Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

The state of Himachal Pradesh is the proud owner of two narrow gauge rail tracks of which Kalka-Shimla is one. The expedition between Kalka and Shimla is one train ride that offers an experience which one wishes, never to forget. The style and serendipity of this train surpasses the charm of the trains that boast of only speed. In fact the train is one of the most unique railway tracks of the world. There are countless number of people who use the line today for their enjoyment and conveyance. It runs at a speed of 25 kilometres an hour, providing immense scope for sightseeing. The line clings perilously to the sides of steep cliffs, ventures boldly over graceful graceful bridges. The ride makes us salute the engineering feat.

History
The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train was the brainchild of a newspaper correspondent. His article in the Delhi Gazettes resulted in the allocation of a railway line to Shimla. After the submission of the report a contract was signed on June 29, 1898 between the Secretary of State and the Delhi and the Delhi- Ambala-Kalka Railway Company for building and operating a line on a 0.79248m gauge. On November 9, 1903 the magnificent train was inaugurated by the British viceroy, Lord Curzon. The Guinness Book on 'Rail Facts and Feats' included Kalka-Shimla Railway as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India.
Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Rocks
There are about seven coaches here that can accommodate nearly about 200 passengers per trip. The adversity of temperatures do not affect the running of the engines in anyway. The train acquires up a moderate average speed of 25-30 km throughout its passage bestowing its travelers to luxuriate in the full splendor of the picturesque valley. The train passes through 103 tunnels, big and small. The toy trains cross the longest tunnel at Barog in 3 minutes. Besides the Barog tunnel, other 3 big tunnels on this route are Koti - 2,276 feet, Taradevi - 1,615 feet and Tunnel no. 103 - 1,135 feet. The coaches are equipped with reversible cushioned chairs, wall to wall carpeting and wide glass windows.
No doubt the best way to reach Shimla is to travel by a toy train from Kalka...