Shimla:
The best way to reach Shimla is to travel by Toy train from Kalka. The railway track is small in width between Kalka and Shimla and is known as meter gauge track opened by British Government in the year 1903. The distance of 96 KM between Shimla and Kalka passes through 102 tunnels and 87 bridges. There are more than 20 stations in this railway system which still uses the old Neals Token Instrument system for track interlocking. It connects Kalka at an height of 656 meters to Shimla at 2076 meters from mean sea level. There are around 900 curves and sharpest curve is of 48 degree. The five hour journey is one of the best train journeys for tourist operated by Indian railway.
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):
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 to Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour, this 'toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnel and tall girder bridges on the way, along with the breath-taking 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.
Major Trains to Mettupalayam:
The Nilgiri Express connects 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 breath-taking scenery of the Himalayas. The seven and a half hour ride up, 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 Kolkata, 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 commence from Neral (on Mumbai- Pune line), can be reached from Mumbai by local train. The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about one and a half hours. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.
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