Train travel in India isn't all about mammoth long distance train trips on Indian Railways. India also has a number of luxury trains and other special tourist trains that cater solely for visitors. Many of these are small toy trains that run on historic railway lines up to India's hill settlements. Although these trains are slow and can take up to eight hours to reach their destinations, the mountain scenery is beautiful, making the journeys really worthwhile.
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
www.flickr.com user Joe Gratz
The Darjeeling toy train, officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, transports passengers through the lower reaches of the Eastern Himalayas to the rolling hills and lush green tea plantations of Darjeeling. It was completed in 1881, making it the oldest of India's historic toy train railways. Set aside a day to spend traveling on the railway and enjoy the captivating views.
2. Kalka-Shimla Railway
www.flickr.com user Nomad Tales
Taking a trip on the historic Kalka-Shimla train line is like traveling back in time. The railway, built by the British in 1903 to provide access to their summer capital of Shimla, provides one of the most scenic train journeys in India. It enlivens passengers as it gradually winds its way steeply upwards along the narrow track, though mystical mountains, pine forests, and more than 100 tunnels.
3. Matheran Hill Railway
Sharell Cook
The Matheran toy train had its first run in 1907. It deposits passengers amongst the shady greenery of the peaceful, pollution free hill settlement of Matheran -- where all vehicles are banned, even bicycles. The journey takes around two and a half hours to reach the top of the hill.
4. Ooty Nilgiri Mountain Railway
www.flickr.com user mtkopone
The toy train that runs on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the highlight of a visit to the hill settlement of Ooty, in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. This railway is particularly picturesque because of the surrounding rocky terrain, rivers, and thickly forested hills. It was was completed in 1899, 45 years after the first plans were drawn up.
