India’s Spectacular Trains

If you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its slow pace gives you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of a scenic hill resort provide a welcome breather from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shimla – The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way – Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating experience.

Access to Shimla – A broad gauge line up to Kalka connects Shimla. ‘The Toy Train’ covers the distance of 96 km between the two stations within six hours.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) – The Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this ‘toy train’ treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way along with the breathtaking view make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!

Access to Ooty – Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.

Major Trains to Mettupalayam – The Nilgiri Express conncets Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the nearest city is 90 kms away and linked to all the major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train services.