These trains, operating on narrow – gauge tracks – hence the name toy trains – laid during the British days, link stations in the plains to hill stations and offer a laid back experience, where passengers can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure. Trip on These Trains can be added in the journey to mention destination according to programme to have beautiful landscapes and sceneries.
North India
Kalka – Shimla: The state of Himachal Pradesh has 2 narrow gauge rail tracks – namely Kalka / Shimla and Pathankot/Joginder nagar. The famous Kalka – Shimla track, also known as “Toy Train”. Meandering on this train is a galvanizing experience as one passes through the breathtaking landscapes of majestic Himalayas, 107 tunnels, arched bridges and lush green valleys embellished With pine & Oak trees.
This magnificent train was inaugurated by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon in November 1903, almost covering the distance of 96 km from Kalka through the curving tracks, up to Shimla hills- the summer Capital of colonial India.
South India
Conoor-Ooty: Nilgiri Mountain Railway traverses 46 Kms of twists and turns from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Ootacamund at a speed of 33 km an hour. Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills. The total stretch is peaceful and romantic and the train gently chugs through the quiet woods and the gentle hills on its way to Ootacamund. The train passes through 250 bridges on this journey.
NortheastIndia
Siliguri – Darjeeling: It is hard to believe that the treacherous 83 Kms between Siliguri and Darjeeling can be covered by riding piggyback on Tom Thumb carriages for about eight hours. The gauge is narrow, only 0.6096m but the journey is something that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.
Fascinated by the ethereal beauty of the Kanchenjunga, Fanklin Prestage, the agent of the Eastern Bengal Railway formulated the plan for Darjeeling Railway in 1878. Construction of the railway line up to Darjeeling was completed by July 1881 and the earliest locomotive came from Atlas Works in Manchester. The Darjeeling Steam Tramway Company, which was formed later, became the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Company in September 1881.
With no tunnels on the route, passengers get an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.
Travellers can include these toy train ride to have beautiful landscapes and sceneries in main tour.
