India By Rail: The Toy (Joy)
Trains
Joy-
Ride up the Hill!
Hey
, Rail enthusiasts! If you have some time to spare, then take a slow toy
train up to the hill resort of Shimla , Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling
or Matheran.
There is nothing to match the emperience of
chugging up the hills , past little hamlets and terraced fields, making
your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely pace
offer you a panoramic View of changing vistas . The invigorating air and
the delights of scenic hill resort provide a welcome respite frim the
hustle and bustle of the city. So folks! Are you reacy , to start on an
out -of -the ordinary journey up to the hills?
Shimla:
The
toy train journey from Kalka to shimla is entrancingt with 107 tunnels and
lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque
stations along the way - Dharmpore,Taksal, Gamma and Solan, all add up to
an exhilarating experience.
Aceess to Shimla:
Shimla
is connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka from Kalka to Shimla, 'the
toy train' cover 96 km of track in six hours.
Ooty
(Udhagamandalam):
The nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the
town of mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns
,as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort
ot Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour , this 'toy train' treks
across plains , plantations and forest clad hills . The 16 tunnel and tall
girder bridges on the way, along with the breathtaking view, make this toy
train journey to Ooty , something not to be missed.
Access
to Ooty:
Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from
Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains. Major
trains to Mettupalayam
Major Trains to Mettupalayam:
The
Nilgiri Express conncets Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the
nearest city is 90 kmaway and linked to all the major cities by rail .
Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train
services.
Darjeeling:
The most famous of the little
trains , is the one linking thtown of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the
lovely hill station of Darjeeling .
With a 2 ft gauge , the
Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train' being the narrowest of the
regular narrow gauges. The tiny century -old engine is connoisseur's
delight.
The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels , thus allowing the
traveller an uninterrtpted view of the breathtaking scenery of the
Himlayas. The seven - and a - half hour ride up , is a journey especially
for rail buffs.
Access to Darjeeling
New Jalpaiguri
, the starting point of te hill train to Darjeeling, has direct
connections to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India.
Matheran:
The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on maon line of Central
Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort,
close to Mumbai. As the little train wheezes up into the clear mountain
air , one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The lack of
vehicular traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.
Access to Matheran:
The toy train to matheran
commence from Neral ( on Mumbai- Pune line) , reached from Mumbai by local
train . The journey up to Matheran from Neral takes about one -and -a-
half hours . The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.
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