Hey you mountain lovers, welcome aboard the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train, an iconic train journey through misty mountains and green valleys. It is one of India’s most scenic railway journeys that captivates the heart and soul of every traveler. This iconic train journey which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site is something that you simply cannot miss. Ride with us as we take you through all that this toy train ride has in store for us.
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History Of Kalka – Shimla Toy Train
The history of the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train dates back to the colonial era when India was under British rule. In the 18th century, Shimla was the summer capital of the British Empire as all officials and their families left for Shimla to escape the scorching heat. However the route they took was very dangerous and time consuming. For better connectivity between Kalka and Shimla, the British started the construction of the narrow-gauge railway line. Construction started in 1898 and it took 5 years for its completion. Finally in 1903 the toy train was inaugurated by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon.
This impressive engineering feat involved laying down tracks on the steep and rugged terrain of the Himalayas. The remarkable 900 curves, 102 tunnels and 864 bridges is a testament to engineering marvels of its time. Some of the greats like Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and the Dalai Lama have traveled by the toy train. In 2008 Kalka-Shimla Toy Train attained the UNESCO World Heritage status for its historical importance and for the preservation of this iconic Kalka Shimla toy train railway line.
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Kalka To Shimla Train Route
The Kalka to Shimla toy train, which is a six hour train ride, stops at 18 stations. The first major station is the Dharampur station which is at a height of 4,900 feet and 20 miles away from Kalka. In between there are four minor stations Taksal, Gumman, Koti and Sonwara. After the train stops at KumarHatti Dagshai, the next major station is the colonial-style Barog station which provides beautiful views of the valley. Next stop is at Solan also called the “Mushroom City of India” because of its large produce of mushrooms. Up next is the Salogra station and then at a distance of 36-and-a-half miles from Kalka is the Kandaghat station from where the final ascent to Shimla starts.
The rail line then passes through Kanoh, Kathleeghat and Shoghi which are popular for its serene and peaceful environment. Next stop is at Tara Devi, a place which is famous for a temple dedicated to Goddess Tara, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. From here one can have panoramic views of Shimla and its surroundings. The train then stops at Jutogh and then at Summer Hill which is the site of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. This is where our father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi stayed while visiting Shimla. Lastly the train stops at the top-notch hill station ‘Shimla’ high up in the mountains.
Kalka To Shimla Toy Train Options And Timings
To meet various traveler’s needs there are many toy train from Kalka to Shimla. One can pick any of the below mentioned trains to cover the 96 km distance which takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach. Do check in advance for the special trains that run during the holiday and peak seasons.
| Sl. No | Train Name | Train Number | Departure | Arrival |
| 1 | Shivalik Deluxe Express | 52451 | 05:45am | 10:50am |
| 2 | Shimla Rail Motor | 72451 | 05:25am | 09:25am |
| 3 | Himalayan Queen | 52455 | 12:10pm | 05:20pm |
| 4 | Shimla NG Express | 52453 | 06:20am | 11:50am |
| 5 | KLK SML Express | 52459 | 07:00am | 12:30pm |
How To Book Toy Train From Kalka To Shimla
Listed below are a few simple steps to follow for your Kalka to Shimla toy train booking online through IRCTC.
- Visit the official Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) and login or create an account if a new user.
- Next click on the “book train tickets” option from the homepage.
- Select ‘Kalka’ as your origin station and ‘Shimla’ as your destination.
- Choose the date of travel and type of ticket.
- Select the train from the list of available trains and fill in the passenger details.
- Select the seat number and then make the payment.
- Payment can be made using debit, credit card, net banking or UPI.
- After the payment is done, you will receive an SMS and e-mail with the ticket details.
- Take a print out of the same and carry it along during the time of travel.
You can also book tickets directly from the railway station ticket counters or through authorized tour operators. Make sure to book in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
Few Good Reasons To Travel By Kalka To Shimla Toy Train
Kalka to Shimla toy train is not just a mode of transportation, it is an attraction in itself. Here are a few good reasons why to add Kalka Shimla toy train journey to your itinerary.
For Its Scenic Beauty – Toy train Shimla passes through some of the most picturesque landscapes with splendid views of mountains, valleys, forests, and villages along the way. It is literally a treat to the eyes.
For Some Adventure – What makes the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride full of adventure and thrills are the 102 long dark tunnels, 864 narrow bridges, and the 919 steep curves and bends.
For It Has The UNESCO World Heritage Status – This Train is a living piece of history that dates back to the colonial era. Because of its unique cultural and historical importance, the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train has earned this status.
For Some Mind-blowing Photography – Today, in this world of social media, there is no better place than the hills of the Himalayas to capture some stunning shots to flaunt on your handle.
Also Read: 8 Scenic Routes To Travel By Vistadome Trains In India
As the popular saying goes “the journey is always better than the destination”, the Kalka to Shimla toy train ride has just proved that. Be it an adventure seeker or nature lover, make sure to ride on this historic railway to experience a journey like never before.
FAQs
The Kalka Shimla railway is located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful train journey starts from Kalka, a small town in the state of Haryana and ends at the scenic terrains of Shimla.
As the toy train starts from the town of Kalka, one can get to Kalka by all the three modes of transportation. The nearest airport to Kalka is the Chandigarh International Airport which is approximately a 30-kilometer drive away. As Kalka has its own railway station, tourists can come in from any part of India. The railway station is well connected with other major cities of India. Lastly there is a network of highways that connects Kalka by road (buses, taxis and private vehicles) too.
Both summer ((March to June) and winter (October to February) months provide scenic views of the hills. During the summer months the weather is cool and ideal for the scenic journey. However during the winter months the whole landscape changes to create a picturesque winter wonderland.
The fare for this historic toy train ride can vary anywhere from INR 50/- for a general class ticket to INR 500/- for a first-class luxurious ride.
There is no limit set to carry luggage on the Shimla toy train. However make sure not to carry large bags as there are no overhead luggage space. The only place you can stuff them are below the seats. To experience a hassle-free ride on the Shimla toy train, suggest all to travel light.
The number of seats varies depending on the type of train you choose. The first-class rail bus has a seating capacity of 14 to 18 passengers and the luxury fleet has a seating capacity of up to eight.
