The Kalka–Shimla Railway was opened in November 1903 to carry the government of British India up to its summer capital. Built to a narrow 762 mm gauge, the line climbs from 656 m at Kalka to about 2,075 m at Shimla in 96 km, winding through more than a hundred tunnels and across hundreds of arched bridges.
In 2008 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage site “Mountain Railways of India”, alongside the Darjeeling and Nilgiri lines. Trains are slow — an average of around 20 km/h — but that is the point: forested curves, valley views and tea stops at little Victorian stations such as Barog.
Top things to do in Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
Choose your train
Several daily trains run in each direction, including the Himalayan Queen (timed to connect with the train from Delhi at Kalka), the Shivalik Deluxe Express and the Kalka–Shimla passenger trains; the vistadome coach with large windows is the most comfortable. Timetables and names change, so check Indian Railways (IRCTC) before you book.
Barog
The line’s longest tunnel (Tunnel No. 33, about 1.1 km) is at Barog, named after the engineer Colonel Barog. The station is a classic tea and breakfast stop.
Arch bridges and viewpoints
Watch for the multi-arched stone galleries near Kanoh and the long curves around Dharampur and Solan. The best views are generally on the valley side, which changes with the curves — sit where you can move between windows.
Combine with Shimla
Ride up, then spend a couple of days exploring Shimla. A guided toy train and city tour covers a scenic stretch of the line plus the main sights.
How to get to Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
- Kalka is about 25 km from Chandigarh and connected to Delhi by the early-morning Kalka Shatabdi and the Howrah–Kalka Mail.
- Tickets: book on IRCTC as early as possible in summer and in the Christmas–New Year period, when seats sell out. Shimla station is a short walk below the Mall.
- If you are short of time, ride the section between Shimla and Shoghi or Tara Devi for a taste of the line.
Insider tips
- The whole journey takes around 5–6 hours; carry water and snacks, although tea is sold at the stops.
- Monsoon landslides occasionally suspend services in July–August; check the status before you travel.
- The downhill trip from Shimla is just as scenic and easier to book on busy days.
Tours that include Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
These guided trips cover Kalka–Shimla Toy Train or combine easily with a visit:
Guided city tour Shimla: Toy Train Ride and City Tour with Guide
Shimla’s colonial summer-capital story and its famous little railway in one guided day. Ride a stretch of the Kalka–Shimla line, then tour the Viceregal Lodge (now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study), climb to the Hanuman temple on Jakhu hill and finish on the Ridge and Mall Road.
- Ride the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway
- Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church and the Ridge
- Jakhu Temple and a stroll along Mall Road
Multi-day tour 3 Days in Paradise: Shimla & Manali Tour from Delhi
A fast-paced taster of Himachal’s two most famous hill stations, with transport and planning handled for you. Expect long driving days on mountain roads — but also the Ridge in Shimla and snow views in Manali.
- Door-to-door transport from Delhi
- Shimla’s Ridge and Mall Road
- Manali, Solang Valley and the Kullu valley
