India's UNESCO Toy Trains 26N
Image by Vikramjit Kakati from Pixabay
India
Start Kolkata
Asia
Finish Srinagar
MARKER MAP
TRAIN INFORMATION
FLIGHTS
INSURANCE
.
Itinerary -
Kolkata 3N
Darjeeling 3N
Gantok 2N
New Delhi 1N
Kalka 1N
Shimla 3N
Paprola 1N
McLeod Gange 3N
Pathankot 1N
Amritsar 3N
Dal Lake 5N
New Delhi 1N
= 28N
Highlights -
Three of the most beautiful railway lines in the world
3 UNESCO Listed Toy Trains
Historic Hill Stations
Dal Lake Houseboats
Kolkata / Darjeeling / Sikkim / Amritsar / Shimla / McLeod Gangj / Kashmir
Famous -
Mt Everest
Wagah Border Show - the Berlin Wall of Asia
Two former capitals of the British Raj
When -
March to May is best so let's say April. Late March early April would be good for cheaper airfares.
July to September is Wet. October onwards is getting cold.
Snow in January - White Christmas - Skiing in Shimla ☃️
Lines -
Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri sector -
This express line connects North and South West Bengal. This line was opened in 2009 and is the first direct line between Digha and New Jalpaiguri.
Toy Trains of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - 1881 - 88kms - 12 Stns
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most scenic mountain rides in the world. Breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, forests, tea gardens and local villages.
One of the highlights is the children in each village running alongside the train and having a great time.
Built by the British in the days of the Raj it is known as an engineering marvel. It features switchbacks and loop de loops to get you up the steep inclines. It's like Disneyland but much better.
It stops at several stations along the way. One of the stations Ghoom is the highest on the route at 7,404 feet. It is also the second highest station in the world.
Mark Twain rode the train in 1896 and said "It was the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth".
Sadly the steam engine has been replaced by diesel but it does cut 3 hours off of the trip. You can still ride the steam trains on shorter joy rides around Darjeeling.
Kalka - Shimla Toy Train - 1903 - 102 tunnels - 864 bridges - 96 kms - 18 Stns
Was known as the "British Jewel in the Orient".
Five and a half hour journey that passes through rugged mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys and picturesque Hill Stations.
There is the Rail Motor Car which looks like a bus, has a glass roof and holds 18 people. It leaves at 5 am. There are several other trains during the day.
Kangra Valley Toy Train - 1929 - 164 kms - 7 Stns
A stunning ten hour journey with views of the Dauladhar Range and snow capped mountains. As well as having fast flowing streams running alongside and the Tea Gardens of Palampur. It has been called the most beautiful train journey in the world. This line isn't run as a tourist attraction like the other two. It's more of a turn up and grab a seat like the locals.
Due to problems with the track in 2022 (a major bridge collapsing) it may not be possible to do the whole line.
Tickets -
Getting tickets for Indian trains can be very tricky. I reccomend that you get them through these people. Have everything booked in advance. You'll never know how many headaches you have avoided. You can change the website to Canada, the UK and the USA and it has contact phone numbers. Work out your times, dates and train numbers from the timetables before hand then call them up and make all of your bookings.
You will need to book 7 legs
Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri Junction
New Jalpaiguri Junction to Darjeeling (Toy Train)
New Delhi to Kalka
Kalka to Shimla (Toy Train)
Paprola to Kangra (Toy Train) - probaly can't book & need to get ticket at station or just take a seat
Kangra to Nurpur Road (Toy Train) or further if possible towards Pathankot - probaly can't book & need to get ticket at station or just take a seat
Pathankot to Amritsar
Australia & New Zealand - (& Canada, UK & USA)
History -
The Toy Train Lines were built to take the Brits up to their Hill stations for holidays so they could avoid the summer heat down on the plains . Originally the trip from Calcutta to Darjeeling took well over 2 weeks. The Darjeeling line was the first Toy Train and is one of the oldest lines in India.
Narrow gauge was used because it is much cheaper for various reasons. Tunnels can be much smaller, curves can be much tighter and less materials are required.
