THE SHIMLA TOY TRAIN – THE JOURNEY YOU NEVER MISS!
The Shimla Toy Train, officially known as the Kalka-Shimla Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow railway gauge is just 2ft 6 inches wide and is nested at more than 2,000 meters above sea level. The Shimla-Kalka train route connects us to the colonial past of India.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway was set up during British rule in India to connect Shimla with the Indian rail network. The construction of the Kalka-Shimla Railway track had begun in 1898 by the Delhi-Ambala-Kalka Railway Company. The Chief Engineer of the project was H.S. Harington. The project was completed and inaugurated in 1903 by Lord Curzon, the former Viceroy of India.
The Kalka-Shimla train offers passengers a unique rail tour experience of mesmerizing sights and communities. As the ride departs, the train starts to ascend into the hill. It penetrates the pine forests where mist covers you, and monkeys appear at almost every turn.
As the train ascends through the steep mountains and curves, it’s speed slows down. The journey’s highlight is at Barog station, which has the longest tunnel (tunnel 33) en route. Forests filled with oak, maple, ficus, and deodar woods are crossed at a slow speed, offering you ample time to enjoy the landscape. It passes through around 100 tunnels and crosses more than 800 bridges and viaducts.
The scenic views and the journey can cast a spell on you. With hills on both sides, the railway track appears like two tiny silver threads among two cliffs. The train moves with great pride and power on the bridges and across the streams. It is a sight and experience to be cherished. The cool breeze and the aromatic air will absolutely sweep you off your feet.
Along the route, the journey shows you the glory of the railway stations and the Gothic-style bridges. The smell of fresh dew on trees, humble village folk, soft rays of the sun, and the chirping of the birds are sure to detox you.
Although the trip is long, there will never be a weary moment. It’s one of the most magnificent train journeys in the world to take. The toy trains are intended to recreate the bygone era for passengers. We recommended you to sit on the right side while traveling towards Shimla and on the left while heading towards Kalka. A perfect stay is a perfect way to enjoy what Shimla has to offer, and there is no other place than Royal Retreat that would complement your Shimla experience.