
The
Toy Trains
Hey,
Rail enthusiasts! If you have some time to spare, then take a
kslow toy train up to the hill resorts of Shimla
, Ooty, Darjeeling, Matheran. There is nothing to much
the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and
terraced fields , amking your way through tunnels and over breathtaking
bridges. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view
of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic
hill resorts provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle
of the city. So folks! Are you ready, to start on an out-of-the-ordinary
journey up to the hills?
SHIMLA
The
toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla, the state capital of Himachal
Pradesh, is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched
bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations
along the way add to the experience.
Access:Shimla
is connected to New Delhi by a broad gauge line up to Kalka. From
Kalka to Shimla, 'The Toy Train' Covers 96km of track in six hours
Major
Trains to Kalka
Himalayan
Queen Delhi-Kalka
Daily
Shatabdi Express
Delhi-Kalka
Daily
Howrah Kalka Mail Howrah-Kalka
Daily
Ooty
(Udhagamandalam)
At
a maximum speed of 33 km per hour, this ' toy train'
treks across plains, plantations 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: 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 90km. away and linked to
all the major cities by rail.
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
Darjelling perched on the awesome Himalayas.
With a 2ft gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railways is indeed a 'toy
train' being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny
century old engine is a connoisseur's delight. The 86 km Darjeeling
line allows the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking
scenery of the Himalayas.
Access: New Jalpaiguri, the starting point of
the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections to Calcutta,
Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India by rail and air.
Major
Trains to Jalpaiguri
| Darjeeling
Mail |
Calcutta
- New Jalpaiguri |
Daily |
| Kamrup
Express |
Calcutta
- Guwahati |
Daily |
| Dadar-Guwahati
Express |
Mumbai
- Guwahati |
Daily |
| Northeast
Express |
New
Delhi-Guwahati |
Daily |
| Bangalore-Guwahati
Exp. |
Bangalore-Guwahati |
Daily |
RESERVATION
a)
Passenger Reservation facility have been provided by the Indian
Railways at nearly 400 locations all over the country from where
the passengers can seek their reservations.
(b) Reservation can also be secured from City Booking Offices/City
Booking Agencies /out Agencies where quotas have been given.
Advance Reservation Period
For General Public:-
60 days excluding the date of journey from the train originating
station
For foreign tourist:-
360 days excluding the date of journey from the train originating
station
Note : In certain nominated trains, the advance reservation
period is less than 30 days, the details of which are notified
in the Zonal Railways Time Tables.
Timings
of Reservation Office
|
1st
Shift
|
2st
Shift
|
| On
all working days |
0800
hrs to 1400 hrs
|
1400
hrs to 2000 hrs
|
| On
Sundays |
0800
hrs to 1400 hrs
|
-
|
|