Shimla Toy Train
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. As such Shimla is very well connected to all the major cities of India by Air, Rail and Road transport.
A Ride
The northern state of India- Himachal Pradesh enjoys the 2 narrow gauge Rail tracks - Kalka/ Shimla and Pathankot/ Jogindernagar. Kalka/ Shimla mini trains run on these treks popularly called 'Toy Trains' by the tourists. Meandering on these trains is a galvanizing experience as one passes through the breathtaking landscapes of majestic Himalayas, tunnels/ bridges and lush green valleys embellished with pine, oak trees, leaving a long lasting memory of rhapsody and triumph.
The train is one of the most unique railway tracks of the world. It is said that this railway line has been first sketched in November 1847, almost 50 years before, it was actually constructed.
This magnificent train was inaugurated by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon in November 1903, almost covering the distance of 96 km from Kalka through the curving tracks, up to Shimla hills- the summer capital of colonial India. The toy train trek from Kalka to Shimla is adorned with resplendent panorama of the valley and the picturesque stations along the way. The train passes through 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and 20 railway stations in its entire journey.
The Guinness Book on 'Rail Facts and Feats' included Kalka-Shimla Railway as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India.
The Rigorous Track
Kalka Simla Toy Train has about 7 coaches that can accommodate least 200 passengers in a single trip. The diversities of challenging weather do not extricate the pertinacity of the 700 horsepower B-B type diesel engines. They run energetically taking up the hazards of adverse weather conditions - temperatures ranging from 0 to 45°C, heavy snowfall -average recording 2 feet during winters, and the annual rainfall of 200-250 cm, perceived by the valley. The train acquires up a moderate average speed of 25-30 km throughout its passage bestowing its travelers to luxuriate in the full splendor of the picturesque valley.
The Picturesque Route
The rail route indeed, possesses 107 tunnels but the train passes through 103 tunnels, big and small. The toy trains cross the longest tunnel at Barog in 3 minutes. Besides the Barog tunnel, other 3 big tunnels on this route are Koti - 2,276 feet, Taradevi - 1,615 feet and Tunnel no. 103 - 1,135 feet.
The rail track rises from Kalka at 640m to the freezing zones of Shimla at 2,060 m. A tour from Kalka to Shimla is just amazing. The toy train twists its way gradually through the hills up to the alpine, approaching of the demeaning Himalayas. Through the way some of the awesome views of the landscape can be cherished at Kushalya River, Koti, Barog, Kanoh, Jabli 1,240 meters above sea level.
Shimla Toy Train – In & Out
The Deluxe Rail Motor Car
Equally exciting is the journey by the Deluxe Rail Motor Car, superior cousin of the Shivalik Deluxe Express, as the add-on features include a transparent roof giving an overhead view, a digital time-cum-temperature display unit, an altimeter to indicate the rail car's height above sea travel, TV/VCP, tasteful tapestry and ingenious interior decor. Priced at par with the Shivalik Deluxe Express, this is a tailor-made product for 14 passengers.
Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach
There is the Shivalik Palace tourist coach, a luxury on wheels in the genre of the Palace-on-Wheels. It has a deluxe hotel room and a kitchenette. The fare includes meals on board and two retiring rooms for a one-day stay at Shimla. A family of six can book this coach for the onward journey from Kalka to Shimla. The fare for the return direction is also quiet modest.
It has tastefully decorated interiors, folding beds/dining and dressing tables, cushioned chairs, wall clock, temperature-cum-time indicator, fans, fridge, kitchenware, cutlery, crockery, cooking range, music channel, cordless bell, and much more. Indoor games and light reading material are also provided to let the passengers enjoy a full-fledged luxury stay. An attendant accompanies the travelling party. This coach can be attached in the rear of any train on the route so that the travelling party gets a 'peninsular' view of the valleys, mountains and clouds
Departure from Shimla 05:30 PM
Arrival at Kalka 10:15 PM
Departure from Kalka 05:30 AM
Arrival at Shimla 10:15 AM
Shimla is Best Seen on a Toy Train
Take up toy train tours of Shimla to enjoy the most cherished city of the British. Enjoy the scenic beauty that you encounter on the way and make sure you keep your cameras ready. You will be confronted with some of the most drastic landscape of the natural world.
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