Darjeeling Himalayan: This railway line is one of the most fascinating engineering ventures of the world. It was Franklin Prestige, an agent with the Eastern Bengal Railway company, who came up with the idea of starting this railway in the year 1878. Construction of rail line began in 1879 and by July 1881 this train started the service. Since then this this train has continued its service in every season except during bad weather. This 87km journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling is covered in eight hours. During the journey train passes through majestic hills and mountains. As the train slowly starts climbing from plain of Jalpaiguri to the hill, temperature gets cool. Ghoom station located at 2,257.65 meter above sea level is the highest station of this route. There are 14 stations in this route. During the journey train will pass through 5 major and 498 minor bridges built across streams and rivers. This toy train was declared as world heritage site in the year 1999.
Kalka-Shimla Railway: It is one of the oldest rail routes of the world having completed more than 100 years of service. This train passes through some of the most amazing locations of majestic state of Himachal Pradesh. It covers a distance of 96 km and criss crosses through 800 bridges, 103 tunnels, 919 curves and 20 railway stations. During this five hour journey, visitors will get rare chance to experience Himalayas from very close quarter. This rail line started service in the year 1903. In comparison to other Himalayan railways, this train provide excellent service. It has both luxury as well as ordinary train services. Shivalik Express and Shivalik Palace are the two luxury train running on this route. These trains are equipped with comfortable sofas, individual compartment and attached bathroom. They have kitchen facility and helpers to provide food and drinks.
Himalayan Queen, Shimla-Kalka Passenger train and Shimla-Kalka Mail are some of the ordinary train running in this route. At times this train can be crowded but they are equally popular among the tourists.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: The sight of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh dancing on the top of train is hard to miss when one discuss about Nilgiri mountain train. This train covers a distance of 46 km starting from Mettupalayam town till Ooty. This five hour journey is considered to be the steepest rail line in the Asia. First time this train was conceptualized was in the year 1845 but actual work started 45 years later. It was Swiss inventor, Riggenback, who was the head of this project. Construction of rail line started in the year 1899 and by 1908 it was completed.
As this train chugs through the beautiful Nilgiri mountain, tourists will have incredible chance to experience mother nature from so near. Some of the most popular destinations of Nilgiri like Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington and Lovedale will be covered in this majestic journey. On the way train crosses through more than 250 bridges and 16 tunnels.