Kalka Shimla Toy Train Rideshimla
Pass through Dramatic Landscapes
Overview
Built in 1903, the toy train is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It halts at 20 stations and covers 103 tunnels and 800 bridges, within 96 kilometres.
What To Expect?
A nostalgic journey through the Shivalik foothills on a narrow-gauge track. Expect breathtaking vistas of deep valleys, pine forests, and charming hill stations. You will pass through iconic tunnels like the Barog tunnel and cross arched bridges that resemble Roman aqueducts, all while moving at a leisurely pace that lets you soak in the Himalayan beauty.
Tips
- Book your tickets well in advance via the IRCTC website, as the trains often sell out months ahead for peak seasons.
- Sit on the right side of the train when traveling from Kalka to Shimla for the best valley views.
- Carry some snacks and water, although small vendors sell local delicacies like hot pakoras and tea at stations like Barog and Solan.
- Wear layers of clothing; the weather can be warm in Kalka but significantly cooler by the time you reach Shimla.
- The 'Shivalik Deluxe Express' offers a more luxury experience with food included, while the 'Himalayan Queen' offers great views with large windows.
Exploring Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride
More About Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride
Built in 1903 during the British Raj to provide a connection to the summer capital, the Kalka-Shimla Railway is a marvel of 20th-century engineering. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, recognized for its preservation of authentic mountain railway technology.
The 96-kilometer route is a feast for the eyes, climbing from 656 meters at Kalka to 2,075 meters at Shimla. The train moves at a top speed of only 25 km/h, allowing passengers to enjoy the gradual change in flora and the dramatic mountain curves. It stops at 20 small stations, each echoing the colonial history of the region.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!
How to reach Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride
The ride begins at Kalka Railway Station (Haryana), which is well-connected to Delhi and Chandigarh. From Shimla, the train departs from the main Shimla Railway Station located near the town center.
Tips for Visiting Kalka Shimla Toy Train Ride, shimla
- Book your tickets well in advance via the IRCTC website, as the trains often sell out months ahead for peak seasons.
- Sit on the right side of the train when traveling from Kalka to Shimla for the best valley views.
- Carry some snacks and water, although small vendors sell local delicacies like hot pakoras and tea at stations like Barog and Solan.
- Wear layers of clothing; the weather can be warm in Kalka but significantly cooler by the time you reach Shimla.
- The 'Shivalik Deluxe Express' offers a more luxury experience with food included, while the 'Himalayan Queen' offers great views with large windows.
