Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The train route runs for 80 kilometers (50 miles) from New Jalpaiguri, in the state of West Bengal, to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghum. The railway line climbs up steeply through a number of fascinating reverses and loops. One of the most scenic of these is Batasia Loop, between Ghum and Darjeeling, which provides a panoramic view of Darjeeling perched on the hill and Mount Kanchenjunga in the background. The train also passes over 5 major, and nearly 500 minor, bridges.
The joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back includes a 10 minute stop at Batasia loop and 30 minutes stoppage at Ghoom Museum. The entrance fee to the museum is included in the fare.
The joyride from Siliguri Junction passes through tea estates and includes a 30 minutes stop at the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Photo Gallery in Sukha.
The Jungle Safari trains stop for lunch at Tindharia, where stunning valley views can be enjoyed, before returning to Siliguri.
Kalka-Shimla Railway
Kalka and Shimla are located just north of Chandigarh, in India's mountainous northern state of Himachal Pradesh. The captivating train route connects both places. It runs for 96 kilometers (60 miles) though 20 railway stations, 102 tunnels, 800 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves. The longest tunnel, which stretches for more than a kilometer, is near the main railway station at Barog. The train's speed is greatly restricted by the steep gradient that it has to climb, but this allows for plenty of fascinating sightseeing along the way.
Shivalik Deluxe Express -- is timed to connect with the Howrah-Kalka Mail train, which comes from Kolkata via Delhi. It departs Kalka at 5.30 a.m and arrives in Shimla at 10.15 a.m.
Himalayan Queen -- connects with the Himalayan Queen train from Nizammudin station in Delhi. It departs Kalka at 12.10 p.m. and arrives in Shimla at 5.20 p.m. However, in reality the journey can often take up to seven hours.
Rail Motor Car -- is for early risers! It departs Kalka at 5.10 a.m and arrives at 9.35 a.m.
Matheran Hill Railway
The toy train crawls its way, in a zigzag manner, 20 kilometers (12 miles) up the hill from Neral to Matheran. Due to the steep slope, it takes over two hours to cover the distance. Gradually the scenery changes from grassy slopes to shady, tree covered hills. Food vendors selling a range of snacks and cold drinks jump on and off the train along the way -- usually while it's moving, which is an indication of just how slow it travels! The train stops at a couple of quaint stations, where refreshments can be purchased as well. It also passes through one short tunnel, interestingly named "One Kiss Tunnel".
The toy train departs from Neral in the mornings at 7.30 a.m, 8.50 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. There's also an afternoon departure at 5 p.m.
Coming back to Neral, the train leaves Matheran at 7 a.m., 9.45 a.m, 1.40 p.m., 2.45 p.m. and 4.25 pm.
Ooty Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is located in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. It runs from Metupalaiyam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. The track is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, and passes over 26 viaducts, and through 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges. This railway is particularly picturesque because of the surrounding rocky terrain, tea plantations, and forested hills.
One toy train operates along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Metupalaiyam to Ooty. The engine is an 'X' Class steam locomotive, made in Switzerland. It pulls quaint blue and cream wooden carriages with large windows. The engine is commonly changed for a diesel powered one at Coonoor, to provide greater traction for the steep climb up to Ooty.
There's only one toy train departure daily. It leaves Metupalaiyam at 7.10 a.m, and arrives in Ooty at noon. Coming back, the train leaves Ooty at 3 p.m. and reaches Metupalaiyam at 6.35 p.m. The train is scheduled to connect to the Nilgiri Express, which travels from Chennai to Metupalaiyam.
