My travel to smila by toy train

My Ride on Toy Train of Kalka Shilma Railway: Will Be the journey of remembered

Let's see some facts about kalka-shimla railway

• In between 1898 and 1903 to connect shimla(summer capital during British raj), the railway was built under guidance of Herbert Septimus Harington 
• It's a  narrow gauge  railway about 2ft 6in (762mm), Operated by Northern Railway.
• It is known for dramatic views of The hills and surrounding villages.
• There are total 18 stations in between Kalka- shimla. Total distance is 96 km.
• On 8 July 2008, Kalka-Shimla railway is recognised as mountain railways of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Let's start

• My journey to shimla starts from kalka station, as i boarded Kalka-Shimla express at 6:15am , actually i was best time to board the train to shimla because you can witness the beauty of hills.
• As train starts to move, With full excitement i sat inside the train that makes me  real feel of toy train.

• After little inclination at 33km we reached Dharampur , from here the actual journey started the train snakes through mountains and i was witnessing beauty of this journey through mountain curves by standing at the entrance door, but it was chilling cold because it was the time before (in December first week) 10days of snow fall.

• Next station  Barog we reached at 42 km, after passing the longest tunnel in the route. The curve after crossing the tunnel gives a station  spectacular look and station is pretty good and clean. 

• At 46km solan is next station , solan is situated 1429 m above see level. The National institute of research on mushroom farming and Solan agriculture University is situated here.

• From here the  journey is completely magnificent with spectacular view of mountains kissing could  and valleys of beautiful teak trees makes yours happiest.
• Far away you can witness the snow mountains and sun plays hide sick between mountains and clouds ,it feels so romantic.
• Taradevi, (84km, 1936 m) the next important station.

The name derives from mata tara devi. Where the Sankat Mochan and Taradevi temples are situated.

• Next summer hill(92km, 2075m) which is nearest to the shimla. Himachal Pradesh University is situated here.

• Queen of hill finally welcomes us with chilling cloulds whirling on it . 
• I reached destination at around 12pm after wonderful journey of 6hours through beautiful mountains .
• Kalka-Shimla toy train journey we never forget , it will be a best memory that never fade.

Now it's time to explore the shimla

• Once i reached shimla , soon i checked into hotel and got fresh up .

(Note -there is one hotel Bindu raj sood dharmshala where the rooms are so economical at 300rupees with all needful facilitates. I think it best option for budget traveler.)

• At 2:00pm i started from hotel to explore the shimla, first i reached mall road by walk from hotel but the way to mall road is tricky to it was like inclining upward with any bending.
• It was like adventure when i reached mall road , at mall road i did my launch (there you can every fast food chain like KFC, Mc Donalds, Domino's, pizza hut, etc) but trust me better taste local cuisine you will definitely love it and you will find plenty local restaurants).
• After Lunch i started walking through Mall road , there  you will see hand made shoe and clothing . 
• Best thing to buy is warm clothes you will get in less price, 
• Next, i started towards the Ridge it was amazing place with the full open and flat area around , it is situated on top of shimla. Where cultural activities held overe here.

    Town hall in night time

• Besides that the Christ Church is located, it was attractive and scenic place and at other end Town hall is situated, it was heritage building with wonderful architecture that was constructed by British.

• After, i started hiking towards the jakhoo temple. We can go to jakhoo temple by three ways by walking, on car, horse, and Ropeway (cost around 500rs).

Hanuman idol

Temple

Sunset

View point snow mountains

• Jakhoo temple is a ancient heritage temple in shimla, dedicated to lord Hanuman, it is situated on the Highest peak of shimla about 2.5 km east of the ridge at the height of 2455 mts from sea level. There 33mt long Hanuman idol was built in 10 November 2010.

(Note : reach jakhoo temple before 5pm to see spectacular sunset between snow mountains .).

Travel Guide to Shimla

From Delhi to Kalika by train : 

• Himalayan queen start from new Delhi at 05:35 and reaches kalka at 11:10.
• HWH DLI KLK Mail starts from Delhi at 21:30 and reaches kalka at 04.35.
• Paschim express starts from New Delhi at 11.05 and reaches kalka at 16.25.

From kalka to shimla toy train timing:

• KLK SML Pass starts 03.30 at kalka and reaches shimla at 08:55.
• Shivalik DLX Exp starts 05:45 at kalka and reaches shimla at 10:35.
• Kalka Shimla exp starts from kalka at 6:20 and reaches shimla at 11:35.
• Himalayan queen starts from kalka at 12:10  and reaches shimla at 17.30.

Return Journey

From Shimla to Kalka toy train timing:

• KLK SML Pass starts from Shimla at 14:20 and reaches Kalka at 08:55.
• Shivalik DLX Exp starts from Shimla at 7:55 and reaches Kalka at 22.50.
• Kalka Shimla exp starts from Shimla at 18:35 and reaches Kalka at 23.35.
• Himalayan queen starts from Shimla at 10:40  and reaches kalka at 16.10.

From kalka to Delhi by train : 

• Himalayan queen start from kalka at 16:55 and reaches New Delhi at 22:40.
• HWH DLI KLK Mail starts from kalka at 23:55 and reaches Delhi at 06:30.
• Paschim express starts from kalka at 10:20 and reaches New Delhi at 16:25.

• You can get a Buses from New Delhi and Chandigarh to shimla.

Things to carry

Pair of Leather shoes and shocks.

Sweater and thick warm clothes during winter. 

Hand gloves and monkey cap.

Must carry umbrella when snow fall time and mansoon.

Best time to visit Shimla

During snow fall time in December to February.

March to June is also a best season to visit shimla. During this time weather will pleasant suitable for outdoor activities.