Did you know Indian railways are one of the world’s busiest rail networks? Yes! On any given day, Indian railways carry the most significant number of passengers. However, we all feel like we are missing out on beautiful scenery when traveling in trains, whether day or night, right? This is where the toy trains in India will give you an exciting experience while enjoying a beautiful view of nature.
Toy Trains in India provide a memorable experience for kids and adults because they are a set of adventurous and slow trains that line up the hilly trains. Read on!
5 Best Toy Trains in India:
We have listed five best Toy train routes in India to help you have fun with your family. The trains allow you to soak in the serenity, surrounded by lush nature embracing your inner child. A list of toy trains in India are:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal: New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu: Mettupalayam – Ooty
- Kalka–Shimla Railway, Himachal Pradesh
- Matheran Hill Railway, Maharashtra: Neral – Matheran
- Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal Pradesh: Pathankot – Jogindernagar
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:
If you are on board the Darjeeling Himalayan toy train, the zigzag turns, thrillful steep gradients, and intimidatingly high snow-clad mountains are a common sight. You will be in awe of the engineering marvel as you go through the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from which you can witness an unbelievably picture-perfect view of Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga peak, making it India’s best heritage toy train.
The 86 km long toy train ride provides an uninterrupted and close view of the hills because the train doesn’t pass through any tunnel. It is the first toy train in India that gives you a picture of the breathtaking locations and serene environment throughout the seven and half hour ride.s
- Route: Darjeeling – Ghoom – Darjeeling.
- Distance: 86 km.
- Starting date: Between 1879 and 1881.
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway:
The Nilgiri mountain toy train is one of the steepest rail systems in Asia. Additionally, the Nilgiri mountain toy train is one of India’s awe-inspiring toy trains that chug through dense forests, misty hilltops, and rocky terrain. It is also listed in India’s UNESCO world heritage sites, and it traverses through plain regions and forest-clad mountains running on narrow gauge. This trip can be an adventurous and memorable journey for everyone because the passengers witness many twists and turn as they pass through 16 tunnels and tall, girder bridges.
- Route: Mettupalayam – Kallar – Adderley – Coonoor – Wellington – Ketti – Ooty.
- Distance: 46 km.
- Starting date: 1908.
3. Kalka-Shimla Railway:
The Kalka-Shimla railway is India’s few operational toy trains listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. This train ride offers a picturesque view of the beauty as it passes through the lush green hills. The 96km Kalka-Shimla route includes 103 tunnels, over 850 bridges and is a narrow gauge train track. This 5.5-hour journey toy train ride connects two cities of Himachal Pradesh – Kalka and Shimla making it one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This route has more than one train, available at varying rates; some are express and other super luxury trains.
- Route: Kalka – Taksal – Gumman – Koti – Sonwara – Dharampur – Kumarhatti – Barog – Solan – Salogra – Kandaghat – Kanoh – Kathleegat – Shoghi – Taradevi – Jutoh – Summer Hill – Shimla.
- Distance: 96 km.
- Starting date: 1903.
4. Matheran Hill Railway:
The Mathern Hill Railway is Maharashtra’s century-old rail service from Neral to Matheran. It is known for its unbelievable descents and ascents and the ‘one kiss tunnel,’ making it India’s famous toy train. This train route is one of the oldest and the remotely located hill stations’ central transportation. The weather is pleasant, and considered a favourite spot among tourists because the vehicular traffic is minimal. Though this toy train was closed for a few months recently, the joyride has started again.
- Route: Matheran – Aman Lodge – Neral.
- Distance: 20 km.
- Starting date: 1907.
5. Kangra Valley Railway:
Yet another Indian toy train that runs through the narrow gauge between Pathankot and Jogindernagar is the Kangra Valley Railways. This train meanders through numerous bridges and tea gardens of Palampur and swift streams running parallel to the track and is a UNESCO World site. This train ride also showcases the region’s prominence by offering a grand view of the great Dhauladhar range scenic view of the tea gardens and farmlands. This toy train runs between Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh and Pathankot in Punjab and is among the last mountain railway built.
- Route: Pathankot Junction – Jwalamukhi Road – Kangra – Nagrota – Palampur – Baijnath – Jogindernagar.
- Distance covered: 164 km.
- Starting date: 1929.
Suppose you are a fan of the hill station and want to enjoy the surrounding nature peacefully. In that case, it is time you plan a train journey with your family to ride the toy trains in India. These trains make you cherish every moment while making you nostalgic, remembering your childhood. Therefore, go through the list without further ado and choose one based on your preference. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is based on pure research. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
FAQ:
1. Who is the inventor of the toy trains?
Joshua Lionel Cowen invented toy trains, also the inventor of model railroads in the early 20th century.
2. Can I pre-book tickets for a toy train ride?
Yes! It is advised to book toy train tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons. This way, you can avoid last-minute inconveniences and secure a seat beforehand.
3. What is the average duration of the toy train ride in India?
The route and destination determine the duration of the toy train ride. The ride can take longer, taking a few hours or a short passage of a few kilometers. You can know the time of the ride when you book the tickets.
