep Riding and exploring the beauty of nature on Two wheels !!!

Following are the places I've visited

Morning breakfast - Suraj Dhaba (Kurukshetra) - Recommended
Hotel Stay - Hotel Basera - Mall Road - Not Recommended
Dinner - Himani Bar & Restaurants - Mall road below stairs - Average

Next day Dinner - Kohinoor Punjabi Dhaba (Ambala Chandigarh Expressway) - Recommended

Costs :

Petrol - 800 + 700
Hotel - 900 /-
breakfast - 150 /-
Dinner - As per you
Next day Dinner- 300

Trips costs me around 4000 Rs only.

Pictures -