The
lush valleys of Himachal Pradesh are unparalleled in offering a panoramic
vista to tourists who flock to the state through out the year. Easily approachable
from the plains of northern India, the picturesque Shivalik valley in the
Kalka-Shimla region affords a breathtaking experience.
To promote the concept of integrated tourism development, the Indian Railways
after collaborating with the Himachal Tourism have added a touch of class
to the Shivalik Deluxe Toy Train on the Kalka-Shimla route. The train runs
between the Kalka and Shimla , Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and
Kalka is situated on the foot hills of Shivalik Mountain Range.The whole journey
is like paradise , with beautiful seneries all over the journey.
The Destinations Covered in the Kalka Shimla Rail Route
The 96-km long Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge railway track combines antiqueness
and modernity with a gift of pilgrimage and natural charm. The rail motor
car of 1927 vintage which had the distinction of bringing Mahatma Gandhi in
1945 to Shimla for talks with Viceroy Wavell about British plans to leave
India, is still rail worthy and remains a tourist's attraction. The Gothic-style
Barog railway station has become a favourite jaunt of Bollywood stars.
Going back to 1903, the Kalka-Shimla rail track is an engineering marvel,
with 103 tunnels and over 700 non-girder bridges in a distance of only 96-km.
The route's longest tunnel, midway at Barog, is 3,760 feet long. More than
two- thirds of the entire track is on curves, some as sharp as 48 degrees.
The train stops at or run past Jabli,
Dharampur, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat and Taradevi, to name a few of
the well maintained railway stations on the way. The Shivalik Deluxe
Express, popularly known as the narrow-gauge Shatabdi, caters to
top-of-the-line clientele. Introduced in June 1996, the Shivalik Deluxe
Express runs packed to nine months capacity during the year.
The Coaches of the Shivalik Deluxe Toy Train :
Wide glass windows, ergonomically designed reversible cushioned chairs,
fancy electrical fittings, wall-to-wall carpeting, modern toilet amenities,
exclusive cabins for couples, a music system, communication facilities with
the guard and on-board customised catering services, has made this train
extremely popular among the tourists.
Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach :
The Shivalik Palace tourist coach has a deluxe hotel room and a
kitchenette. The fare includes meals on board and two retiring rooms for a
one-day stay at Shimla. A family of six can book this coach for the onward
journey from Kalka to Shimla. This coach can be attached in the rear of any
train on the route so that the travelling party gets a 'peninsular' view of
the valleys, mountains and clouds.
It has tastefully decorated interiors, folding beds/dining and dressing
tables, cushioned chairs, wall clock, temperature-cum-time indicator, fans,
fridge, kitchenware, cutlery, crockery, cooking range, music channel,
cordless bell, and much more. Indoor games and light reading material are
also provided to let the passengers enjoy a full-fledged luxury stay. An
attendant is also provided while on travel.
Shimla Attractions
SUGGESTED
TOURS
