Kalka–Shimla Railway - Image 1
1 / 2

Kalka Shimla Railway

4.2
·5k reviews·Kalka, India

A UNESCO World Heritage toy train journey through the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic ride.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

October to November

Pleasant weather, clear skies

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Kalka–Shimla Railway - Image 1

Kalka Shimla Railway

Best Time

October to November

Pleasant weather, clear skies

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage toy train journey through the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views and a nostalgic ride.

4.2
(5k reviews)

"A truly magical journey through the mountains, a must-do for any traveler!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Scenic Toy Train Ride

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 Railway Station

Kalka, Haryana

The historic starting point of the toy train, recently upgraded with modern facilities.

Barog Tunnel

Barog Tunnel

En route to Shimla

The longest tunnel on the route, a significant engineering feat and a memorable part of the journey.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Toy Train Tickets Early

The Kalka Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tickets, especially for the toy train, sell out fast. Book well in advance, particularly during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Some travelers have reported cancellations, so reconfirming your booking is wise. Reddit

Understand the Journey

The Kalka to Shimla toy train journey is renowned for its scenic beauty, traversing over 800 bridges and 103 tunnels. It's a slow, deliberate ride designed for enjoyment, not speed. Consider the different train options available for the best experience. TikTok

Best Times

When
October to November
Why
Pleasant weather, clear skies
Crowd
Medium
When
March to May
Why
Spring bloom, mild temperatures
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🧳 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. TikTok

reddit.com

Help a fellow first time solo traveler..

reddit.com

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. Instagram

☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments

Some trains offer light refreshments. It's a nice way to enhance your experience as you chug along the hills. TikTok

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🧳 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. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The journey is incredibly picturesque. Keep your camera or phone ready for stunning mountain vistas and charming villages. Instagram

☕ Enjoy Onboard Refreshments

Some trains offer light refreshments. It's a nice way to enhance your experience as you chug along the hills. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5k reviews)

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

Spectacular mountain views
Historic toy train journey
UNESCO World Heritage route

What People Dislike

Tickets sell out fast
Long journey time

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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'. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

🎫 🚂 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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

The Kalka to Shimla toy train covers a distance of approximately 96.6 kilometers (60 miles) through a winding, mountainous route. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kalka Shimla toy train journey is a magical experience for families. The slow pace and constant stream of changing scenery – from lush forests to charming villages – keep children engaged. The novelty of a 'toy train' itself is exciting for younger ones. Book tickets well in advance, especially during school holidays, as they are in high demand. Consider packing plenty of snacks and drinks, as onboard options can be limited on some trains. TikTok

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. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Kalka Shimla railway offers a more affordable way to experience the scenic route. While the Shivalik Deluxe Express is a premium option, regular toy trains are significantly cheaper. Book your tickets in advance to secure the best prices and availability. You can save money by packing your own food and water for the journey, rather than relying on onboard catering or station vendors. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Kalka Shimla Railway is a photographer's paradise. The entire 96.6 km route is a visual feast, offering endless opportunities for stunning shots. Focus on capturing the interplay of the train with the landscape – the iconic red carriages winding through verdant valleys, crossing majestic bridges, and disappearing into dark tunnels. The early morning and late afternoon light provides the best conditions for dramatic and atmospheric photography. Instagram

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. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Kalka-Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is more than just a scenic route; it's a testament to colonial-era engineering prowess. Opened in 1903, this narrow-gauge line spans 96.6 kilometers and climbs over 4,600 feet from Kalka to Shimla. It features an astonishing 103 tunnels and 800 bridges, a remarkable feat for its time. The construction involved overcoming challenging mountainous terrain, requiring innovative solutions for gradients and curves. The railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, recognizing its outstanding universal value. TikTok

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. Instagram

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

When planning your Kalka to Shimla toy train journey, you have a few options, each offering a slightly different experience. The most popular and often considered the most comfortable is the Shivalik Deluxe Express. This train is designed for tourists, featuring plush seating, large windows for panoramic views, and onboard catering. It's a premium experience aimed at maximizing enjoyment of the scenic route. TikTok

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. Reddit

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.

You may also like

1 of 2