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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
an 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. |
