Indian Mountain Railways

The Indian Mountain Railways has its distinguished presence in the country in five important places including Shimla, Darjeeling, Matheran, Kangra, and the Nilgiris. The ones at Darjeeling and Shimla have been listed in the category of UNESCO World Heritage sites. These trains operate for short distances and are not meant for distant or long travel. The mountain railways have been set up in the zones to help local people and tourists coming from different corners of the world to enjoy the warmth and the beauty of these places.

Kalka Shimla Mountain Railway
Kalka Shimla Mountain Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the most popular of the Indian Mountain Railways and is operated by steam. It runs from Kurseong to Darjeeling at present with halts at Sonada and Ghoom in all the days. The station at Ghoom is considered to be the highest station in the country with an altitude of more than 7500 ft above sea level. The drive from Kurseong to Darjeeling is a 3-4 hrs drive in these toy rides and serves as an important fascination for tourists and local people. Although the time taken to commute is a bit longer as compared to road transport it’s a different feeling when it comes to enjoying life in the mountains. Tickets are available on the spot and are quite cheap to avail of and help people to commute between these locations.

The Kalka-Shimla Indian Mountain Railways serves as an important means of communication in the hills and have been listed in the category of UNESCO heritage sites. There are different categories of toy rides operated by diesel that runs between these two locations every day. The time taken to commute is around 5-6 hrs which is a bit longer as compared to road transport. The drive through long tunnels and high rising mountains is an eye-catcher and an important way to enjoy the bliss and the beauty prevailing in the region. The tickets can be purchased from the website of Indian Railways that helps local people and adventurers to commute between these locations. The drive through the Inner Himalayas and the wilderness of the region is a matter of pride for the nation and a chance to explore the mighty Himalayas.

The Neral-Matheran Indian Mountain Railways serves as an important means of communication in the Western Ghats. Although the time taken to traverse varies between 4-6 hours, it is distinguished and unique as compared to any other means of transportation. The joy rides are through the unblemished mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. The toy rides help local people and tourists to commute very easily and effectively.

Next, we have the Kangra Valley Mountain Railways which is not as popular as the other four due to the scarcity of tourists and the developing popularity of the region. The Mountain Railways is also known as the Kangra Valley Mountain Railways and covers a total distance of 186 km from Jogindernagar to Pathankot.

Last but not the least, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways serves as an important means of communication in South India between Ooty and Mettupalayam and help tourists and local people in their daily voyage. The Mountain Railways serves as a very important means of transportation in the hills of Nilgiris where other means of transport are not easily accessible and available. However, the drive is through the mountain pastures and slopes and wonderful tea gardens that give travelers a unique and subtle way to enjoy commuting at affordable prices. The drive is also very enchanting and soothing as people get to enjoy the beauty and the warmth of the hills.

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