Our 5 hour journey on the Toy Train, narrow gauge railway from the Himalayan town of Shimla / Simla was one such ride.
I had read some iffy reviews on trip advisor & some were not too positive - saying it was too long, the seats too hard, the toilets too iffy (I did not need them) etc.
The toy train makes the trip from Shimla / Simla to Kalka over 5 hours & it is definitely worth the trip.
We reluctantly checked out of Clarkes Hotel in Shimla to make our way to Delhi. The night before we asked for some sandwiches for the train trip & being Clarkes, the packed lunch was ready in a lovely box …
The train station at Shimla hugs the side of the mountain & we arrived with time to meet our guide, walk the track & enjoy the experience.
Our train arriving …. 704 ….
The lovely Shimla / Simla train station
Beautiful clear blue skies …
An engine being turned around on a rotating platform …
The original steam engine is only used on special occasions …
Ms M & I enjoying the sunshine …
Ready … lets board ….
Our driver checking out things …
Stunning views across to the Himalayas which hug Shimla - I loved this view soooo much.
Ready for our trip - did I mention how excited we were? Travelling light too ….
Platform complete with monkeys who are a bit of a menace in Shimla ….
We depart with a toot of the whistles & then our train snakes through the high trees - such elegance …
Companions for part of the way - he too had a Canon camera so we compared notes ….
I love mountains & the sight of the Himalayas during our Shimla stay was such a highlight
Sellers at stations along the way ….
My Cath Kidson handluggage - Ms M had one too & they were absolutely perfect …
A fabulous family who shared the seats next to us - happily watching our bags while we hopped on & off to take photos, sharing chocolates & stories. Did I mention that they had such a cute child …
Our fabulous companions
One of the 103 tunnels the train travels through - some long, some short …
Such a well behaved child ….
Friendly greetings from a passing train. 4 trains a day run between Kalka & Shimla
Catching up with the travellers on the train opposite …
So lovely … our carriage companions …
Food sellers tempting passengers with treats on the stations ….
Ms M's Cath Kidson bag looked just right on the vintage train …
Lovely old carriages, so vintage - harking back to a bygone era of elegance & time …
Station food …
Food time on the station - a wide choice of food available for passengers
… but wait … we have food! Our packed lunch from Clarkes Hotel in Shimla
A train picnic - so very lovely …
Ms M enjoying her picnic …
Waiting for a passing train so time to stretch the legs, walk the track & do some photos …
I was introduced & asked to take a photo - he appeared in the Michael Palin documentary on the Himalayas & Shimla railway so is a bit of a local celebrity; he is very obliging subject too …
Our guide for the trip walking the platform with me while I take photos …
A hoot & the passing train arrives …
Greetings & friendly exchanges ring out …
Seeing who can click the photos the fastest - I think the Canon won …
Laughter as the train passed then loud sounds - those passengers like to liven up the tunnels …
A famous bridge that I saw too late almost - I want to ride back to Shimla to see it from the other way
The sun is dipping in the sky as we approach Kalka - what a fantastic trip, what an experience
The sheds with the spare trains at Kalka
On our platform, the trip over. What a fabulous train trip, I just want to do it again …
One person in our carriage from Canada said it was on his bucket list - it certainly is a trip that is worth taking, I hope you have enjoyed the trip with me. Thank you for stopping by, please leave a comment so I can return the visit to your blog.
Dee ~♥~
