These
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.
