If you are looking for a unique and nostalgic way to explore the varied and stunning landscapes of India, you should definitely take a ride on one of the toy trains that run on historic mountain railway lines. These toy trains are small trains that run on narrow gauge tracks, built by the British in the late 19th century and early 20th century to provide access to their hill settlements. These toy trains offer a leisurely and memorable journey through scenic valleys, forests, tunnels, bridges, and curves, while enjoying the cool breeze and the panoramic views.
In this blog post, we will tell you about the five toy train services in India that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their outstanding engineering solutions and cultural significance. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to book the tickets, what to pack, what to expect, and what to do at the destinations. So, let’s get started!
Kalka-Shimla Railway in Himachal Pradesh
The Kalka-Shimla Railway is one of the most popular toy trains in India that covers a distance of 96 km from Kalka to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. It passes through 103 tunnels and over 850 bridges, offering spectacular views of the Shivalik hills and the Himalayan peaks. The journey takes about 5 hours and there are different types of trains to choose from, such as passenger trains, express trains, rail motor cars, and luxury coaches.
Some of the tips and recommendations for taking this toy train are:
- Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to get sold out quickly. You can book them online through the IRCTC website or app, or through authorized agents or counters.
- Pack some warm clothes, snacks, water, and a camera as the weather can get chilly and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Expect some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or technical issues. Be flexible and patient as these are part of the charm of this toy train.
- Explore Shimla and its attractions such as the Mall Road, the Ridge, the Christ Church, the Jakhu Temple, and the Viceregal Lodge. You can also take a day trip to nearby places such as Kufri, Chail, or Narkanda.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in West Bengal
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is another famous toy train in India that covers a distance of 88 km from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, one of the most popular hill stations in India. It passes through lush tea gardens, forests, waterfalls, and loops, such as the famous Batasia Loop. The journey takes about 7 hours and there are different types of trains to choose from, such as steam trains, diesel trains, joy rides, and heritage rides.
Some of the tips and recommendations for taking this toy train are:
- Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to get sold out quickly. You can book them online through the IRCTC website or app, or through authorized agents or counters.
- Pack some warm clothes, snacks, water, and a camera as the weather can get chilly and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Expect some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or technical issues. Be flexible and patient as these are part of the charm of this toy train.
- Explore Darjeeling and its attractions such as the Tiger Hill, the Ghoom Monastery, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Darjeeling Zoo, and the Tea Museum. You can also take a day trip to nearby places such as Mirik, Kalimpong, or Gangtok.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a unique toy train in India that covers a distance of 46 km from Mettupalayam to Ooty, another popular hill station in India. It passes through rocky terrain, dense forests, plantations, and bridges while climbing up steep gradients with the help of rack and pinion system. The journey takes about 5 hours and there are different types of trains to choose from such as passenger trains and special trains.
Some of the tips and recommendations for taking this toy train are:
- Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to get sold out quickly. You can book them online through the IRCTC website or app or through authorized agents or counters.
- Pack some warm clothes snacks water and a camera as the weather can get chilly and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Expect some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or technical issues. Be flexible and patient while you are there.
Matheran Hill Railway in Maharashtra
The Matheran Hill Railway is a picturesque toy train in India that covers a distance of 21 km from Neral to Matheran, a scenic hill station that is free from motor vehicles. It passes through verdant hills, valleys, tunnels, and curves, while offering glimpses of monkeys and birds along the way. The journey takes about 2 hours and there are different types of trains to choose from such as passenger trains and deluxe trains.
Some of the tips and recommendations for taking this toy train are:
- Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to get sold out quickly. You can book them online through the IRCTC website or app, or through authorized agents or counters.
- Pack some light clothes, snacks, water, and a camera as the weather can get warm and the scenery is beautiful.
- Expect some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or technical issues. Be flexible and patient as these are part of the charm of this toy train.
- Explore Matheran and its attractions such as the Charlotte Lake, the Echo Point, the Louisa Point, and the Panorama Point. You can also enjoy activities such as horse riding, trekking, or shopping.
Kangra Valley Railway in Himachal Pradesh
The Kangra Valley Railway is a lesser-known toy train in India that covers a distance of 164 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar, passing through the scenic Kangra valley that is famous for its temples and monasteries. It passes through meadows, rivers, gorges, and bridges, while offering views of the Dhauladhar range. The journey takes about 10 hours and there are different types of trains to choose from such as passenger trains and express trains.
Some of the tips and recommendations for taking this toy train are:
- Book your tickets well in advance as they tend to get sold out quickly. You can book them online through the IRCTC website or app, or through authorized agents or counters.
- Pack some warm clothes, snacks, water, and a camera as the weather can get chilly and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Expect some delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or technical issues. Be flexible and patient as these are part of the charm of this toy train.
- Explore Kangra valley and its attractions such as the Kangra Fort, the Masroor Rock Cut Temple, the Baijnath Temple, and the Palampur Tea Garden. You can also visit nearby places such as Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, or Bir Billing.
These toy train services in India are not only a mode of transport but also a way of experiencing the rich history and culture of India. They are a timeless delight for both kids and adults alike who want to enjoy a leisurely and memorable journey through time and nature.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and found it useful. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for your time and attention.
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