Kalka to Shimla

The Kalka to Shimla Toy Train is a narrow-gauge railway that travels through the picturesque Himachal Pradesh hills and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges, this picturesque trip spans over 96 kilometers and provides stunning vistas of valleys, pine forests, and little hill settlements. Travelers looking for a nostalgic and gorgeous ride to the hill town of Shimla love this famous mountain rail journey in India because of its slow, winding speed and vintage charm.

On the ancient Kalka–Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern India, runs the famous Himalayan Queen train. This picturesque trip connects Kalka in Haryana with Shimla in Himachal Pradesh over a distance of roughly 96 kilometers (60 miles). With 102 tunnels, more than 864 bridges, and over 919 twists, the road is renowned for its technical feats and provides travelers with breath-taking views of rocky mountains, thick pine forests, and tumbling waterfalls. Before arriving in Shimla, the train travels via 18 stations, including Dharampur, Solan, and Barog, in an average of 5 to 5.5 hours.

1. State:Haryana
2. Located in:Panchkula district, at the foothills of the Himalayas.
3. Known for:Being the starting point of the Kalka–Shimla toy train and its proximity to Chandigarh.
4. Name origin:Derived from the Hindu goddess Kali, with a prominent Kali Mata Temple in town.
5. Significance:
6. Kalka serves as a railhead for travelers heading to Himachal Pradesh.
7. It's a quiet town, but a crucial connection point for tourists.

1. State:Himachal Pradesh
2. Located in:The mid-Himalayas at about 2,200 meters elevation.
3. Known for:Colonial charm, scenic views, and cool weather year-round.
4. Former Summer Capital:During British rule, Shimla was the summer capital of British India.
5. Highlights:
6. The Ridge & Mall Road– Popular walking streets with shops, eateries, and mountain views.
7. Jakhoo Temple– Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, perched atop a hill.
8. Christ Church– One of the oldest churches in North India.
9. Scandal Point, Kufri, and Chadwick Falls– Great for sightseeing and adventure.

The Himalayan Queen leaves Kalka every day at 11:55 AM and reaches Shimla by 4:45 PM, taking approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete the trip. The train stops at important stations on its itinerary, such as Dharampur Himachal, Barog, and Shimla. Notably, the Barog station is well-known for both its longest tunnel and its picturesque surroundings. ​

Chair Car (CC) and First Class (FC) are the two seating classes available on the train. According to the most recent data, the prices are as follows:

Route and Schedule:

Departure:Kalka (KLK) at 11:55 AM​

Arrival:Shimla (SML) at 4:45 PM​

Duration:Approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes​

Distance Covered:Approximately 96 kilometers​

Stops:The train halts at several stations, including Dharampur Himachal (DMP) and Barog (BOF). ​

Extra Details:

A unique experience is provided by the train's passage through multiple tunnels and across scenic bridges, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a well-liked option for travelers who want to take in the allure of the Kalka-Shimla heritage railway.