HILL JOURNEYS

North India is dotted with some stunning hill stations each noted for its own unique charm.

One of the best ways to explore the beauty of these regions is taking a train ride. Winding

through green hills, these picturesque train journeys offer amazing travel experiences.

Here's some information about the scenic hill journeys:

1. Kalka-Shimla

- Location: Himachal Pradesh, India

- Distance: 96 km

- Duration: 5 hours

- Route: Kalka to Shimla

- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, scenic Himalayan views, 102 tunnels, and 864

bridges

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

- Location: West Bengal, India

- Distance: 88 km

- Duration: 7-8 hours

- Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling

- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, scenic views of the Himalayas, tea plantations,

and Batasia Loop

3. Kangra Valley Railway

- Location: Himachal Pradesh, India

- Distance: 164 km

- Duration: 10-11 hours

- Route: Pathankot to Joginder Nagar

- Highlights: Scenic views of the Kangra Valley, Himalayan foothills, and picturesque villages

4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

- Location: Tamil Nadu, India

- Distance: 46 km

- Duration: 5-6 hours

- Route: Mettupalayuri to Ooty

- Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills, tea plantations,

and the steepest track in Asia

5. Neral-Matheran

- Location: Maharashtra, India

- Distance: 21 km

- Duration: 2 hours

- Route: Neral to Matheran

- Highlights: Scenic views of the Western Ghats, picturesque villages, and the only toy train

in Maharashtra

KALKA-SHIMLA RAILWAY

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The toy train is among the

most prominent scenic train journeys in India that goes through over 100 tunnels and

crosses more than 80 bridges!

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic

train journeys in India. Here are some interesting facts and details about this iconic railway:

Overview

- Route: Kalka to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

- Distance: 96 km

- Duration: Approximately 5 hours

- Gauge: Narrow gauge (2 ft 6 in)

History

- Built by the British in 1903

- Originally designed to connect Shimla, the summer capital of British India, to the rest of the

country

Scenic Highlights

- 102 tunnels

- 864 bridges

- Scenic views of the Himalayas

- Picturesque villages and stations

Train Details

- Train number: 52453/52454 (Himalayan Queen) and 52455/52456 (Shivalik Deluxe

Express)

- Classes: First Class, Second Class, and Unreserved

- Frequency: Multiple trains daily

Tips and Reminders

- Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season

- Carry warm clothing, as the temperature drops significantly between Kalka and Shimla

- Enjoy the scenic views and take plenty of photos!

NAINITAL, UTTARAKHAND

Another scenic train ride in North India is between Nainital and Kathgodam. The journey

begins from the town of Kathgodam and ends at Nainital. The trip goes through dense

forests and pretty landscapes.

Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Here are some

interesting facts and tourist attractions about Nainital:

Geography and Climate

- Located in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas

- Elevation: 1,938 meters (6,358 ft) above sea level

- Climate: Pleasant summers (15°C - 25°C) and cold winters (-2°C - 10°C)

Tourist Attractions

1. *Naini Lake*: A picturesque lake offering boating and scenic views.

2. *Naina Devi Temple*: A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.

3. *Snow View Point*: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

4. *Tiffin Top*: A scenic spot with stunning views of the Himalayas.

5. *High Altitude Zoo*: Home to various animal species, including the Bengal tiger and

Himalayan bear.

6. *Eco Cave Gardens*: A network of caves and gardens showcasing the region's natural

beauty.

7. *Mall Road*: A bustling shopping and dining destination.

Activities

1. *Boating*: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Naini Lake.

2. *Trekking*: Explore the surrounding hills and forests on foot.

3. *Horse Riding*: Take a guided horse ride through the scenic trails.

4. *Paragliding*: Experience the thrill of flying over Nainital's stunning landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

- Summer (April - June): Pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities.

- Winter (December - February): Cold weather, ideal for snowfall and winter sports.

How to Reach

- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (65 km).

- By Rail: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km).

- By Road: Well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.

DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY

Another UNESCO heritage site, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is noted for offering

picturesque vistas of the Kanchenjunga range, the third-highest peak in the world.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the

most iconic train journeys in India. Here are some interesting facts and details about the

DHR:

Overview

- Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

- Distance: 88 km

- Duration: Approximately 7-8 hours

- Gauge: Narrow gauge (2 ft)

History

- Built by the British in 1881

- Originally designed to connect Darjeeling, the summer capital of British India, to the rest of

the country

Scenic Highlights

- Scenic views of the Himalayas

- Picturesque tea plantations

- Batasia Loop: A spiral loop that offers breathtaking views

- Ghoom: The highest railway station in India (2,258 meters)

Train Details

- Train number: 52540/52541 (Darjeeling Mail) and 52544/52545 (Toy Train)

- Classes: First Class, Second Class, and Unreserved

- Frequency: Multiple trains daily

Tips and Reminders

- Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season

- Carry warm clothing, as the temperature drops significantly between New Jalpaiguri and

Darjeeling

- Enjoy the scenic views and take plenty of photos!

LUDHIANA-KALKA TRAIN

The train journey between Ludhiana and Kalka offers a scenic route through the Shivalik

Hills. This train ride is lesser known but offers a gorgeous journey through the foothills of the

Himalayas.

The Ludhiana-Kalka train route offers multiple options for travelers. Here are some key

details to help you plan your journey:

Train Options

- *Amritsar - Dehradun Express*: The fastest train on this route, covering a distance of 112

km in approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes ¹.

- *Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Kalka Express*: This train takes around 4 hours and 35

minutes to cover a distance of 137 km ¹.

- *Paschim SF Express*: This train covers a distance of 112 km in approximately 2 hours

and 30 minutes ².

Frequency and Classes

- Multiple trains run daily on this route, offering various classes such as First Class, Second

Class, Unreserved, AC Express, and more ¹ ².

Online Booking

You can book your tickets online through platforms like redRail, which offers features like

confirm ticket, free cancellation, and more ².

Distance and Duration

The distance between Ludhiana and Kalka is approximately 94 km, with the journey taking

around 1 hour and 50 minutes to 4 hours and 35 minutes, depending on the train ¹ ².

KANGRA VALLEY RAILWAY

Kangra Valley Railway runs between Pathankot and Kangra and is noted for its gorgeous

views of the Dhauladhar range. This narrow-gauge line goes through stunning villages,

terraced fields, and dense forests.

The Kangra Valley Railway (KVR) is a scenic railway line in Himachal Pradesh, India. Here

are some key details about the KVR:

Overview

- Route: Pathankot to Joginder Nagar

- Distance: 164 km

- Gauge: Narrow gauge (2 ft 6 in)

- Duration: Approximately 10-11 hours

Scenic Highlights

- Scenic views of the Kangra Valley

- Himalayan foothills

- Picturesque villages and stations

- Crosses multiple rivers and streams

Train Details

- Train number: 52467/52468 (Kangra Valley Passenger)

- Classes: Unreserved and Reserved

- Frequency: Multiple trains daily

History

- Built by the British in 1929

- Originally designed to connect Pathankot to Joginder Nagar

Tips and Reminders

- Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season

- Carry warm clothing, as the temperature drops significantly between Pathankot and

Joginder Nagar

- Enjoy the scenic views and take plenty of photos!

JAMMU-UDHAMPUR RAILWAY

The Jammu-Udhampur Railway line is also a must enjoy ride in north India. The train journey

goes through some dramatic landscapes, including deep valleys, and the beautiful Chenab

River.

The Jammu-Udhampur Railway is a significant railway line in the Indian state of Jammu and

Kashmir. Here are some key details about the Jammu-Udhampur Railway:

Overview

- Route: Jammu Tawi to Udhampur

- Distance: 53 km

- Gauge: Broad gauge (1,676 mm)

- Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

Scenic Highlights

- Scenic views of the Shivalik Hills

- Picturesque villages and stations

- Crosses multiple rivers and streams

Train Details

- Train number: 12920/12919 (Malwa SF Express), 14610/14609 (Hemkunt Express), and

others

- Classes: AC First Class, AC Second Class, AC Third Class, Sleeper Class, and

Unreserved

- Frequency: Multiple trains daily

History

- Built by the Indian Railways in 1975

Importance

- Connects Jammu to the rest of India through the Indian Railways network

- Provides access to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra

Future Plans

- Extension of the railway line from Udhampur to Baramulla and eventually to Srinagar

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