Do you ever feel like you have missed a lot while you zipped through in an express train from one place to the other? Or for that matter, an overnight journey in a super-deluxe bus that denied you an experience of slowly exploring surrounding natural beauty! If yes, it’s time to take a journey in one of the popular toy trains in India. These toy trains are nothing short of a serene and exciting experience at the same time. Hop on one of these rails and embrace the fun times as they come!
Top 5 Toy Trains In India
Here is a list of some amazing toy trains in India that one should board to head to the fun times! Surround yourself with some enchanting lush nature and soak in the serenity that the whole experience has to offer. The happiness of riding around the trains is, indeed, unmatchable. Take a look at these top toy trains to embrace your inner child!
- Kalka-Shimla, Himachal: Through Tunnels, Over Bridges
- Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal: Views Of Dhauladhar Range
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal: Engineering Marvel
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu: Asia’s Steepest Rail
- Matheran Hill Railway, Maharashtra: Back In Action
1. Kalka-Shimla, Himachal: Through Tunnels, Over Bridges
Standing at number 4 in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka-Shimla is among the very few operational toy trains in India. It passes through lush green hills offering picturesque views of the surrounding beauty. The 96 km Kalka-Shimla route is a narrow gauge train track that includes 103 tunnels and over 850 bridges.
An approximately 5.5-hour journey in Kalka-Shimla toy train is an absolutely rejuvenating experience and wholly worth it. An experience that you’ll have stories to tell about!
Details About Kalka Shimla Toy Trains
Kalka-Shimla Passenger:
- Departs at 04:00 am and takes 5 h 20 min
- Fare: INR 270 for First Class | INR 25 for General
Kalka-Shimla Express:
- Departs at 06:00 am and takes 5 h 05 min
- Fare: INR 25 for General | INR 65 for 2S | INR 295 for First Class
Kalka-Shimla Rail Motor Car:
- Departs at 05:10 am and takes 4 h 40 min
- Fare: INR 320 for First Class
Shivalik Deluxe Express:
- Departs at 05:30 am and takes 4 h 45 min
- Fare: INR 420 for AC Chair car
Himalayan Queen:
- Departs at 12:10 pm and takes 5 h 10 min
- Fare: INR 260 for AC Chair | INR 25 for General
Note: The Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach and Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach are two tourist special luxury coaches.
- Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach: INR 3000
- Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach: INR 4970
Must Read: 15 Best Places Of Indian Cultural Heritage You Must-Visit
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
2. Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal: Views Of Dhauladhar Range
Kangra Valley Railway boasts of yet another heritage toy train in India that runs on narrow gauge between Pathankot and Jogindernagar. This train is a UNESCO World Site that meanders through swift streams running parallel to the track, numerous bridges and tea gardens of Palampur. It also offers grand views of the great Dhauladhar Range showing its prominence in the region.
Route: Pathankot Junction – Jwalamukhi Road – Kangra – Nagrota – Palampur – Baijnath – Jogindernagar
Fare:
- For ordinary train: INR 35
- For the Kangra Queen: INR 330 (Ist Class) | INR 310 (Chair Car) | INR 190 (2nd Class)
Suggested Read: 18 Beautiful Train Journeys In India That Will Compel You For A Ride!
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal: Engineering Marvel
The intimidatingly high snow-clad mountains, the zigzag turns and thrillful steep gradients are a common sight if you’re on board the Darjeeling Himalayan toy train. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape makes you wonder about this engineering marvel.
On board, you get to witness the Kanchenjunga Peak and an unbelievably picture-perfect view of Darjeeling town. Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway deserves to be the best heritage toy train in India.
Route: Darjeeling – Ghoom – Darjeeling
Fare: INR 620 one way
Suggested Read: Toy Trains & Fragrant Teas: A Trip to Kurseong & Darjeeling
4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu: Asia’s Steepest Rail
If you’re on board the Nilgiri Mountain toy train, you’ve got to hold your breath – this one’s the steepest of all rail systems, not only in India but Asia as well. Chugging through dense forests, rocky terrain, and misty hilltops, Nilgiri Mountain toy train is one of most awe-inspiring toy trains in India. Also, it is another one in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Route: Mettupalayam – Kallar – Adderley – Coonoor – Wellington – Ketti – Ooty
Fare: INR 500 for First Class | INR 250 for Second Sitting
Suggested Read: 60 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India To Have A Gala Time
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
5. Matheran Hill Railway, Maharashtra: Back In Action
Running from Neral to Matheran, the Matheran Hill Railway is about a century-old rail service in Maharashtra. It is one of the popular toy trains in India and was known for unbelievable ascents and descents and the ‘One Kiss Tunnel’.
The toy train went out of service for a few months back in the day and that sank the hearts for many. But our beloved is back in action and how!
Route: Matheran – Aman Lodge – Neral
Fare: INR 300 for Adults | INR 180 for Children
Further Read: 21 Honeymoon Places In India In May That Bloom With Love & Fervent Charm
So, it’s time to plan a toy train journey for your family and kids and feel the excitement of taking a ride in toy trains of India. These trains will surely take you back to your childhood and make you cherish each and every moment you spend on it. So, when you plan a trip to India next, you know what not to miss out on!
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toy Trains In India
How many toy trains are there in India?
India has a total of five toy trains viz. Kalka-Shimla railway, Kangra Valley Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Matheran Hill Railway
Is there a toilet in the Kalka Shimla toy train?
Yes, there are toilets in the Kalka- Shimla toy train.
Who invented toy trains?
Toy trains were invented by Joshua Lionel Cowen who invented model railroads in the early 20th century.
Which is the slowest train in India?
The Mettupalayam Ooty Nilgiri Passenger rail is the slowest train in India which runs at 10 kmph which is 16 times less than India’s fastest train, Gatimaan Express.
Who is known as the father of Indian Railways?
The father of Indian Railways is Lord Dalhousie.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
People Also Read:
