A Historic Overnight Stay
Coonoor Railway Station, a gem within the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway, offers more than just scenic toy train journeys. This station, steeped
in old-world charm and surrounded by mist-covered hills and tea plantations, provides an official accommodation option for passengers. While not a luxury retreat, it promises a clean, basic, and comfortable stay, with the unique condition that one must possess a reserved toy train ticket to avail this facility. The experience is amplified by the profound silence that descends after the last train departs at 4 PM, leaving guests to revel in the tranquility of the mountains, cool air, and peaceful ambiance.
Who Can Stay & How
To secure a spot at Coonoor Railway Station's unique lodgings, passengers need to meet specific Indian Railways regulations. Primarily, you must hold a confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket for a journey that either commences or concludes at Coonoor. A valid 10-digit PNR number is essential for booking purposes. Unfortunately, waitlisted or unreserved tickets do not qualify for advance online reservations. The duration of your stay can be flexible, ranging from a minimum of 3 hours up to a maximum of 48 hours. Booking can be accomplished online through the IRCTC Retiring Room portal or the official IRCTC mobile application. Alternatively, if rooms are available and you possess a valid ticket, spot booking at the station's counter is also an option.
The Allure of Station Silence
The true enchantment of staying at Coonoor Railway Station lies in its profound quietude. Once the final train of the day departs at 4 PM, a remarkable stillness envelops the station. For those with reservations on the first train the following morning, this means an entire night of absolute peace, free from urban noise pollution. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural splendor, enjoying the crisp mountain air and a sense of serene contentment. This experience underscores that travel isn't always about opulence; often, it's about uncovering hidden wonders in the most unexpected locales. For early risers, staying on-site eliminates any last-minute travel stress, ensuring a relaxed start to their onward journey.
Accommodation Choices & Costs
Given Coonoor's pleasant hill station climate, most available rooms are non-air-conditioned. Travelers can expect to find private non-AC rooms typically priced between Rs 100 and Rs 800 for a 12-hour period, with rates varying based on room type and quality. For those seeking the most economical option, dormitory beds are available, generally costing between Rs 50 and Rs 300 per bed for a 12-hour duration. In addition to the accommodation charges, IRCTC applies a nominal service fee: Rs 20 for rooms and Rs 10 for dormitory beds.
Station Amenities & Engineering Marvel
Coonoor Railway Station itself is a testament to 19th-century British colonial architecture, boasting wood-panelled waiting rooms and historic structures, with a maintenance yard nearby. Essential facilities such as separate waiting rooms for different passenger classes, basic refreshment stalls offering tea and snacks, clean restrooms, and an information desk are provided. From an engineering standpoint, Coonoor is significant as the transition point where the train's diesel engine is often swapped for a steam locomotive to navigate the steep gradient towards Mettupalayam, making this segment India's sole operational rack railway.
Planning Your Stay Wisely
Successful planning is paramount for those wishing to experience this unique railway station stay. Due to the immense popularity of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway's toy train, it is highly recommended to book both your train ticket and retiring room well in advance, ideally one to two months ahead of your intended travel dates. Upon arrival for check-in, you will need to present a valid government-issued identification card, such as an Aadhaar card or driving license, along with your booking confirmation. It's important to note that if your train ticket is canceled, your retiring room booking will be automatically nullified within 96 hours of the scheduled check-in time.
