Know Beautiful Things About The Kalka Shimla Toy Train

It was built during the British rule in India with a motive to connect by rail road link between the summer capital of British India i.e Shimla. This meter gauge rail network which runs on the steepest rising route in altitude 96 kilometers long with crossing over 800 bridges and viaducts, has found place in The Guinness Book of World Records for this feat among all hill railways being listed as one of the most scenic rides ever. 

The Kalka Shimla Railway was constructed in the mid-19th century as a narrow gauge single track working rail link with an altitude of 2211.98 m. It is connected to a highland town known as Simla (7000-8000 ft). It corresponds by its geographical context, emphasizing on scientific and engineering achievements linked to racial and colonial orientations towards hill peoples using railway technology. 

Kanoh world record highest multi-arch gallery bridge and Barog tunnel, are exemplary examples of how good engineering was put into making this a reality. After, the whole scenario Shimla area acquired an immense political importance as the Indian Colonial government chose to take summer accommodation there and this is due to healthier atmosphere related with altitude.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train History:

During the time, when India was under British influence then at that time Shimla (also called as Simla) was announced as the Summer capital of the British Empire. There was no good connectivity for reaching Shimla during those years. Whatever route was available, it was risky, dangerous & used to consume a lot of time.

The Britishers, therefore, decided to build a narrow-gauge train from Kalka To Shimla Town starting in November 1903. The train has run ever since on a daily basis, except for the maintenance breaks in between. 

Lord Curzon had enjoyed that first trip.

In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi had used the toy train to meet Lord Irwin and again in January 1931 he took a ride during his meeting with Lord Willingdon.

Lord Mountbatten traveled by the toy train on his way to give an announcement for the partition of India from Shimla in 1947.

In 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru rode the toy train to reach a conference in Shimla.

Indira Gandhi had traveled by the toy train in 1972 to sign an agreement with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Simla Agreement).

Then in 2010 as well Dalai Lama journeyed Shimla by the toy train.

Kalka To Shimla Toy Train

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Booking

Booking Guide :

When you book the tickets for Kalka Shimla Toy Train, make sure to do it in advance especially during April, May and June months. On the other hand, Shimla remains thronged with people during Dussehra holidays in October typically. Besides that, a high rush will most probably take place during Christmas and New year. During these times, advance reservation booking is very important for train-tickets.

Kalka to Shimla Toy Train Booking Online IRCTC:

Follow these simple steps to book the Shimla toy train:

Step 1 : First visit the official website of irctc i.e. irctc. co.in

Step 2: Register yourself

Step 3 : Plan my travel link Click on it.

Step 4: Select Railway station, here one will select as Shimla (SML)

Step 5: Enter the needed details such as Date of travel, Type of ticket. Step

Step 6: Again click on the book ticket.

Step 7: This is how the ticket reservation page will appear where you need to verify whether train numbers etc are the same as selected by you.

Step 8: Make the payment

Step 9: Once the payment is made, you will get an SMS and/or email along with all the ticket details (if you have chosen e-ticket) that needs to be printed out.

Step 10 :Ticket has two categories, i-ticket will be delivered on the address you give, e-ticket means another option where by taking a print out of it.

Kalka To Shimla, Ticket Price

Train Timing, Duration & Fare of Kalka Shimla Railway

Kalka To Shimla

Shimla To Kalka

Toy Train Shimla:

An enchanting experience, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train journey is famous for its delightful charm which could not have been breathed into it without those 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and of course 919 curves that add magic to this route.

• Tunnels: The second useful part and adventure is found in the 102 tunnels on this railway line. They help the train glide through some of its mountainous rugged terrain. 

• The Bridges: The 864 bridges show  great engineering skills that span deep gorges and steep valleys. All these bridges offer tourists great views of the valleys, thick forests and white-water rivers down below.

• Curves: 102 between Kalka- Shimla Curves and gradients Kalka Shimla Toy Train is beautifully built on a narrow gauge, as are all Himalayan “toy trains” that zigzag the awesome mountainscape. These help to gradually guide the train uphill and downhill on steep grades with minimal jerking so you have a comfortable journey. 

Together, they characterize Kalka-Shimla Toy Train ride with tunnels, bridges and curves that make the passengers experience the Himalayas great many times. They are named so as they offer a wonderful view of the engineering feat in the yesteryear and offer an amazing bonding with nature that exists there. Thus this historic railway ride is no doubt one amongst must do for any traveler exploring Indian hill stations.

Toy Train Shimla, When To Visit:

October to February, Winter Season.

Duration Of Trip: Around 6 hours.

The train is very popular during high season especially in October and November, hence it is advisable to book well in advance. This allows you to take the trip in easy days with tempting stops along the way.

Image Gallery Of Kalka Shimla Toy Train:

Toy Train Services in Kalka Shimla:

Details of the three major tourist train services on Kalka Shimla railway route.

1. Rail Motor Car
2. Shivalik Deluxe Express
3. Himalayan Queen

 Rail Motor Car:

A tiny one coach train that runs between Kalka and Shimla and back. This is arguably the most coveted railway journey in India. It is beautifully decorated with attractive tube light fittings, and equipped with a crystal-clear glass rooftop lined by cushioned chairs on one side; an LCD at the front-end of this cabin, located below air conditioning. Furthermore, the seats are comfortable and there are 2 plug points to charge your mobile phone or laptop.

The Rail Motor Car The rail motor car runs six days/week, with a passenger capacity of 14 -18 passengers and express service that sells food en route. 

The Shivalik Deluxe Express:

Luxury Toy Train, with a carpeted corridor, is fitted with large glass windows and offers leather cushioned seating, upgraded bathrooms & Ambiance on its journey from Kalka to Shimla vice versa as well. It has an amazing design with entire wood work done on it wall to wall carpeting curtains, pictures etc.

It also has a comfortable seating layout in conjunction with an occupancy limit of 120 passengers. 

A mineral water bottle and hot-water in a thermos to prepare tea or coffee is also provided for the journey. There are no stops mentioned in between, however it takes a halt at Barog station for some time.

Himalayan Queen:

Popularly referred to as a standard train for sightseeing in the hill-station of Himachal Pradesh. Kalka Shimla Himalayan Queen Toy Train is available with first and second-class carriages. It is an everyday thread covering the distance of 18 Kmph. The train has only one chair coach and the standard car seats are available — to provide a good ride experience for the passengers.

Himalayan Queen train does not have any food service, but people can buy the food from 9 main stations where it stops.However, if you want to experience the most luxury train then try either of Rail Motor Car or Shivalik Deluxe Express.

Shivalik Queen and Shivalik Palace Tourists Coaches:

These are yet two other trains that run in the same route. Designed to offer ultimate luxury for passengers, featuring ultra-modern amenities and a pristine interior with a dining table, fridge/freezer system – even an in-bus admiral-level kitchen- to ensure confident operators can quickly serve-up gourmet food and top-class freshly-prepared cocktails upon arrival. 

Yet, these trains run just once in a week over this so passengers visiting Shimla need to book well ahead of time for their tour as they follow only from March till September.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Route:

The toy train route in itself is one of the most beautiful routes ever you would have witnessed. The journey commences from Kalka railway station located at 656 meters above sea level. The toy train travels through 18 stations that add beauty and collection’s value. Even the Major stations are as follows;

Barog:

Its own valley view and architecture that brings a colonial station feel means this is the most popular station on the route. It is also home to a tunnel that – legend has it -is haunted by the ghost of its designer, who killed himself when he misaligned the structure.

Solan:

This is one more adding station of the course since it is honored with a notoriety for manufacturing huge yields mushrooms winning even an epithet “The Mushroom City of India”. The English founded a brewery in 1855 which is still home.

