The Indian Mountain Railways has a distinguished presence in the country in five important places: Shimla, Darjeeling, Matheran, Kangra, and the Nilgiris. Darjeeling and Shimla have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These trains operate short distances and are not meant for distant or extended travel. The mountain railways have been set up in the zones to help local people and tourists from different corners of the world enjoy the warmth and beauty of these places.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the most popular of the Indian Mountain Railways and is operated by steam. It runs from Kurseong to Darjeeling, with halts at Sonada and Ghoom daily. The Ghoom station is considered the highest station in the country, with an altitude of more than 7500 ft above sea level. The drive from Kurseong to Darjeeling is a 3-4 hrs drive in these toy rides and is an essential fascination for tourists and locals. Although the time taken to commute is a bit longer than that of road transport, it’s a different feeling when enjoying life in the mountains. Tickets are available on the spot, are cheap, and help people commute between these locations.
The Kalka-Shimla Indian Mountain Railways are an essential means of communication in the hills and have been listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Different categories of toy rides operated by diesel run between these two locations daily. The commute time is around 5-6 hours, a bit longer than road transport. The drive through long tunnels and high-rising mountains is an eye-catcher and a meaningful way to enjoy the bliss and the beauty prevailing in the region. The tickets can be purchased from the Indian Railways website, which helps local people and adventurers commute between these locations. The drive through the Inner Himalayas and the wilderness of the region is a matter of pride for the nation and a chance to explore the mighty Himalayas.
The Neral-Matheran Indian Mountain Railways serves as an essential means of communication in the Western Ghats. Although the time taken to traverse varies between 4-6 hours, it is distinguished and unique compared to any other means of transportation. The joy rides are through the unblemished mountain ranges of the Western Ghats. The toy rides help local people and tourists commute efficiently and effectively.
Next, we have the Kangra Valley Mountain Railways, which is not as popular as the other four due to the scarcity of tourists and the developing popularity of the region. The Mountain Railways is also known as the Kangra Valley Mountain Railways and covers a total distance of 186 km from Joginder Nagar to Pathankot.
Last but not least, the Nilgiri Mountain Railways is an essential communication in South India between Ooty and Mettupalayam and helps tourists and local people on their daily voyages. The Mountain Railways serve as a necessary means of transportation in the hills of Nilgiris, where other means of transport are not easily accessible or available. However, the drive is through the mountain pasture slopes, which are enchanting and soothing as people enjoy the beauty and wonderful tea gardens that give travelers a unique and subtle way to enjoy commuting at affordable prices. The drive is also enchanting and soothing as people enjoy the beauty and warmth of the hills.
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