Mountain Railways of India
Three World Heritage railways in India. How to reach each of these sites.
steam Loco Engine at Coonoor near Ooty.
This railway is part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railways, a world heritage site in India.
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ndia, a land with diverse landscapes and a rich history, is home to not only architectural marvels but also engineering feats that withstand the test of time. Among these treasures are the UNESCO-listed mountain railways – the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and Kalka Shimla Railway.Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR): A Pioneering Venture
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train," transcends being just a railway; it's a journey through time. Inaugurated in 1881, it holds the distinction of being the first hill passenger railway, a testament to bold engineering amidst challenging terrain. The route takes passengers through the stunning landscapes of Darjeeling, offering breathtaking views of tea plantations, dense forests, and the majestic Himalayas.
How to Reach DHR
The nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport, approximately 95 kilometers away. The railway station at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is well-connected to major cities in India. From NJP, visitors can take a train or drive to Darjeeling.
The DHR station in Darjeeling is the starting point for the Toy Train journey.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR): A Triumph Over Adversity
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, spanning 46 kilometers in Tamil Nadu, triumphs over adversity and stands as a marvel of late 19th to early 20th-century engineering. Proposed in 1854, its construction was delayed due to the challenging mountainous location, beginning in 1891 and concluding in 1908. Scaling an elevation from 326 meters to 2,203 meters, the NMR embodies the latest technological advancements of its time.
How to Reach NMR
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport. The major railway station is Mettupalayam, and regular trains connect it to Coimbatore and Chennai. From Mettupalayam, visitors can board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to reach Ooty. More on NMR
Kalka Shimla Railway: Enabling Connectivity in the Himalayas
Built in the mid-19th century, the Kalka Shimla Railway is a 96-kilometer-long single-track marvel designed to connect Shimla with the plains. Emblematic of the technical and material efforts to connect mountain populations through rail transport, this railway provides an enchanting journey through the Shivalik range.
How to Reach Kalka Shimla Railway:
The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, and the major railway station is Kalka. From Kalka, visitors can board the Kalka Shimla Railway to reach Shimla.
All three of these UNESCO-listed mountain railways are more than relics of the past; they are living testaments to the engineering prowess of their time. Travelers today can board these historic trains and embark on a journey that not only showcases the evolution of railway technology but also offers a unique perspective on the enchanting beauty of India's mountains. As the whistles blow and the wheels clickety-clack on the tracks, the mountain railways continue to weave stories of resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of exploration.