Shimla (Simla) was established in 1864 and became the summer capital of the British Empire and the headquarters of the Army. It therefore needed a better transportation system and the Toy Train was the answer.
The Kanga Valley line was the last one to go through and is the longest.
There are 2 other Toy Train Lines in India. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu from Mettupalayam to Ooty. This is another UNESCO line and is the steepest in Asia. It is a lot further south than the others.
Lastly there is the Matheran Hill Railway from Neral to Matheran. This is a short one not too far from Mumbai (Bombay). It is famous for the "one kiss tunnel". It went out of service for a while but much to its fans delight it's back in business again.
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About -
Fly into Kolkata (Calcutta) and spend a couple of days looking at the many highlights it has to offer.
As a former capital of the British Raj there is some fascinating history and places. Some of the highlights of a walking tour include Mother Theresa's House, the Queen Victoria Memorial, the Black Hole of Calcutta and the Maidan to watch a bit of cricket.
Get into the great street food and markets. Nightlife action outside your door in Sudder Street.
Take the day time train to New Jalpaiguri Junction and spend the night resting up for your first Toy Train journey. You'll need to get an early start as the journey could take 7 - 12 hours depending on what train you take.
Off to Darjeeling on the best train trip of your life. So far.
Spend 3 nights soaking in the atmosphere of this wonderful place known as the Queen of the Hills. Hopefully you'll have some clear weather so you can see Mt Everest. Visit a Tea Garden and see some rare animals at the zoo.
Head up the road to another amazing Hill Station, Gangtok the capital of Sikkim. It is around 100 kms and will take 2 - 3hours. You could catch some buses but take a taxi if you can afford it. A couple of nights here to see the local attractions.
Fly from Gangtok to New Delhi and spend the night in a fancy hotel out by the airport recharging your batteries for the second half of the trip.
In the morning don't rush off - take advantage of the facilities available to you. When you're ready take the airport shuttle into the train station. They run every 10 mins and take 18 mins to get there. There is a station close to your hotel. From here catch the train to Kalka .
Spend the night before taking the Toy Train ride is up to Shimla, once the capital of the British Empire and the Queen of Hills. Have 3 days in the hill station looking around at the colonial history. See why it was so popular with the Brits.
Take the bus to Paprola and spend the night in a heritage palace. The next day from Baijnath Paprola station ride the possibly haunted toy train up to Kangra Station. Hop off here and catch the bus up to McLeod Ganj or organise local transport. Spend 3 nights in McLeod Ganj and hopefully the Dalai Lama is home in nearby Dharamshala. Head up to the Dharamkot Hippy Village for some treats like lasagne and shashuka.
For the last leg get back on the train at Kangra Station and ride it as far as possible towards Patahankot. Sadly the line is in disrepair and it doesn't get many funds for upkeep. A lot of the passengers ride for free. As of April 2023 the train was ending up at Nurpur Road due to the collapse of a major bridge across the Chakki River in August 2022. Leaving it 23 km short of Pathankot. If it hasn't been fixed you will need to do the last bit by by road with local transport. Spend the night here.
Catch the train or the bus from Pathankot to Amritsar which is a 2½ - 3 hour trip with numerous departures. Visit the Golden Temple and the outrageous Wagah Border.
Fly up to Srinigar and Dal Lake. Spend the end of your holiday unwinding in spectacular surroundings on your own houseboat. If it's too relaxing there's plenty to see and do around town.
Fly back to Delhi and one last night of luxury before going home having had some of the experiences of a lifetime.
Budget -
Most everything is pretty cheap in India. You could lash out on some historical hotels.
Airports - all flights are reasonable & direct
Kolkata Airport aka Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
previously Dum Dum International Airport - Fly here to start the trip.
