- Darjeeling Himalayan Train
The Darjeeling Toy Train India offers numerous rides from Siliguri to Darjeeling as per the interests of the travelers. The Darjeeling Toy Train Schedule & special services are restricted to peak seasons only. The far famed Darjeeling Toy Train was proposed by the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1878 and was completed in the year 1881 by Franklin Prestage of the then Eastern Bengal Railway. The romantic yet most amazing rail journey is a magnificent engineering achievement of the world with still in operation after century of its initiation. The two feet narrow gauge Darjeeling Toy Train route connects the plains of West Bengal at New Jalpaiguri with the hill station of Darjeeling. It exhibits the implausible natural beauty with rippling mad torrents & River Mahanadi, emerald forest backdrop, serene wildness, and heritage of colonial age while it chugs along to arrive at height of 7,400 feet at Ghum (the highest station in India and the second highest in the world). Explore the Spectacular & Marvelous Himalayan Expedition amidst fun, frolic, & mirth with Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train.
- Kalka Shimla Train
Kalka Shimla Train was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 11, 2007. It was built during the British rule in India with an aim to connect Shimla – the summer capital of British India, with Indian rail network. The rail network holds the Guinness Book of World Records for its 96 kilometers steepest rise in the altitude with crossover of 800 bridges & 103 tunnels. The rail construction was laid out in November 1903 in the reign of Lord Curzon and the Shimla toy train was beloved as the “crown jewel”of Indian Railway Network under British rule. It was a joint initiative of Indian Railways and Himachal Pradesh Tourism to promote the picturesque valleys, pine forests, captivating culture, significant history, colonial wonders, and natural beauty of the hill state.
- Nilgiri Train
Nilgiri Mountain Railway was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005 – almost after 100 years of its initiation by the British in the year 1908. In the 21st Century it has been a pride for Indian Tourism promoting the tourism of Ooty and connected railway junctions settled at the foothills of Nilgiri hills. It connects Ooty to Mettupalayam covering a distance of 41.8 Kms and 12 Railway Stations amidst 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and 250 bridges making it a journey of lifetime.
The departure takes place from Mettupalayam commencing its journey for Ooty dubbed as the “Queen of Hill Stations”. The journey starts to proceed at a steady pace climbing the Asia’s steepest track after crossing the Bhavani River. One of the most amazing fact is that it is the slowest train in India operating at a speed of 10.4 Kms per hour with stress on safety reasons. To ensure safety of the Nilgiri Express Indian Railways trip covering steep hill rise, the railway track is built on rack & pinion system which give the train ride a feeling of a person climbing ladder. The engine of the train is attached backward to the coaches to push it with force while proceeding towards upward direction. The train sails unfolding unforgettable moments amidst twists and turns capturing emerald rain forests of Nilgiri Hills, colonial significance, breathing the fresh air, taking photographs of colorful birds, serene wilderness, fading hills, blooming flower valleys, aromatic fern hilly terrains, exploring through rumbling tea estates.
- Kangra Valley Train
Kangra valley situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh is a popular hill station amidst emerald forest, flower valleys, sparkling water falls, and blue mountain backdrop making it an idyllic train trip destination. The Toy Train is all about a fairy tale journey across the natural beauties of maze of hills, forests, whistling breeze, and splendid scenic beauty linking Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. The entire region lies between the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. The railway track construction was started in the year 1926 and after three years it was opened to the railways for operations covering a distance of 164 Kms.
- Neral – Matheran Toy Train
The toy train crawls its way, in a zigzag manner, 20 kilometers (12 miles) up the hill from Neral to Matheran. Due to the steep slope, it takes over two hours to cover the distance. Gradually the scenery changes from grassy slopes to shady, tree covered hills. Food vendors selling a range of snacks and cold drinks jump on and off the train along the way – usually while it is moving, which is an indication of just how slow it travels! The train stops at various stations, where refreshments can be purchased. It also passes through one short tunnel, interestingly named “One Kiss Tunnel”.
– HINAL SHAH
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