This morning transfer to Shimla Railway Station to board the Himalayan Queen Train, travelling through beautiful scenery towards Kalka.
One of India's five 'Toy Trains' built by the British, it is registered in the Guinness Book as the greatest narrow gauge engineering achievement in India. The train passes through breathtaking landscapes of the majestic Himalayas - with 103 tunnels, 969 bridges, 919 curves and over 20 railway stations along the way. Enjoy splendid views of the snow-clad Himalayas, covered with thickly populated pine and oak forests.
As the Toy Train is not very comfortable, instead of travelling for 5-hours to Kalka we recommend you alight after 2-hours at Kandaghat Station (the stop after the busy market town of Solan) where a driver can meet you and transfer the rest of the way by road. This way you can have a comfort and lunch break midway (own account).
Arrive in Kalka in good time to board the 17.45 express train travelling 4-hours to Delhi (air conditioned chair class). You will be met at Delhi Railway Station and transferred to your hotel in the city.
Note: The small Toy Train is not air-conditioned and has no facilities, so be prepared for an interesting cultural experience (not a luxury journey). Please note your porterage is already pre-paid.
To avoid unnecessary stress, on the express train you will be accompanied by a local helper who will ensure you disembark at the correct stop. Please note he is not a guide and may have limited English. Always be alert for possible theft (eg do not wear expensive watches or jewellery & never leave your belongings unattended); do not buy any food or drink from hawkers and know the toilets are likely to be in a poor condition. Because of the very short (2-minute) stops at each station, train travel in India is not recommended for the elderly or those travelling with children.