Gangtok Pakyong Airport (PYG) -
Fly from here to New Delhi
Amritsar International Airport (ATQ) - aka Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport -
Fly from here to Srinagar
Srinagar International Airport (SXR) aka Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport -
Fly from here to Delhi
Delhi Indira Ghandi International Airport (DEL) -
Fly home from here
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Stay -
KOLKATA 3N
The Oberoi Grand Kolkata ***** -
Outdoor pool, 3 Restaurants - the first Olberoi ever (the 2nd hotel owned by Mr Oberoi after the Clarkes at Shimla)
in Kolkata or elsewhere in or near Sudder Street
NEW JALPAIGURI JUNCTION 1N
near the train station
DARJEELING 3N
Udaan Nirvana Resort Darjeeling
or somewhere with a great view
GANGTOK 2N
in the heart of town
NEW DELHI AIRPORT 1N
All hotels are in the Aero City close to the Metro station into the city. No need to rush in the morning, enjoy your facilities and have a recharge. They have Airport Shuttles for an additional charge or you could use the Metro.
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport ***** -
Outdoor pool, 4 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, an IHG Hotel ***** -
Outdoor pool, 2 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport ***** -
Outdoor pool, 2 Restaurants, bar, Spa & Wellness
There are a heap of cheap ones around as well. Just look at the Booking.com map.
KALKA 1N
Where there are a group of hotels and restaurants 5 mins walk from the railway station
SHIMLA 3N
have a bit of a splurge at this heritage hotel which was the first aquisition for the famous Indian hotelier Mohan Singh Oberoi.
On the Mall Rd
Near Victory Tunnel, restaurant
or
PAPROLA 1N
WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace Hotel Palampur *** तारागढ़ पैलेस होटल
Outdoor pool, Restaurant, bar, patio, gift shop, fitness centre
McLEOD GANJ 3N
The Hosteller McLeodganj, Mall Road
Restaurant, patio, fire
Restaurant, Patio, awesome views
PATHANKOT 1N
Bar & Restaurant, close to the bus and train stations
AMRITSAR 3N
Hotel Sapphire Opposite Golden Temple *** -
Views from terrace
Views from the rooftop
SRINIGAR 5N
NEW DELHI 1N
Overnight stopover at the airport - have a look at the choices above. ⬆️
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See -
Partition Museum - 20 million displaced people
India's most beautiful cricket ground - Dharmshala
Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeeling - see rare and endangered species like the red panda and snow leopard in one of India's best maintained zoos
Do -
Hill Station Golf Courses
Ride the Jakhu Ropeway - Shimla
Sunset at Scandal Point - Shimla
Sunset at sunset point - McLeod Gange
White water rafting / Hang Gliding / Paragliding / Mountain biking
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Eat -
Bengali cuisine, Tibetan cuisine, Sikkimese cuisine, Punjabi cuisine, Himachali cuisine, Kashmiri cuisine
Authentic afternoon tea at the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling
Full English on the rooftop terrace at Keventers
Bharawan da Dhaba - since 1912
Afternoon Tea at Wildflower Hall - Lord Kitcheners old house
Kailash restaurant - McLeod Ganj - Tibetan food with agreat view fron the rooftop setting
Famous Shiva Cafe - McLeod Gange
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Drink -
Joey's Bar / Getty's Cafe - Live local acts / Glenary's bar - Darjeeling
Mcllo Beer Bar and Restaurant - McLeod Ganj
Don't Miss -
Seeing the Dalai Lama - McLeod Ganj
Souvenirs -
Darjeeling Tea / Sikkim Tea / Kashmiri Tea / Handicrafts / Tibetan Jumpers / Sikkim Rum / Phulkari - Punjabi shawl / Saffron - watch out for fakes
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Visa -
You will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy or Consulate
To into Sikkim you will need to pick up a pass in Kolkata at Sikkim House. It is free and issued on the spot. All you will need is are two passport photos and photocopy of your passport. It's always wise to carry a few of these around anyway. Also you'll need a photocopy of your visa. You can probably do this at the checkpoint but it's less hassle in Kolkata. You can get it online but it still needs to be stamped.
Go to Sikkim House 4/1 Middleton St. Kolkata Ph 033- 2281 7905
Tips -
Kashmir is a volatile region. be sure to get the latest security advice before going there. Tourists aren't targeted and tourism is valued.
Remember to be respectful of their culture.
Take photocopies of your passport - one or two of your visa and at least 2 x passport photos for your Inner Line Permit to get into Sikkim
Extra -
Have a look at 'Holi Moo' in Festivals.
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