I travelled shimla ( kullu-manali ) in third week of march 2004 . The most pleasant thing at that place is hilltops covered with ice. If someone opens any window of any hotel he/she can enjoy this scene.Apart from this equivalently enjoyable trip is moving toward rohtang and playing with ice.In Kullu we enjoyed rafting.This is most favourite place of newly married couples because each and every couple are in the romantic mood.I stayed in the hotel tirupati close to bus stand and this hotel serves good food at reasonable rates also. One must take precautions in advance booking for hotel and bus through agents rather you do it on the spot as There is no scarcity. As it is very near to chandigarh so one can enjoy both, the beauty of chandigarh as well as shimla.I recommend you to first enjoy chandigarh and then shimla. If you to want to make your trip more cheaper then you have to cut down your expenditure in hotel.you can get reasonable hotels near to bus stand.