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Trains in India Toy Trains
Toy Trains
Darjeeling Toy Train
This train runs between New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and counts among the
most wonderful journeys of the world. Although the 83 km long journey takes
about nine hours to reach its destination, the wait is worth it as the magnificent
views of landscapes that you get to savour are truly enchanting.
The proposal to lay down a train line between Siliguri and Darjeeling was
put up by one Franklin Prestage. The earlier train was very different from
the one that runs today as it was only a four wheeled trolley covered with
canvas. Then it was used to carry cargo whereas today it is known for carrying
the tourists.
Route covered
From Siliguri -Kurseong up to Ghoom and Darjeeling in the hills.
Shimla Toy Train
Just after the introduction of railways in India, there was a proposal to
build a rail line up to it. After the proposal for the railway line was
submitted, intense discussions followed and then an adhesion line was preferred
to the rack system. Around 120 passengers can be accommodated on this train.
The coaches of Shimla Toy Train are very well appointed with wall to wall
carpeting as well as glass windows that enhance the overall appearance of
the toy train. About four and half hours are needed to reach Shimla from
Kalka.
The Barog railway station is somewhat special as the train stops here for
about 15 minutes to enable the passengers to have some refreshments from
the restaurant here which is regarded as the best of any hill station in
India.
Routes covered
Kalka - Barog - Solan- Shimla
Nilgiri Toy Train
The journey that you undertake through this train is truly amazing as it
is not only the distance that you cover but also the altitude that you gain
that takes your breath away. The journey commences at the height of 1069
feet and goes up to 7228 feet.
The reason for building this track was that it was very difficult to reach
Udhagmandalam (now known as Ooty). Travellers needed to go to Ooty on a
horse back through the forests. Although the idea began to take shape in
1854 itself, it took another 40 years to begin work on it. First, a Swiss
inventor Riggenback started work on it and built the line up to Conoor by
1899. Later the track was extended up to Ooty by 1908.
This rail line is unique in itself as it negotiates the steepest slope with
ease. To climb up, it uses Alternate Biting System which is also called
the rack and the pinion system. The engine is kept on the back of the train
to push the train forward.
The journey commences at Mettupalayam, passes through the plain areas only
for about five miles and then goes up to Ooty. En route, you'll witness
beautiful sceneries
Route Covered
Mettupalayam - Kellar - Coonoor - Wellington - Lovedale - Ootacamund
Matheran Toy Train
Matheran is an incomparable hill station and is easily accessible from Mumbai
as it is only 108 km away from Mumbai. The landscapes visible from Matheran
are exceptional and the air, pollution free as the place is a vehicle free
zone.
The Toy train at Matheran starts its journey from Neral on the Mumbai Pune
line and ends at Matheran. This route was discovered by an Indian, Abdul
Hussein. He obtained permission from his father and based himself at Neral
and started working on the project from there. The work on the railway line
finished in 1907 and was opened for traffic in the same year.
Although the journey takes only 90 minutes, yet the visual delights that
it offers along the way are tremendous and beyond comparison. Come Hardar
hills and the ascent begins but the real treat comes at the Jamnapatti station
where the track and the road run together for some distance and get separated
after a while. They come back again after the slope at Bhekra Kund ends.
The attractions to watch out for en route are the Panorama point and Simpson
Tank after which the train reaches its destination, Matheran.
Route covered
Neral - Hardal Hill - Jammapatti Station - Bhekra Station - Mount Barry-
Panorama Point - Simpson Point - Matheran Bazaar.