The Kalka–Shimla Railway is one of the great little railways of the world. Opened in 1903 to connect the summer capital to the main line at Kalka, the 2 ft 6 in narrow-gauge track climbs about 96 kilometres from the foothills to Shimla, gaining well over 1,400 metres along the way.
To do it, the line threads more than a hundred tunnels and crosses hundreds of bridges, many of them multi-arched stone viaducts. The longest tunnel, at Barog, is over a kilometre long. In 2008 the line was added to the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the Darjeeling and Nilgiri railways.
Top things to do at Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
Ride the whole line
The full Kalka–Shimla journey takes around five to six hours. Several daily trains run, including the Himalayan Queen, the Shivalik Deluxe Express and the Kalka–Shimla Express, plus a rail motor car. The morning trains connect with the Kalka Shatabdi from New Delhi.
Or take a short ride from Shimla
If time is short, ride from Shimla to Summer Hill or Taradevi and back, or join a toy train and city tour that includes a short section with a guide.
Stop at Barog
Barog, roughly halfway, is famous for its long tunnel and for the story of the engineer, Colonel Barog, whose misaligned first tunnel gave the station its name. Trains usually pause here long enough for tea.
How to get to Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
- From Delhi: take the Kalka Shatabdi or another train to Kalka (roughly four hours), then change to the narrow gauge on the same station.
- From Chandigarh: Kalka is about 25 km away — 40 minutes by taxi.
- In Shimla: the station is at the western end of town, about 1.5 km from the Ridge.
Insider tips
- Book ahead through Indian Railways (IRCTC) — seats sell out in summer, at weekends and at holidays.
- For the best views going up, sit on the left side of the train for much of the journey, but views switch sides with the curves — both sides are good.
- Services can be suspended or delayed during heavy monsoon rain because of landslides. Always check before travelling in July and August.
- The train is slow and seats are compact. It is a scenic experience rather than the fastest way to Shimla — by road from Kalka is much quicker.
Best tours & tickets for Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
These experiences are the easiest way to see Kalka–Shimla Toy Train with a guide and transport sorted:
Guided day tour from US$73 Shimla: Toy Train Ride and City Tour with Guide
The classic Shimla day in one package: a stretch of the toy train through pine forest and tunnels, then the Viceregal Lodge, the climb to Jakhoo and the Ridge with Christ Church, finishing on the Mall. Your guide handles tickets and transfers, and reviews are consistently strong.
- A ride on the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla narrow-gauge railway
- The Viceregal Lodge, Jakhoo Temple and Christ Church
- A stroll along the Mall Road with your guide
Guided half-day tour from US$61 Shimla: Toy Train Ride and City Highlights Day Tour
A compact version of the toy-train day: a ride on the narrow-gauge line, the grand Viceregal Lodge on Observatory Hill, the State Museum’s miniature paintings and a walk on the Mall — all in about five hours.
- A short ride on the heritage toy train
- The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (Viceregal Lodge)
- The Himachal State Museum and the Mall Road
Private transfer from US$35 One-Way Transfer: Chandigarh / Manali / Shimla / Dharamshala
A private car and driver between Chandigarh and Shimla, or onwards to Manali or Dharamshala. Taking the hassle out of the mountain roads is well worth it, especially if you are arriving by air or on the Shatabdi.
- Door-to-door private car between the hill towns and Chandigarh
- Fixed price agreed in advance
- Experienced mountain drivers
