Kalka–Shimla Railway
A narrow-gauge mountain railway opened in 1903 and designated a World Heritage Site. It climbs 96 km through 102 tunnels and more than 800 bridges.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Mountain Railways of India.” It opened in 1903 with a track gauge of just 762 mm. It climbs about 1,400 m from the plains at Kalka to Shimla, covering 96 km, passing through 102 tunnels, more than 800 bridges, and over 900 curves. Barog Tunnel is the longest. The toy train travels at about 25 km/h, taking roughly 5 to 6 hours. Along the way you'll see pine forests, terraced fields, and valleys, and the train often stops at Barog Station for a meal. Services include the “Himalayan Queen” and Vistadome carriages with panoramic glass roofs, and tickets should be booked in advance on the official Indian Railways website. If time is limited, you can ride only the Shimla to Solan section.
Opening hours
Multiple daily services; follow Indian Railways timetable
Nearby sights
- Kali Bari Temple
- Himachal State Museum
- Annandale & Army Heritage Museum
- Scandal Point & Gaiety Theatre
- The Mall & The Ridge
- Christ Church
- Lakkar Bazaar & Ice Skating Rink
- Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas)