Riding the Kalka- Shimla- Kalka Toy Train-A Ride to remember

At Kalka Train yard

 I love train journeys. I have traveled in plain-trains many times, but not once have I traveled in hill- trains. That is why the Shimla toy train has been an experience I have been eagerly awaiting to experience for many years. I have always imagined how nice it would be to rush in and out of tunnels, cruise though the green forests and sail past beautiful waterfalls on the way.


Inside MY train FINALLY

 Our train was scheduled to leave Kalka station at 5.30 am. We woke up before dawn and it was still dark when we trooped into Kalka station and hurried into our waiting train with only five minutes left for its departure. But alas, just as we were expecting the train to begin its journey, we heard an announcement saying that our train would be departing two hours later as its link train ( Howrah Kalka Mail) was running late. What a disappointment.
In the spare time that we had, I visited the train yard and was thrilled to see so may toy trains. At another corner of the station in the broad gauge section, I came across a funny sight - a reluctant goat was being dragged into a passenger train by its master. The animal was braying in full blast. Hearing it, a dog too got curious and tried getting into the train but was shooed away by the people. I am sure  the goat will have been entertained all the train passengers with its braying all through the journey.

Barog station, in front of Barog tunnel - in blue

Finally the train started and within fifteen minutes we were in the heart of the hills. We crossed forests, beautiful sceneries as I had imagined. There were 103 tunnels with Barog tunnel ( see above) which is the longest tunnel in this section even having a resident ghost in it. The story goes like this- Mr. Barog was an engineer deputed by the British to build the railway. However, he passed away during the construction of the tunnel and his ghost is still believed to live in this tunnel. People have seen and even talked with him. How interesting !

Crosing a viaduct

The train also passed over a number of viaducts which is nothing but a series of arch bridges- one above the other. We finally reached Shimla at 2 pm. We were staying in the retiring room and is was really fun to stay amidst the hiss, roar and whine of the engines.

Shimla Mall

Afternoon we went to the Mall in Shimla, which has a number of beautiful British Era buildings. Here you are seeing me stand in front of the Christ Church ( extreme right). I had wanted to see this building ever since I saw "3 Idiots." Rancho too had been here and I was happy to follow his footsteps.

Train yard, Shimla

Next morning it is was time for the return journey. I wandered about a bit in the train yard in Shimla. Then I bid good bye to the hill station and boarded my train for the return journey.