Swap the Rush for a Rolling Retreat
Every year, as festivals like Dussehra and Diwali approach, a familiar pattern emerges: waitlisted train tickets, soaring flight prices, and crowded highways. Indian Railways often announces hundreds of special services to manage the surge, but demand
still outstrips supply. This is where India’s charming heritage railways, often called 'toy trains', present a delightful alternative. These narrow-gauge lines, originally built during the British era, don’t just transport you to a destination; they transport you back in time. Instead of a frantic dash, they offer a slower, more immersive experience, turning the hassle of travel into a picturesque holiday highlight. While mainstream routes are choked with travellers, these scenic journeys through mountains and forests provide a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively.
The Kalka-Shimla Railway: A Himalayan Marvel
A journey on the Kalka-Shimla Railway is like rolling through a storybook. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1903, is an engineering marvel that navigates a winding 96-kilometre route through the Himalayan foothills. The train chugs through over 100 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges, offering breathtaking views of pine forests and mist-covered valleys. While services on this line have recently faced disruptions due to heavy rainfall and ongoing repairs, special holiday trains are often announced to cater to tourist demand during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year. For the festive traveller, this route offers a serene passage to Shimla, the 'Queen of Hills', bypassing the chaotic road traffic. It's a perfect way to begin a holiday in the mountains with a touch of colonial nostalgia and unparalleled scenery.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Original Toy Train
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), is arguably the most famous of India's toy trains. Chugging along a 2-foot narrow-gauge track, the steam and diesel engines pull classic carriages from the plains of New Jalpaiguri to the rolling tea gardens of Darjeeling. The journey offers spectacular views, including the world-famous Batasia Loop, where the train completes a 360-degree turn with the majestic Kanchenjunga range in the background. Popular 'Joyride' services run between Darjeeling and Ghum—India's highest railway station. While the full journey is long, these shorter trips are perfect for tourists and can be booked online or at Darjeeling station. It’s a whimsical experience that captures the heart of this iconic hill station.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: To the Blue Mountains
Journeying to Ooty, the 'Queen of the Nilgiris', is incomplete without a ride on its iconic blue and cream toy train. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is unique in South India and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. It operates on the steepest track in Asia, using a historic rack and pinion system to climb the rugged slopes from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor. The five-hour journey takes passengers through dense forests, across dozens of bridges, and inside dark, curved tunnels, revealing stunning vistas of the 'Blue Mountains' at every turn. With Ooty being a popular destination during festive breaks, booking a seat on this train offers a guaranteed scenic route, away from the winding and often congested Ghat roads.
Matheran Light Railway: A Forest Escape Near Mumbai
For those in Maharashtra, the Matheran Light Railway is a weekend treasure that becomes a festive escape. It’s a short, 21-kilometre journey from Neral to the eco-sensitive hill station of Matheran, where all vehicles are banned. The train snakes through dense forest cover, offering a peaceful and pollution-free travel experience. Services on the full Neral-Matheran stretch are typically suspended during the monsoon (June to mid-October) for safety reasons, but shuttle services often continue to run between Aman Lodge and Matheran. With the full line expected to resume operations right around the festive period, it provides a perfect alternative to driving up the hills. It’s a slow, winding ride that sets the tone for a tranquil getaway just hours from the hustle of Mumbai.
