The Toy Train

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.

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