Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway
About
The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway that has been chugging through the Himalayan foothills since 1903. The 96 km journey from Kalka (656m) to Shimla (2,076m) traverses 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, and 919 curves as it climbs through terraced fields, pine forests, and dramatic mountain scenery. The engineering marvel was built by the British to connect their summer capital to the plains, and riding it today feels like traveling through a living museum. The toy train's gentle pace allows you to absorb every twist and tunnel of the Himalayan landscape.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Tunnel No. 33 (Barog Tunnel)
The longest tunnel on the route at 1,143 meters, with a haunting legend about the engineer Colonel Barog who the tunnel is named after.
Bridge No. 493
A multi-arched gallery bridge that curves dramatically along the mountainside, offering spectacular views of the valley below — one of the most photographed railway bridges in India.
Dharampur-Shimla Scenic Stretch
The final 30 km climb offers the most dramatic scenery — deep valleys, towering deodars, terraced hillsides, and the first glimpses of Shimla perched on its ridge.
Things to Know
- •Book the Heritage Rail Car or first class for the best views and comfort
- •The left side offers generally better views on the journey up to Shimla
- •Bring food and water — the train makes brief stops but options are limited
- •Book tickets well in advance, especially during peak season (May-June)
- •The journey is the destination — don't rush it, enjoy every tunnel and bridge
- •Barog station (tunnel 33, the longest at 1,143m) is a famous photo stop
