Shimla is a beautiful hill station and is the capital of the state Himachal Pradesh. Its scenic location, the snow clad mountains and hills everywhere attract a large number of tourists from all over the world. Along with that, the beautiful structures made during the colonial period are another captivating thing to look for in Shimla. Grand old buildings, iron lamp posts, everything gives out a different feel to the trip. If you are planning a trip to Shimla with your friends or family, and you are clueless as to what places to visit there, I’d say you should not miss the Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, try the Toy train ride to Kalka, Theog, Scandal Point in Mall road, Mashobra, Chail, go for skiing in Kufri, Lakkar Bazaar, Naldehra, Green Valley, among others.
If you are travelling from Delhi to Shimla and are planning to take the train, you should know that there is no direct train from Delhi to Shimla. You will have to first travel to Kalka by train and then go to Shimla. And if you want to know where is your train, make use of online services, they are quite helpful. There is a narrow gauge road from Kalka to Shimla therefore you have to take another train to Shimla from Kalka. If you want a comfortable travel, the Shatabdi Express is the best train that runs from New Delhi to Shimla. It departs at around 7.30 in the morning and reaches Kalka at around 11.45 AM. It is also cost efficient since you will reach Kalka in just 550 INR per person. Other trains that run between New Delhi to Kalka are Himalayan Queen 14095, Kalka Shatabdi 12011, Kalka Shatabdi 12005, Hwh Dli Kalka Mail 12311. Alternatively, You can book a cab directly form Delhi to Shimla & for train experience, just go on a toy train ride form Shimla to Kalka.
From Kalka you can take the Toy train if you want to experience the ride, but it takes quite some time to reach Shimla by Toy Train since it runs very slow. It will take you around six hours to reach Shimla via Toy Train. Kalka to Shimla Toy Trains are KLK SML Pass, Shivalik Dix Exp, Kalka Shimla Exp, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor. The Indian Railways have made available economical, deluxe and premium services for travellers on the Kalka – Shimla rail section. Economical are the cheapest ones while the premium ones are the costliest. Special holiday trains also run on this route.
The Kalka Shimla Mail is one of the oldest toy trains. It consists of wooden coaches and tiny windows along with wooden seats.
The Himalayan Queen is the most popular train of this route. It has cushioned seats and provides a great view because of its large windows.
The Deluxe Rail Motor Car resembles a bus from the Second World War vintage. It reaches destination in about five hours and has the capacity to carry about 14 passengers at a time.
The Shivalik Deluxe Express has the capacity to carry around 150 passengers at a time. There is wall to wall carpeting, big windows with glasses, reversible cushioned chairs, good lighting and a music system that will all keep you entertained during the journey.