Kandaghat:

This is famous for the vibrant market selling local handicrafts, fruits, vegetables and savory. It is also near Chail which was once the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala

Shoghi:

It features a calm and peaceful atmosphere, set amidst pine forests and hills. This place is also known for the work of organic products by locals, i.e., jams, picks juices etc.

Taradevi:

The temple of Goddess Tara, believed to be an incarnation of Kanaka Durga/Kali is the one which has kept this station on the religious map. This temple is located at the top of a hill and hence gives us the panoramic view of Shimla.

Summer Hill:

The essence of the train station lies in it being a historically and an educationally significant station having been a visiting place for one of India’s heritage. The Indian Institute Of Advanced Study was previously known as Viceregal Lodge. It is additionally where Mahatma Gandhi remained amid his Shimla visits.

Shimla:

The final station on the route & capital of Himachal Pradesh. A well-known tourist attraction with many other attractions also such as Mall Road, Ridge, Christ Church. Jakhu Temple and State Museum etc. are the main places here where you can roam around and enjoy your day at Shimla.

Bollywood Movies Shot In Scenic Valley Of Shimla- Kalka:

Tamasha (2015)

The movie was shot in Shimla Jakhu Temple,SummerHill andToy Train Scenes. This movie really inspired lots of people to check out this stunning place.

Bang Bang (2014)

A portion of the film ‘Bang Bang’ directed by Siddharth Anand starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif had a few scenes shot in Shimla. They were all bowled over by the shooting location which had names like Ritz, Mall Road, Kufri and Lakkar Bazar in Shimla. During the winter times, few of such locations in Shimla took place where lots of action-fight scenes from movies were captured.

Jab We Met (2007)

The hit song “Aaoge Tum Jab” from the amazing movie was shot extensively on Mall Road, towards Shimla in Himachal. Director Imtiaz Ali has used the backdrop beautifully to bring together everything about the song.

Kalka Shimla Toy Train Travel Tips:

1. Book tickets in advance as it’s a popular attraction.
2. Carry light snacks & water.
3. Keep your camera ready for capturing breathtaking views.

Few Interesting Facts about Kalka Shimla Railway

• Shimla Toy Train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, formally known as the Kalka-Shimla Railway. On July 8, 2008 UNESCO World Heritage Site Mountain Railways of India.
• The Kalka to Shimla toy made its inaugural journey in November 1903, with Viceroy Lord Curzon on board.
• The train travels 96 kilometres. The route includes 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, 919 curves, and 20 railway stations.
• The train travels on the world’s thinnest gauge track (762mm), considered an engineering marvel.
• Passing by some of the world’s most beautiful scenery Forests of deodar, oak, ficus, and maple.
• The Barog tunnel is the longest on this route and is the world’s straightest tunnel.

F&Q’s :

Q.1. Which Toy Train is better in Shimla?

Ans: The journey of Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is famous for its wonderful charm and the 102 tunnels, 864 bridges and 919 curves on route are fundamental to this charming experience. The 102 tunnels that you pass through on these train rides also provide an adventure part but then it serves as necessity too.

Q.2. How many trains are there from Kalka To Shimla?

Ans: There are 5 trains run by Indian Railways from Kalka to Shimla, which will bring you approximately 96 kms. Here some trains are daily and others operate on a weekly basis. Shimla has a number of travelers that come from everywhere and many will choose to get here by coming up on the train.

Q.3. How to Book a Toy Train?

Ans: Booking a ride on the Shimla Toy Train is a straightforward process. Tickets available Online on Indian Railways website or across the railway station counter.

Q.4. Is Food provided on the toy train?

Ans: Food service is missing from the Himalayan Queen Train as it stops at nine main stations for short durations, people can get their food there. Whereas Rail Motor Car & Shivalik Deluxe Express provide food, mineral water bottles and hot-water in a thermos to prepare tea or coffee for the journey.