This is a marvel of mountain railway engineering. Which was the construction of mountain railways in India during the 19th and 20th centuries. This toy train offers some of the best travel experiences. Because these trains run on those routes. Which have been carved through mountains and beautiful valleys. Although these trains are generally smaller than their counterparts on other trains of Indian Railways. But all these provide a memorable experience to the traveler back home.
So, if you enjoy taking the train, you should put these rail lines on your wishlist.
1. Kalka-Shimla Railway, Himachal Pradesh
The Kalka-Shimla Railway, another UNESCO-listed property, weaves its way up the Himalayan peaks for 96 kilometres beginning in the quaint village of Kalka. The road was carefully constructed, passing through 103 tunnels and 864 bridges to get to Shimla, its intended goal. It significantly contributes to Shimla's growth as the summer capital of British India.
The miniature railway takes four hours to gently ascend 1,420 meters, stopping briefly at a number of stations along the way. It includes red and cream cars. If you have the time, get off at the Barog Station to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the nearby Himalayan valleys.
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal
Darjeeling Toy Train which is one of the most popular rate toy train in West Bengal. Which is officially known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is the oldest of the historical mountain railways of India. was completed in 1881. It transports travelers through the lower reaches of the Eastern Himalayas to the rolling hills and lush tea plantations of Darjeeling.
The train route runs for 80 kilometers (50 mi) from New Jalpaiguri in the state of West Bengal, to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong and Ghoom. It passes through five major and about 500 minor bridges.
If you don't have an extra day to travel. So popular is the two-hour joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom. The highest point of Ghoom Marg is at an altitude of 7,400 feet above sea level. best train routes in india The railway line climbs steeply through several fascinating reverses and loops. One of the most beautiful of these is the Batasia Loop, between Ghoom and Darjeeling, which provides a panoramic view of the hilltop Darjeeling and the Kangchenjunga Mountains in the background.
3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was started in Chennai in 1908 as a quick way for the British administration to escape the sweltering heat and cold weather of Ooty. This toy train was included in the UNESCO-listed 1908. This line runs for 46 kms from Mettupalayam to Ooty (aka Udagamandalam). Which gradually climbs the Nilgiri hills and crosses 250 bridges and many tunnels.
An example of engineering marvels. Which inspires a nostalgic appeal to train travel. Expect to cross dense forests, a wide spectrum of foliage, misty hills, lush meadows and narrow valleys during your visit. The wooden-coached Southern Toy Train stops at four stations, Kallar, Lovingdale, Wellington and the always charming Coonoor.
4. Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal Pradesh
The magnificent Dhauladhar mountain ranges are crossed via Kangra on this 163 km long mountain railway line, which starts in Punjab at Pathankot and ends in Himachal Pradesh at Joginder Nagar. The last mountain railway constructed during the British Raj, it was completed in 1929. Despite it having 971 bridges, the route only travels through 2 tunnels, providing you the most possible exposure to nature's magnificent works of art.
5. Maharashtra's Matheran Hill Railway: Back in Operation
In Maharashtra, there is a nearly 100-year-old train service called the Matheran Hill Railway that runs from Neral to Matheran.. It is one of the popular toy trains in India and was known for its incredible climbs and descents and the 'One Kiss Tunnel'. Matheran Hill Railway lets you free yourself from the stress of everyday life and enjoy a train ride amidst the lush greenery.
Where they can mingle with nature. The construction of this toy train started in 1907. What are you watching today? He was fired in 2018. It climbs a steep slope. Which is more than about 2600 feet. So the train ride is slow. And the shortest distance is completed in more than 2 hours.
Back in the day, when the toy train was out of commission for a few months, many people's hearts were shattered. Finally, our beloved is back—and such action!