India is lucky to have the services of these wonderful trains some of which find themselves on the World Heritage List such as the toy train of Darjeeling. And if you haven't yet experienced the sheer exhilaration of traveling by one of these marvels of engineering, then you are definitely missing something.

Shimla

The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way - Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solang, all add up to an exhilarating experience.

Access to Shimla

Shimla is connected by a broad gauge line up to Kalka from Kalka to Shimla, 'the toy train' cover 96 km of track in six hours.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)

The nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns ,as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort ot Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour , this 'toy train' treks across plains , plantations and forest clad hills . The 16 tunnel and tall girder bridges on the way, along with the breathtaking view, make this toy train journey to Ooty , something not to be missed.

Access to Ooty

Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains. Major trains to Mettupalayam.

Major Trains to Mettupalayam

The Nilgiri Express connects Mettupalayam with Chennai daily. Coimbatore, the nearest city is 90 km away and linked to all the major cities by rail . Mettupalayam is easily accessible from Coimbatore by frequent bus or train services.

Darjeeling

The most famous of the little trains , is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling . With a 2 ft gauge , the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train' being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny century -old engine is connoisseur's delight. The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels , thus allowing the traveler an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. The seven - and a - half hour ride up , is a journey especially for rail buffs.

Access to Darjeeling

New Jalpaiguri , the starting point of the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India.

Matheran

The 77 year old line, connecting Neral (on maon line of Central Railway) to Matheran , is the main way to reach the tiny hill resort, close to Mumbai. As the little train wheezes up into the clear mountain air , one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The lack of vehicular traffic at Matheran.