The Toy Train: Kalka To Shimla

This toy train was built in 1903 by Viceroy of India Lord Curzon and added into UNESCO world heritage site as it covers 102 tunnels, 864 Bridges and 919 Stunning Curves.

In 1864, Shimla became the summer capital for the British people, but there was an issue of connectivity between Indian Plains and Shimla and the only mode of transport was Bullock which quite unsteady, dangerous and time-consuming as well. So, to make it easy the Kalka-Shimla toy train was started and the first trip was taken by the Viceroy of India( Lord Curzan).

The train starts from Kalka towards Shimla and passes 18 stations. These 18 stations are as follows: Taksal, Gumman, Koti, Sonwara, Dharampur, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat, Kanoh, Kathleegat, Shoghi, Taradevi, Jutoh, Summer Hill, and Shimla. This small journey displays some inspiring landscapes like views of the Rugged Mountains, Lush pine forests, waterfalls, etc. 

Some highlights of this train journey are the Barog station tunnel with a length of 1143.61 Metres, Bridge number 226 passes over a deep valley covered by steep hills.

Some special trains on this route are: 

1. Rail Motor Car: Quite Similar to bus in looks and starts from Kalka at 5 am and reaches Shimla by 9:20 am.

1. Shivalik Deluxe Express: As the name suggests, a bit upgraded train with cushioned seats, carpet, food, etc. This train starts from Kalka at 5:20 am and reaches Shimla at 10 am.

There are a lot more things to explore in Shimla with Shimla Tourism, but Toy train is a major tourist attraction.