
Kalka Shimla Railway
A UNESCO World Heritage toy train journey through the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, clear skies

Kalka Shimla Railway
Best Time
Pleasant weather, clear skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage toy train journey through the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic ride.
"A truly magical journey through the mountains, a must-do for any traveler!"

🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Toy train tickets, especially for popular routes, sell out quickly. Book online via IRCTC or at the station well ahead of time.
🧳 Pack Light for the Train
Space can be limited on the toy train. Pack essentials in a small bag for comfort during the scenic journey.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Scenic Toy Train Ride
Kalka to Shimla
Experience a UNESCO World Heritage journey through lush valleys, over 800 bridges, and 103 tunnels.

Kalka Railway Station
Kalka, Haryana
The historic starting point of the toy train, recently upgraded with modern facilities.

Barog Tunnel
En route to Shimla
The longest tunnel on the route, a significant engineering feat and a memorable part of the journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Toy Train Tickets Early
Understand the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay suggestion in Kalka
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Toy train tickets, especially for popular routes, sell out quickly. Book online via IRCTC or at the station well ahead of time.
🧳 Pack Light for the Train
Space can be limited on the toy train. Pack essentials in a small bag for comfort during the scenic journey.
Help a fellow first time solo traveler..
Urgent!! Can I get off at kalka instead of Chandigarh.
📸 Capture the Views
The journey is incredibly picturesque. Keep your camera or phone ready for stunning mountain vistas and charming villages.
☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments
Some trains offer light refreshments. It's a nice way to enhance your experience as you chug along the hills.
Looking for recommendations for Kalka Shimla toy train tour
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Toy train tickets, especially for popular routes, sell out quickly. Book online via IRCTC or at the station well ahead of time.
🧳 Pack Light for the Train
Space can be limited on the toy train. Pack essentials in a small bag for comfort during the scenic journey.
📸 Capture the Views
The journey is incredibly picturesque. Keep your camera or phone ready for stunning mountain vistas and charming villages.
☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments
Some trains offer light refreshments. It's a nice way to enhance your experience as you chug along the hills.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Kalka Shimla Railway is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and the unique experience of a UNESCO World Heritage toy train journey. Travelers praise the engineering marvel of the route, the charm of the heritage trains, and the overall nostalgic feel. However, some visitors note that tickets can be difficult to obtain due to high demand, and the journey can be long for those seeking speed.
"Kalka Railway Station (KLK) is a major railhead located in Panchkula district of Haryana. It serves as the starting point of the famous Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage route. The station is clean, well-maintained, and has basic facilities like waiting rooms, food stalls, and booking counters. It is well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla, making it a popular stop for tourists heading to the hills. The scenic narrow-gauge journey from Kalka to Shimla starts right here."
balu
"Kalka is a very neat and well maintained railway station with all basic facilities.
The waiting and retiring room's has been renovated and are comparable with the best.
Overall very good."
S. Ganguly,Nagpur
"Nice and peaceful railway station of Northern Railway territory, last station for broad gauge railway, toy train available for Shimla route. Located near by only from Mata Kali Devi temple. Food, hotels easily available outside the premises. Only few train like Shatabdi and Netaji (Kalka Mail) departs from here."
Soumy Sharma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kalka Railway Station (KLK) is well-connected by broad-gauge trains from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. You can also reach it by road. Many travelers opt to take a train to Chandigarh or Ambala Cantt and then a connecting train or taxi to Kalka.
The most convenient way is to take a direct train from Delhi to Kalka. The Shatabdi Express and Kalka Mail are popular options. Alternatively, you can travel to Chandigarh by train and then take a shorter train or taxi ride to Kalka.
Yes, you can travel from Chandigarh to Shimla by train, but it involves a change at Kalka. You'll take a train from Chandigarh to Kalka, and then board the Kalka Shimla toy train.
There are no direct trains from Ambala Cantt to Shimla. You would need to travel from Ambala Cantt to Kalka by train and then board the Kalka Shimla toy train.
