Kalka to Shimla Toy Train: What No One Tells You Before the Ride
Picture this: snow-dusted pines, a slow chugging toy train, and 102 tunnels that whisper old-world secrets—yeh hai Himachal ki asli vibe!
The kalka to shimla toy train isn’t just a journey; it’s an experience that’ll steal your city-wale thakawat and throw you into the lap of pahadi charm. This UNESCO World Heritage marvel has been charming hearts since 1903, but trust us, there’s a lot no one tells you before you hop on board.
Booking Tips & Hidden Hacks
First things first, tickets for the Shimla toy train get booked faster than momos disappear in Lakkar Bazaar. So, plan ahead! Use the IRCTC website or app and look for the “Shivalik Deluxe Express” or “Himalayan Queen.”
Pro tip: Avoid Kalka Mail if you’re landing early morning. Instead, reach Kalka a day earlier and stay overnight. It’s less stressful and you’ll actually enjoy the station’s old-school charm. Also, try booking from Chandigarh to Shimla instead of Kalka to Shimla—it’s sometimes cheaper and available!
Best Side to Sit for Views
This is a golden hack most tourists miss—always, and we mean *always*, sit on the right-hand side when going uphill from kalka to shimla. You’ll get jaw-dropping views of deep valleys, forest-covered ridges, and if you’re lucky, a sprinkle of shimla snow in the winter months. It’s like riding inside a postcard, boss.
Lesser-Known Facts About the Toy Train
- It takes around 5 hours to cover just 96 km—so chill and soak in the old-school vibes!
- The train passes through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges. Tunnel 33 is even said to be haunted (but don’t worry, it’s a friendly ghost).
- The gradient is so steep, the train sometimes feels like it’s crawling uphill with all its might. But that’s part of its charm, right?
Food, Restrooms & Travel Suggestions
Now here's the real talk—don’t depend on the food sold on board. It's mostly basic and thoda bland. Pack your own tiffin or stop at Barog Station for hot chai and aloo parathas. They hit different in the hills!
Restrooms? Haaan, they exist, but carry tissues and sanitizer. Enough said.
Pro tip: Layer up if you’re heading to wildflower shimla or beyond, because the weather changes faster than a pahadi shortcut route!
Shimla railway station welcomes you with that colonial-era charm, and once you’re there, don’t rush. Roam around. Walk the Mall Road. Visit the places in Shimla that most folks miss—like Annadale, Jakhu Temple, or the State Library if you’re feeling bookish.
In Conclusion
The kalka to shimla toy train ride is not about speed—it's about slowing down and soaking in every bit of magic these hills offer. So next time someone says it’s “just a train ride,” give them that pahadi smirk and say, “Tu chadh ke toh dekh!”
