A Surprise Birthday Trip to Shimla 🎉✨

Shivani Singh
Aug 24
3 min read

Updated: Oct 6

This birthday was extra special — thanks to a surprise trip planned by my husband and a close friend. I had no idea what was in store, but when I realized our destination was the beautiful hills of Shimla, my excitement doubled. From luxury stays to spontaneous adventures and street-side treats, this trip had it all.

Month of Travel: July 2025

Where We Stayed: Welcom Hotel Shimla by ITC & Taj Theog Shimla Resort & Spa

The Big Reveal 🎁

It all began with a simple instruction: “Pack your bags.” The road journey slowly unfolded into pine-covered hills, and when I finally learned that Shimla was the plan, I couldn’t stop smiling. Little did I know how beautifully it had all been thought out.

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Stay 1: Welcom hotel Shimla 🌿

Our first stay was at Welcomhotel Shimla, where the warmth of the staff instantly made me feel at home. They went out of their way to decorate the room and surprise me with a birthday cake. It felt like the celebration had officially begun the moment I walked in.

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Stay 2: Taj Theog Resort & Spa 🏔️

Next, we moved to the Taj Theog Resort & Spa, perched amidst majestic mountains. The property itself was breathtaking, and once again, the staff made sure my birthday felt truly special with elegant decorations and another delicious cake.

The highlight of our time here was the spa experience — deeply relaxing and rejuvenating, just what I needed in the crisp mountain air.

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Exploring Shimla: Churches, Temples & Street Food 🛕✨

Of course, no trip to Shimla is complete without exploring its cultural and local treasures. We visited the famous Christ Church on the Ridge, an architectural beauty that stands tall against the backdrop of the hills.

Another memorable stop was the Hanuman Temple, where the panoramic views and peaceful aura added a spiritual touch to our journey.

And let’s not forget the food — we indulged in steaming momos and Maggi right at the Ridge near the church. Trust me, nothing beats hot, spicy food in the chilly mountain breeze — it was pure comfort on a plate!

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A Sudden Adventure: Paragliding in the Hills 🪂

Just when I thought the trip couldn’t get more exciting, we decided to go paragliding. It was completely unplanned — but that’s what made it even more thrilling. Soaring through the skies, with the valleys below and the cool mountain winds all around, gave me an adrenaline rush I’ll never forget.

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Why This Birthday Was Unforgettable 🌸

From luxury stays at Welcomhotel and Taj Theog, to the warmth of surprise celebrations, exploring Shimla’s charm, and taking that spontaneous leap into the skies — this birthday was one for the books.

Shimla gave me not just a celebration, but memories stitched with laughter, adventure, and love. If you’re looking for a destination that blends luxury, local culture, and adventure, Shimla is the perfect pick.

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The Journey & An Unexpected Reunion 🚗💙

On the way, I found out that we were driving through Karnal, and instantly thought of an old friend who lived there. It had been 7 years since we last met. When I mentioned this to my husband, he smiled and said, “Why not meet him on the way?”

And just like that, another surprise unfolded. We managed to meet after all these years, and it felt so special to reconnect. That unexpected reunion became one of the biggest highlights of my trip — a reminder of how beautiful unplanned moments can be.