The Kalka Shimla Railway covers a distance of approximately 96.6 kilometers (60 miles) via the toy train route. The journey takes around 5 to 6 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book Kalka to Shimla toy train tickets online through the official Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app. Look for the 'Kalka Shimla Toy Train' or specific train names like 'Shivalik Deluxe Express'.
Tickets can be booked online via IRCTC, or in person at Kalka Railway Station. It's highly recommended to book in advance, as tickets are often in high demand.
While it might be possible to get tickets on arrival, it's risky, especially during peak season. Many travelers report that tickets sell out days or weeks in advance.
Ticket prices vary depending on the class of travel and the specific train. For example, the Shivalik Deluxe Express might have different fares than the regular toy train. Check the IRCTC website for current prices.
It's advisable to book your Kalka to Shimla train tickets at least 30-60 days in advance, especially if you plan to travel during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
🎫 🚂 Onboard Experience
The route features several types of trains, including the Shivalik Deluxe Express (luxury), the Himalayan Queen (heritage), and other regular toy trains. Each offers a unique experience.
The Shivalik Deluxe Express is often recommended for its comfort and panoramic windows, offering excellent views. However, all toy trains on this route provide a scenic experience.
The journey typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of 96.6 km. It's a leisurely ride designed to let you soak in the mountain scenery.
Some trains, like the Shivalik Deluxe Express, offer onboard catering. For other trains, it's advisable to carry your own snacks and water, though there are usually vendors at stations.
The Kalka to Shimla toy train covers a distance of approximately 96.6 kilometers (60 miles) through a winding, mountainous route.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the numerous bridges, tunnels (especially Barog Tunnel), pine forests, and charming stations like Shimla and Kalka. Keep your camera ready throughout the journey.
Yes, the windows are generally large enough for good shots. However, the train moves slowly, so you can also capture stunning landscapes when it stops at stations.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive mountain views.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues. Avoid midday sun if possible for more dramatic shots.
The toy train makes scheduled stops at various stations along the route. You can alight during these stops to take photos, but be mindful of the departure time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you have comfortable seating, perhaps opting for the Shivalik Deluxe Express for added comfort and entertainment. The numerous tunnels and bridges provide moments of excitement and wonder. It's a fantastic way to introduce children to the beauty of the Himalayas and a memorable part of any family trip to Shimla.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (just before or after peak times) when ticket prices might be slightly lower and crowds thinner. The core experience of the scenic journey remains the same across all train types, making it an accessible adventure for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, to capture both the grand scale of the Himalayas and the intricate details of the railway. Don't forget to photograph the historic stations and the unique engineering of the tunnels and bridges. The Kalka to Shimla toy train journey itself is an experience to document, so be ready to capture candid moments of fellow passengers enjoying the ride.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Kalka-Shimla Railway
Travelers often marvel at the sheer scale of the project and the ingenuity involved. The journey itself is a slow, deliberate experience, allowing passengers to appreciate the intricate engineering that makes this route possible. From the deep cuttings to the soaring viaducts, every element tells a story of human determination against nature. The railway continues to operate using heritage steam and diesel locomotives, adding to its charm and historical significance.
Key Features of the Route
* Narrow Gauge: The track is only 2 feet 6 inches wide, a characteristic of many heritage mountain railways.
* Tunnels: The longest tunnel, Barog Tunnel, is over 1,143 meters (3,750 feet) long.
* Bridges: The bridges range from simple stone structures to impressive steel and concrete viaducts.
* Altitude Gain: The train ascends from an altitude of 656 meters (2,152 ft) at Kalka to 2,076 meters (6,811 ft) at Shimla.
Choosing Your Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Experience
For a more heritage feel, the Himalayan Queen is a classic choice. While it might not have the same luxury amenities as the Deluxe Express, it offers an authentic toy train experience, chugging along at a steady pace. Other regular toy trains also operate on the route, providing a more budget-friendly option. Regardless of the train you choose, the Kalka Shimla railway ticket booking process is crucial, and booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
Train Options:
* Shivalik Deluxe Express: Luxury, comfortable seating, onboard meals, panoramic windows.
* Himalayan Queen: Heritage experience, classic toy train feel.
* Regular Toy Trains: Budget-friendly, standard seating.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit