The Toy Train of
IndiaThese trains, operating on narrow-gauge tracks - hence
the name toy trains - laid during the British days, link stations in the
plains to hill stations and offer a laid back experience, where passengers
can take in the diverse mountain scenery at leisure. Some of these routes
are: Kalka-Shimla: 107 tunnels, arched bridges and picturesque stations en
routes are the features of the 96-km journey linking the one-time summer
capital of India to the plains of Punjab
The
Shivalik Deluxe Express runs two every day, stopping only at Barog for
providing catering services to passengers. The train has bay glass windows and
wall-to-wall carpeting. Seating: 120 seats. Fare: Rs. 340 (one-way) and Rs.
540 (round trip).
Deluxe Rail Motor Car, with a
transparent roof, TV/VCP, music and an altimeter. It operates twice a day.
Seating: 14-18. Fare Rs. 340 (one- way).
Shivalik
Palace can be attached to any train for an exclusive experience. With
a dining table, folding cushioned beds, a refrigerator, modern bathrooms,
catering by a special attendant on board and a well-equipped kitchen etc. As
part of the package is offered a complement of two luxurious retiring rooms
with geysers, a TV and telephone at Shimla. Setting: 6. Fare: Rs. 4,850 in
UP direction and Rs. 3.375 in DN direction.
The
Shivalik Queen between Kalka-Shimla has been launched for
honeymooners. Each couple offers exclusive privacy and big windows for
panoramic view of the hills. There is an alarm bell for communication with
driver while a microphone helps to be in touch with the guard. Fare Rs. 750
per couple, inclusive of meals.
Nilgiri
Mountain Railway traverses 46 kms of twists and turns from
Mettupalayam to the hill resort of Ootacamund at a speed of 33 km an hour.
Snaking through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers
breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.
Darjeeling
Hill Railway with a 2-feet gauge is the narrowest of the regular narrow
gauges. Linking the town of New Jalpaiguri with the east Indian hill station
of Darjeeling, this famous little trains is drawn on its 86 km journey by a
100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.
With no tunnels on
the route, passengers get an uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.
Matheran
Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune
line) to the resort of Matheran close to Mumbai.
The panorama of hills
and plains unfolds as the sturdy little train chugs up to the peaceful
retreat. The train runs between sunrise and sunset, covering the distance in
1.5 hours
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