HILL RAILWAYS

HILL RAILWAYS


There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills. If you have some time to spare, then take a slow toy train up to the hill resorts of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran.

Embark on an out-of-the-ordinary journey up to the hills -

SHIMLA - The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stop at the picturesque stations along the way add to the experience.

Access to Shimla: Shimla is connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. From Kalka to Shimla, the "toy train" covers 96 km. of track in six hours.

OOTY (UDHAGAMANDALAM) - At a maximum speed of 33km per hour, this "toy train" treks across plains, plantation and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges on the way, along with the breathtaking view, make this toy train journey to Ooty, something not to be missed.

Access to Ooty: Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.

DARJEELING - The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri in the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. The 86km Darjeeling line allows the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) is recognised as "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO.

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 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.

Access to Matheran: The toy train to Matheran commences from Neral (on Mumbai - Pune line). The journey up to Matheran takes about one-and-half hours. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.

SHIVALIK DELUXE EXPRESS - introduced on the lines of Shatabdi Express this train chugging its way up the hills has only one stop - Barog. The journey time is 4hrs 45min. The amenity fittings match the modern times - wall to wall carpets, wide glass windows, reversible cushioned chairs, improved toilet facilities, cabins for couples, tables for meals, tube lights, music system, micro phones for communication with the guard to name just a few. With a sitting capacity of 120 it connects the Howrah-Kalka mail. Breakfast is served in Up and dinner in Down direction.

SHIVALIK PALACE - For an exciting and charming journey for the elite class tourist between Kalka and Shimla, this Tourist Coach has free on board catering with an exclusive range of kitchenware. Special features include - decorative lights, musical cordless bell, music system, variety of indoor games, magazines and books, most ultra modern amenity fittings in bathroom, artificial decorative plants, dining table with beautiful cushioned chairs, folding beds etc. Shivalik Palace is meant normally for a party of 6 persons. Two complimentary retiring rooms at Shimla is also provided for the tourists travelling on this train for one day.

SHIVALIK QUEEN - Also on the Kalka - Shimla line this Tourist Coach has been launched for honeymooners. Each coupe offers exclusive privacy and big windows for panoramic view of hills. The coupe has wall-to-wall carpet and the windows are elegantly curtained. All meals are provided on the train. There is an alarm bell for communication with driver while microphone keeps you in touch with the guard. Free newspaper and magazines are provided at Kalka and Shimla.