Toy Trains

Apart from regular trains Indian Railways run small toy trains which connect plains to the hill resorts of Shimla, Ooty (Udhangamandalam), Darjeeling and Matheran. The ride fills every heart with excitement when the train passes through the curvy paths, dark tunnels, beautiful hills, naughty waterfalls and terraced fields. The slow pace makes you enjoy the panoramic view of changing vistas. The jet of air and the scenic hill resorts freshen up everyone from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Having ride through these trains is a wonderful experience that one must get atleast once in the lifetime. Four slow speed historic toy train services are currently operating in India.

The Shimla Toy Train

This toy train passes through 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges on the way from Kalka to Shimla. The train runs on broad gauge. The 6 hours journey of 96 km covers dazzling view of Dharampore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan.

One of the most scenic train journeys in India enlivens passengers on a journey onto snake like narrow track, though mystical mountains and pine forests. The Shivalik Deluxe Express connects the Howarh - Kalka mail for passenger going to Shimla. The luxury train, the Shivalik Express has an attached tourist coach called the Shivalik Palace and the Shivalik Queen for the honeymoon couples.

The Darjeeling Toy Train

The journey in Darjeeling toy train through the rolling hills of the Eastern Himalayas and lush green tea plantations of Darjeeling is an enthralling experience. The toy train to Darjeeling has been started during British raj in 1881.

The seven-and-a-half hour train ride of 80 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri to the lovely Darjeeling passes through Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghum. This famous little train runs on just 2 ft gauge track, narrowest of all the regular narrow gauges. The travelers enjoy the landscape view of the Himalayas.

The Nilgiri Toy Train

A tour to Ooty is incomplete without experiencing a ride in toy train.The Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train started in 1899 is the highlight of the soothing place.

The entire journey of Nilgiri Mountain railway full of twists and turns starts from the town of Mettupalayam. The distance of 46-km. long pathway passing through 16 tunnels, bridges, plains, plantations and green hills is covered at the speed of 33 km/hr. The breathtaking view of the beautiful train journey to Ooty should not to be missed.

The Matheran Toy Train

The rail line that connects Neral to Matheran is the foremost way to reach the tiny hill resort, Matheran. The entire journey pictures the clear mountain air, the scenic vista of hills and plains. The 20 kilometers journey of toy train crawling like snake up the hill from Neral to Matheran is completed in one-and-a-half to two hours.

Toy Train Reservations

The reservations for regular travel as well as joyrides can be made either at Indian Railways computerized reservation counters, or on the Indian Railways website.