HomeDestination Comparison
S
4.5

Shimla

350 km from Delhi

VS
M
4.7

Manali

540 km from Delhi

Shimla vs Manali — Which Hill Station to Book By Car?

OPTION A

Shimla

Colonial charm, peaceful walks, heritage architecture

Drive Time

7-8 hours

Cab Fare

₹7,700 (sedan round trip)

Daily Cost

₹3,000-5,000/person

Best Time

March-June, December-February

Best For

CouplesFamiliesHeritage loversSenior citizens

Top Highlights

Mall Road
The Ridge
Kufri
Jakhoo Temple
Christ Church
Scandal Point

Advantages

  • +Closer to Delhi — less travel fatigue
  • +More affordable hotels and food
  • +Excellent for elderly and families
  • +Colonial architecture and rich history
  • +Good connectivity and infrastructure

Drawbacks

  • -Limited adventure activities
  • -Can get crowded on Mall Road
  • -Less snow compared to Manali
  • -Fewer nightlife options
OPTION B

Manali

Adventure capital, vibrant cafe culture, mountain thrills

Drive Time

10-12 hours

Cab Fare

₹11,880 (sedan round trip)

Daily Cost

₹3,500-6,000/person

Best Time

March-June, December-February

Best For

Adventure seekersFriend groupsHoneymoonersBackpackers

Top Highlights

Solang Valley
Rohtang Pass
Old Manali
Hadimba Temple
Beas River
Atal Tunnel

Advantages

  • +Extensive adventure activities — paragliding, rafting, skiing
  • +Better snow experiences at Solang and Rohtang
  • +Vibrant Old Manali cafe and nightlife scene
  • +Gateway to Leh-Ladakh via Atal Tunnel
  • +More dramatic mountain scenery

Drawbacks

  • -Longer drive from Delhi — more tiring
  • -Higher overall costs
  • -Very crowded during peak season
  • -Road conditions can be challenging
Point by Point

Head-to-HeadComparison

Category
Shimla
Manali
Winner
Distance from Delhi
350 km (7-8 hrs)
540 km (10-12 hrs)
Shimla
Cab Cost (Round Trip)
₹7,700 (sedan)
₹11,880 (sedan)
Shimla
Adventure Activities
Limited (Kufri)
Extensive (Solang, Rohtang, rafting)
Manali
Budget Friendliness
More affordable overall
Slightly more expensive
Shimla
Snow Experience
Kufri only
Solang Valley + Rohtang Pass
Manali
Romantic Appeal
Colonial charm, quiet walks
Mountain magic, cafe culture
Draw
Family Suitability
Excellent for all ages
Better for younger families
Shimla
Food & Nightlife
Limited cafe scene
Vibrant Old Manali cafes
Manali

Expert Analysis

Our Verdict

Choose Shimla for a relaxed, budget-friendly colonial hill station experience — perfect for families, couples, and senior citizens. Choose Manali for adventure sports, dramatic Himalayan scenery, and vibrant backpacker culture. For the best of both worlds, do the Shimla-Manali combo trip by car (6-7 days).

Book Your Trip Now

Triveni Cabs — AC sedan at ₹11/km, SUV at ₹15/km. Expert drivers for every route.

S

Cab to Shimla

350 km | ₹7,700 (sedan round trip)

M

Cab to Manali

540 km | ₹11,880 (sedan round trip)

No Hidden Charges 4.9 Rated Service 5000+ Trips Done

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FAQs

Shimla vs Manali — FAQs

Common questions about choosing between these destinations

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