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 These
trains, operating on narrow-gauge tracks - hence the
name toy trains - laid during the British days, link
stations in the plains to hill stations and offer a laid
back experience, where passengers can take in the
diverse mountain scenery at leisure. Some of these
routes are: Kalka-Shimla: 107 tunnels,
arched bridges and picturesque stations en routes are
the features of the 96-km journey linking the one-time
summer capital of India to the plains of Punjab
The Shivalik Deluxe Express runs two every day,
stopping only at Barog for providing catering services
to passengers. The train has bay glass windows and
wall-to-wall carpeting. Seating: 120 seats. Fare: Rs.
340 (one-way) and Rs. 540 (round trip).
Deluxe Rail Motor Car, with a transparent roof, TV/VCP,
music and an altimeter. It operates twice a day.
Seating: 14-18. Fare Rs. 340 (one- way).
Shivalik Palace can be attached to any train for
an exclusive experience. With a dining table, folding
cushioned beds, a refrigerator, modern bathrooms,
catering by a special attendant on board and a
well-equipped kitchen etc. As part of the package is
offered a complement of two luxurious retiring rooms
with geysers, a TV and telephone at Shimla. Setting: 6.
Fare: Rs. 4,850 in UP direction and Rs. 3.375 in DN
direction.
The Shivalik Queen between Kalka-Shimla has been
launched for honeymooners. Each couple offers exclusive
privacy and big windows for panoramic view of the hills.
There is an alarm bell for communication with driver
while a microphone helps to be in touch with the guard.
Fare Rs. 750 per couple, inclusive of meals.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway traverses 46 kms of
twists and turns from Mettupalayam to the hill resort of
Ootacamund at a speed of 33 km an hour. Snaking through
16 tunnels and tall girder bridges, the climb offers
breathtaking vistas of plantation and fir-clad hills.
Darjeeling Hill Railway with a 2-feet gauge is
the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. Linking the
town of New Jalpaiguri with the east Indian hill station
of Darjeeling, this famous little trains is drawn on its
86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.
With no tunnels on the route, passengers get an
uninterrupted view of the Himalayas.
Matheran Railway is a 77-year-old line connecting
Neral (on the Mumbai-Pune line) to the resort of
Matheran close to Mumbai.
The panorama of hills and plains unfolds as the sturdy
little train chugs up to the peaceful retreat. The train
runs between sunrise and sunset, covering the distance
in 1.5 hours
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