Train rides through the mountains are one of the best experiences a traveler can ever have. These journeys are profoundly stimulating because of the whistling sound of the engine and the breathtaking scenery. The trains travel through undulating gorges, dramatic slopes, lush plantations and more. From the high-speed train, you might experience an adrenaline rush as you view the cascading stream beneath the mountain bridge. As you passed through the dark, mysterious tunnels that opened back up to the sunlight, you could sense the warmth of hollowness. In India, you can enjoy some exhilarating toy train ride experiences in the mountains. Here is a list of 5 such toy train rides.
Darjeeling Toy Train
This toy train, also known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, has the narrowest gauge in the country, which is roughly 2 feet wide. The route connects New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and will take you through the misty Himalayas and pristine tea plantations.
This route was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 5, 1999. The train rolls up to the mountain town in loops that cover Rangtong, Kurseong, Ghum, and others.
Kalka-Shimla Railway, Himachal
Kalka-Shimla Railway route, which passes through the most mountainous stretch between Kalka and Shimla, offers stunning views of the valley, the hills, and the surrounding hamlets. UNESCO added the route to the mountain railways of India World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008.
Additionally, the heritage steam engine crosses the historic Barog tunnel, the longest tunnel on the Northern-Shimla Railways.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
This route was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 as an extension of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The train ride from Mettupalayam to Ooty takes travellers through dense forests and plantations in Coimbatore and Nilgiri districts.
You might also see Nilgiri langurs and bonnet macaques from the train.
Matheran Hill Railway, Maharashtra
Take this train ride from Neral to Matheran to enjoy the lush green Western Ghats. It offers a dreamy experience cutting through the forests with hills above and plains below.
The road is closed during the rainy months, but a post-monsoon ride offers spectacular views of the waterfalls.
Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal
It runs through the sub-Himalayan region of Kangra Valley from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar, offering stunning views of the mountains. You’ll see forts, temples, tea plantations and pine trees along the way. In addition, this toy train crosses 950 bridges and is used by the locals for daily commutes.
Arunachal Pradesh will also soon offer toy train rides, according to reports. Arunachal Pradesh’s CM Pema Khandu has approved a toy train project in Tawang. As soon as the toy train project is completed, you will be able to ride through the green and misty hills of Tawang. From Bhalukpong, the train will traverse through tunnels, gorges, and more, and it will ascend to a height of 10,000 feet. The total distance covered by the journey will be approximately 378 kilometers.