The geographical diversity of India makes it one of the grandest tourist destinations in the world. It has vast deserts, majestic hills, serene beaches, and also green valleys that add constant beauty to its overall appeal. There are several ways in which you can witness this beauty of the nation and explore through the length and breadth of the country, opting for a toy train ride is just one of them. Most of the toy trains here, ply between hills and their base camps located at the foothills, and strive towards enabling the guests with an interesting way of traveling uphill/ downhill. We have compiled this article to offer you an insight into the hill trains in India that have each acquired the status of being heritage trains. Yes! More than a train journey, a ride in any of these heritage trains will also facilitate you to feast on the royalty of the place…

Nilgiri Mountain Rail - Plying between Mettupalayam, Coonor, and Ooty, this particular hill train enhances the pleasures of a regular sojourn across South India. To cover a distance of about 46 km, the train chugs at a speed of 33 km per hour and takes about 1.5 hours to complete the trip. Enroute, the passengers can feast on gorgeous natural sights just outside the train window that comprise of vast coffee plantations, blue hills, and dense forests of fir and other trees. The train has been plying between these stations since October 1908.

Matheran toy train - Steering its way through the winding alleys on the Mumbai - Pune route, is the Matheran toy train. Plying between Neral and Matheran, this heritage train has been ferrying passengers since 1907. The train travels at a speed of 12 miles per hour making the 90 minute journey a very delightful expedition. On both sides of the track, the greenery of grass and distant trees give you constant company from Neral at the base to Matheran on top of the hill. And yes, the name of Matheran itself denotes the forest on top.

Darjeeling toy train - The most spectacular feather on the grand cap of Indian heritage trains is perhaps the Darjeeling toy train! An enchanting location and a toy train to take you through the lovely voyage are enough to make the experience all the more surreal. Plying in the Indian state of West Bengal, it ferries passengers between New Jalpaiguri at the base and Darjeeling at the top. Owing to its leisurely speed, the 86 km stretch between the 2 stations is covered in about 8 hours. The greenery of the tea estates, the bubbling waters of the Teesta River, and the backdrop of the Himalayan range offer for mesmerizing views that accompany the passengers onboard this train from the base station to the final point - Darjeeling. This 100 year old hill station train in India covers 6 stations before it finally shrieks to a halt at Darjeeling.

Shimla - Kalka toy train - Shimla is popularly known as the queen of hill stations in India and therefore all sojourns across this wonderful place ought to be spectacular as well. One grand way of arriving in the city of Shimla is to embark on the Shivalik deluxe, a heritage train that plies between Kalka and Shimla. Functioning since 1903, a ride aboard this toy train will leave you excited forever. The train covers a distance of 96 km daily in about 6 hours. Scenic views of the Kaushalya River, Kanoh and Jabli areas can especially be relished while traveling in this toy train. Not just a national heritage element, the Shimla - Kalka rail also enjoys the status of being a world heritage site.

Kangra Queen - The Kangra Queen is just another fascinating way of traveling across the Himalayan region, specifically the Kangra valley region of Himachal Pradesh. It travels from Pathankot to Palampur (129 km approx.) and takes about 4.5 hours to complete one way trip.