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Experience
Luxury Trains
If
you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up
to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam),
Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the
experience of chugging up the hills, past little
hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through
tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely
pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas.
The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill
resort provide a welcome respite from the hustle and
bustle of the city.
Shimla
- The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is
entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched
bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the
picturesque stations along the way - Dharmpore, Taksal,
Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating
experience.
Access
to Shimla - A broad gauge line up to Kalka connects
Shimla. 'The Toy Train' covers the distance of 96 km
between the two stations within six hours.
Ooty
(Udhagamandalam) - The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a
journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge
train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at
Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this 'toy
train' treks across plains, plantations and forest
clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way
along with the breathtaking view make this toy train
journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!
Access
to Ooty - Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line
from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for
mainline trains.
Major
Trains to Mettupalayam - The Nilgiri Express conncets
Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the
nearest city is 90 kms away and linked to all the
major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily
accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train
services.
Darjeeling
- The most famous of the little trains, is the one
linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the
lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft gauge,
the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train'
being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The
tiny century-old engine is connoisseur's delight. The
86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing
the traveller an uninterrupted view of the
breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. The 7 1/2 hour
ride is a journey especially for rail buffs.
Access
to Darjeeling - New Jalpaiguri , the starting point of
the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections
to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in
India.
Matheran
- The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on main line
of Central Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to
reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. As the
little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air
one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains
below. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran makes
it an unusual and peaceful retreat.
Access
to Matheran - The toy train to Matheran commences from
Neral (Mumbai- Pune line), which is connected from
Mumbai by local train. The journey up to Matheran from
Neral takes about 1 1/2 hours. The toy train runs
between sunrise and sunset. |
