Toy Train in India, a Scenic Fairy Tale Railway Journey

Imagine sitting on a toy train, listening to the sound of the wheels tapping gently on the rails, and the green trees, mountains, and villages flowing slowly outside the window. This slow-paced journey in India is a melodious poem, a unique experience of getting in close contact with nature. Click on this article to learn more and bring peace to your soul.

What Is Toy Train in India

India's Toy Trains are normal-sized trains that travel slowly on narrow-gauge railways around rugged roads. It has small carriages, simple seats, and a cute appearance, like retro steam locomotives or diesel locomotives.

The magnificent mountain scenery, rich historical culture, and slow driving pace are the highlights of India's toy trains. During this slow-paced trip, you will pass by the green hillsides, ancient tea plantations, and historical attractions, and your mind will relax.

Toy Train in India

Main Routes of India's Toy Train

India's toy trains are a unique means of transportation, offering you a leisurely journey. Traveling on the historic mountain railway, you can explore India's natural scenery and cultural heritage.

The 3 routes of toy trains in India that are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO are the Kalka-Shimla Railway, Darjeeling Mountain Railway, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Apart from these World Heritage lines, there are several other fascinating lines, like Kangra Valley Railway and Matheran Hill Railway.

Now walk into these enchanting train routes and feel their stunning charm.

The Kalka-Shimla Railway (Himachal)

The Kalka-Shimla Railway starts from the gentle green land, passes through tunnels, and crosses bridges. The multi-curved route design allows you to easily look back in the carriage and capture the perfect picture of the train and the mountain scenery.

When you reach Barog Station, many people like to start from there, it marks the almost halfway point of your journey on this railway. The moment you exit the Barog Tunnel near the Barog Station, you will be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.

The journey's end is the Shimla Station, which perfectly preserves the Victorian architectural style and exudes the unique charm of the colonial era. The surrounding buildings, stone roads, and exquisite platforms seem to take you back to the ancient mountain resorts.

The Darjeeling Mountain Railway (West Bengal)

The Darjeeling Mountain Railway runs from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri. If time is limited, you can choose to experience the 2-hour journey from Darjeeling to Ghum. In this section, you can stand on the platform of the Batasia loop, a 360-degree loop, enjoying a panoramic view of Darjeeling, with the towering Himalayas and the magnificent Mount Everest standing proudly in the distance.

Besides, you will stay at Ghum Station for about 20 minutes, one of the highest railway stations in India with an altitude of 2,500 meters. You can visit the train museum, which displays many old railway tools and artifacts, taking you back to the late 19th century.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Tamil Nadu)

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the steepest mountain railways in Asia. On most sections of this railway, you will have the opportunity to take a traditional steam locomotive. Its slow movement makes you return to a hundred years ago, exuding a strong nostalgic atmosphere.

The section from the starting point Mettupalayam to the stop point Coonoor is considered the best section for viewing. You'll pass through deep canyons, winding mountain roads, and dense forests, and see the morning mist shrouds the mountains.

When you arrive at Coonoor, a famous tea-producing area in India, the fragrance of tea fills the air, making you feel relaxed. You can stroll in the tea garden, visit the tea factory, learn about the picking and production process of tea, taste a cup of authentic local tea, and feel the comfort experience.

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The Kangra Valley Railway (Himachal)

The Kangra Valley Railway runs across the picturesque Kangra Valley, passing through vast tea plantations and terraced fields. The stretch between the stop point Baijnath to the final point Joginder Nagar is the steepest part. Baijnath is famous for its ancient Shiva Temple. You can get off the train to visit this beautifully carved and sacred temple, and feel its deep historical and religious significance.

In this stretch, the train climbs slowly until it reaches the highest point of Ahju, offering you plenty of time to soak in the majestic Himalayas in the distance, the lush valleys nearby, and the fresh mountain breeze. Not far from Ahju are the popular Para-Gliding and Hang-Gliding sites in the Bir-Billing area. You can soar high in the sky and overlook the breathtaking scenery of the entire Kangra Valley.

The Matheran Hill Railway (Maharashtra)

The Matheran Hill Railway is the last narrow-gauge railway in India that is still maintained entirely by hand. Matheran is a pollution-free hill town, and the unique thing about it is that all motor vehicles are prohibited from entering, making the entire area exceptionally quiet. You can explore this secluded paradise on foot, on horseback, or by handcart.

Starting from Neral, you'll pass through steep slopes, lush forests, and cliffs, overlooking the magnificent valley landscape of the Western Ghats. In the rainy season (from June to September), waterfalls cascade down the mountain walls, and the green vegetation is particularly lush. Monkey Hill and Panorama Point are great locations to watch the sunrise and sunset, and the morning mist and the valley dyed red by the sunset is intoxicating.

Toy Train on Rails in India

Which India's Toy Train Route Is Best for Tourists

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is the most worthwhile toy train route in India, which is not only popular for its charming scenery, but also a masterpiece of engineering and historical culture. It is 96 kilometers long, winds through the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, and passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, showing the excellent construction technology of the colonial period.

In addition to natural beauty, you have the opportunity to experience the 2 luxury carriages, which offer modern facilities, including an onboard kitchen, refrigerator, dining table, and folding cushion bed. With relatively comfortable services, you'll soak in natural beauty and leisurely time.

Moreover, this line is suitable as an excursion for your Indian trip. If you're caving to this experience, we can arrange your flight, train, or bus, providing you with a relaxing and comfortable journey. From classic city exploration to a unique toy train tour, it connects the imperial charm of Delhi with the magnificent scenery of the Himalayas, making your journey coherent and enriching.

How to Book Your Toy Train Tour

You can book online through the official website of the train operator or travel platforms (such as IRCTC, Make My Trip, Cleartrip, etc.). If you like to travel freely, you can buy tickets at the railway station, but remember to confirm the ticket status in advance.

If you want to save unnecessary trouble, you can contact us or write to [email protected], and we will tailor itineraries to ensure that your toy train trip is full of highlights. From choosing routes to arranging transportation, accommodation, and other follow-up arrangements, we will take care of everything for you, so that you can easily enjoy this romantic encounter with the mountain scenery and relaxing mind.