History
The Kalka Simla railway was built during British rule in India and was connected to the summer capital of the British Indian railway network via Simla. The rail network holds the Guinness World Record for its steepest altitude of 96 kilometers and encompasses 800 bridges and viaducts. It is one of the most beautiful mountain railways in India. In the British period, it was considered the “jewel in the crown” of the National Railway of India.
Kalka Shimla Railway (KSR) is a 96.6 km long monorail, built in the mid-19th century to serve the mountainous city of Shimla, symbolizing the technical and material efforts to expel people from the mountain railway.
Narrow Gauge Kalka Simla Railway, commonly known as the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Line, opened in 1903, connecting Shadu Shimla in British India with the North Downs. . Rail trip Kalka Simla Rail line began to rise almost immediately after leaving the Kalka rail station. The toy train creaked along the line, whizzing through forests of cedar, pine, banyan, oak, and maple at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour. When the journey begins, people will be in awe of the changes in vegetation along the way and the majesty of the train station and the Gothic bridge.
The coolest part of the trip is sitting by the window, enjoying the cool breeze, enjoying the greenery, smelling the dew on the greenery, birdsong, and the experience of cows grazing on the track. Especially if you take any of the two toy trains in the early morning. Total altitude change: from Kalka, 655 meters (2,150 feet) to Shimla, 2,076 meters (6,811 feet).
The route
Kalka-Shimla train allows passengers to see fascinating places and small towns, otherwise, they would never have seen it with their own eyes. The route starts at Kalka in the Panchkula district of Haryana, starts at zero meters, and winds upwards along a narrow track. The train began to ascend at 656 meters and passed through 18 stations to Shimla, located on the side of the Himalayas at 2,076 meters above sea level. When the train rises through steep mountains and curves, its speed will decrease. 4,444 stops at 18 stations: Taksal (6 kilometers), Grumman (11 kilometers), Koti (17 kilometers), Sonwara (27 kilometers), Dharampur (33 kilometers), Kumarhatti (39 kilometers), Barog (43 kilometers), Solan ( 47 km), Salogra (53 km), Kandaghat (59 km), Kanoh (65 km), Kathlegat (73 km), Shoghi (78 km), Taradevi (85 km), Jutoh (90 km), Summer Hill (93 km) kilometers), and finally Shimla (96 kilometers). Each station has refreshments and food stands so that passengers can taste local delicacies along the way. To say the least, the journey is magical.
Tourist Train Service
There are four regular tourist train services on the Kalka Shimla Railway. They are:
- Shivalik Deluxe Express: High-end express train, equipped with carpets, large windows, upholstered seats, relaxing music, and upgraded bathrooms. It has a capacity of 120 passengers. Food is provided and the train only stops at Barrog.
- Himalayan Queen: A standard train, 1st, and 2nd class carriages. Food is not provided, but can be purchased at the nine stops along the way. Some stations are 510 minutes away, so this train is best for those who like to get out and explore. You will be able to take many photos.
- Rail Motor Car: is uniquely similar to WWII buses. It has a transparent roof and only seats 14 passengers. This is also a courier service that provides food. One-stop, in Barrog. But buying tickets can be a bit tricky.
- Vistadome Him Darshan Express: A new train with seven carriages, with a glass roof and modified windows that provide panoramic views. This is the only train with air conditioning.
Travel Tips
The best view is on the right side of the train when going to Shimla and on the left side when returning. There are few accommodations to choose from if you have to stay overnight at Kalka. A better option is to head to Parwanoo, a few kilometers away.
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