Not known for its solitariness among the different train tracks, this ride from Kalka to Shimla will introduce you to the beautiful mountain vistas of the Indian Himalayas. Shimla- The capital city of Himachal Pradesh and the most famous hill station in India, Shimla is best known for its colonial architecture, pleasant climate and beauty which is at par with many hill stations. Kalka, located in Haryana, acts as the gateway of this beautiful destination. Spread over an area of around 87 km, multiple modes and routes exist for covering this distance, each one with a different experience to offer.

By Train:

ToyTrain (Kalka–Shimla Railway)

If you're looking for picturesque views on a historic train journey, the Kalka-Shimla Railway operates as a narrow-gauge track and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This train line was inaugurated back in 1903 and was built to link Shimla, the summer capital of British India with the rest of the train system in India. The route is a stretch of about 96 kilometers through 102 tunnels, over 800 bridges and about 900 curves, giving epic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Time: 5 to 6 hours

Frequency: The Shivalik Deluxe Express, Himalayan Queen and Rail Motor Car run several times a day.

Booking: Tickets may be booked on the Indian Railways website or at railway reservation counters. It is recommended to pre-book, particularly during peak tourist periods.

Experience: The Kalka Shimla Toy Train ride is famed for its leisurely pace, giving passengers an opportunity to drink in the stunning scenery with views of pine-clad forests rugged mountains and wooly villages. The journey is charming because of the historic architecture of stations along the route.

By Road:

Alternative methods include taking a road trip, providing flexibility as you pass by sites of interest.

Distance: about 87 kilometers

Time required: 2.5 – 3 hours, subject to traffic and weather

Route : The route follows the National Highway 22 via Parwanoo, Dharampur, Solan, Shoghi, etc. until reaching Shimla. The thing I found really appealing about this kind of drive was to be able to just drive along a well-maintained highway, where roads are smooth and turns are wide.

Options:

Bus: There are numerous government (HRTC) and private buses plying between Kalka and Shimla. Includes ordinary, deluxe, and volvo buses. The fares differ according to the type of bus, with ordinary buses costing around ₹100 and deluxe buses at about ₹200. There are only a few buses between Kalka and Shimla most of which originate at Chandigarh. So, try to take the condition of boarding from Chandigarh so that you get a seat.

Taxi: The most affordable and flexible option is hiring a taxi. Vehicles are maintained for tourism and service is available at the Kalka Railway Station. The taxi drive to the city takes about 2 hours, and the prices are reasonable and give good service. i

Self Drive: For the driving enthusiasts, rental cars are an option. The route is direct but there are sharp turns and diverse weather conditions, particularly during monsoon and winter.

By Air:

Although there is not a direct flight from Kalka to Shimla, travelers can choose to fly from Chandigarh Airport to Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla. But flights were irregular due to weather, and the airport was 22 km away from the city centre of Shimla.

Travel Tips:

Advance Booking: It is advisable to book in advance, no matter what mode of transport you choose: toy train, bus or taxi (especially during peak tourist months: summer months, Christmas or New Year).

Weather Considerations: Consult weather forecasts before a trip, as monsoon rains can lead to landslides and winter snow may close roads.

Health Tips: Bring any necessary medications, as the winding roads can pose a challenge for those prone to motion sickness.

Local Attractions en Route: To enrich your journey, you can touch down to visit local attractions that may pique your interest, like the Timber Trail in Parwanoo, the Gilbert Trail in Kasauli, or the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park near Solan.

Finally, there are many different ways to get from Kalka to Shimla, each with their own variety of experiences. Whether you avail the nostalgic toy train or take a scenic-long drive, or both, the journey will be worth and it will lead you to the beautiful hill-station of Shimla.

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