That’s cool! 5 magnificent 'toy train' rides to India’s famous hill stations

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is one of the 'Mountain Railways of India,' which is listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO

From Wanderlust

Want to escape India's heat and bustle? Take the train to the hill resorts of Shimla, Darjeeling and beyond: it's a slow but spectacular journey, revealing India as you've never seen it before...

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu

Udhagamandalam (or Ooty) is known as the 'Queen of the Hill Stations' and getting there on board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a right royal treat. The narrow gauge train, which is powered by a steam locomotive, twists and turns its way across plains, through tea plantations, and up into the forested hills.

The railway, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, traverses 16 tunnels and high bridges along the way. Its top speed is a leisurely 33km per hour, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Keep an eye out for the playful Nilgiri langur and bonnet macaques skittering through the trees along the route.

Start: Mettupalayam
Finish: Udhagamandalam (Ooty)
Length: 46km
Duration: 5 hours

2. Kalka-Shimla Railway, Himachal Pradesh

The train from Kalka to Shimla covers a whopping 96 kilometres traversing over 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges, and a seemingly endless series of S-bends. Every switch-back reveals an unforgettable panorama, so you'll be grateful for the train's gentle pace.

Toy train from Shimla to Kalka in India

The picturesque stations along the way such as Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan offer a gentle introduction to what lies ahead in Shimla, your final destination. This famous hill resort was the 'summer capital' during British rule, and is a curious mix of quaint cottage-style villas and highland shooting lodges. In winter it is carpeted in snow, and even in summer you may arrive to find it shrouded in mist.

Start: Kalka
Finish: Shimla
Length: 96km
Duration: 6 hours

3. Matheran Hill Railway, Maharashtra

The narrow-gauge line that winds from Neral to Matheran is a delight. The 77-year-old line is the main way to Matheran, in the Western Ghats, and as it chugs up into the clear mountain air through 'One Kiss Tunnel' the view across the hills and plains below is breathtaking.

View from Matheran railway track, Matheran, Maharashtra, India

The line is often closed during the worst of the monsoon, but after the rains the waterfalls along the route are at their most spectacular. Matheran is car-free and beautifully laid out, with some fine colonial buildings and 38 picturesque look-out points to discover.

Start: Neral
Finish: Matheran
Length: 23km
Duration: 1.5 hours

4. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal

Arguably the most famous of India's 'toy train' lines, the Darjeeling Hill Railway also boats the narrowest gauge. Trundling along a track barely two-foot wide, the train zigzags its way up into the mountains, pulled by a tiny steam locomotive as old as the line itself.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train, is a 2 ft narrow gauge railway

The spiral at Ghoom (2,258m) offers the most unforgettable view. On a clear day, the Himalayas seem to go on forever, and you can pick out Kangchenjunga the world's third-highest mountain. On arrival in Darjeeling, you'll be treated to quaint colonial-era architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and a pot of the region's famous tea.

Start: New Jalpaiguri
Finish: Darjeeling
Length: 86km
Duration: 7.5 hours

5. Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal Pradesh

The Kangra Valley Railway runs through the Himalayan foothills from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar, crossing 950 bridges and offering uninterrupted mountain views along the way. But whereas India's other 'toy trains' are popular with tourists, the Kangra Valley Rail mainly serves local people.

The 163km journey is slow, but offers a real insight into Indian life. And the scenery is spectacular: you'll spot ancient forts and temples, and pass through pine forests and tea gardens. The steepest stretch is between Baijnath and Joginder Nagar: here, the train slows to a snail's pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the majesty of the snow-capped mountains before you.

Start: Pathankot
Finish: Joginder Nagar
Length: 163km
Duration: 10 hours

This article was supported by Incredible India, but it is independent and impartial just like all Wanderlust editorial.