The appeal of prepare journeys stays uncontested: a leisurely tempo, comfortable coaches framing nation views, and the creation of fun-filled recollections. In case you fancy the old-world magic of rail journey, look no additional than the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, India’s slowest prepare journey, to your bucket record. Overlaying a mere 46 km in 5 hours, this iconic narrow-gauge railway prioritises a mild meander by the breathtaking sights of Tamil Nadu over hurried expeditions, clocking in at nearly 16 instances slower than India’s quickest trains.
Fondly known as the Ooty toy prepare, the Nilgiri Mountain Rail’s unhurried tempo could be attributed to the steep gradient and rugged terrains it conquers through the journey. But, who frets in regards to the time, when the prepare journey is laden with animated sights and serpentine manoeuvres? Ascending from Mettupalayam, on the foothills of the Nilgiris, and concluding its journey within the picturesque city of Ooty, this rail expertise guarantees otherworldly views.
Meandering by tunnels, bridges, and hairpin curves
A prepare experience with a aspect of journey, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway ventures by 16 tunnels, navigates 208 steep curves, and traverses 250 bridges. Actually a treasure trove of railway adventures, the journey additionally introduces you to the wealthy natural world of the Western Ghats mountain vary. This mesmerising voyage passes by a number of quaint cities like Coonoor, Wellington, Ketti, Lovedale, Hillgrove, and Aravankadu. It comes as no shock that almost all passengers have their faces and telephones glued to the home windows through the journey!
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Prepare schedule, composition and timings
With its core steeped in nostalgic appeal, due to classic steam locomotives, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway provides each First Class with 72 seats and Second Class with 100 seats. The previous boasts cushioned preparations and scantier crowds. The toy prepare carriages stand out in stunning hues of blue and cream, crafted totally out of wooden. In 2016, a fourth carriage was launched to fulfill the quickly rising demand for the Ooty toy prepare. Working day by day, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway stands as South India‘s solely mountain railway.
Supervised by IRCTC, the prepare departs from Mettupalayam at 7.10 am and reaches Ooty by midday. In Ooty, certainly one of India’s oldest hill stations, passengers can discover the tea plantations, admire the colonial structure in varied buildings like boutique resorts, places of work and church buildings, and savour the slow-paced life at greater elevations. On its return journey, the prepare cuts an hour of journey time, departing Ooty at 2 pm and arriving at Mettupalayam by 5.35 pm. Throughout halts, passengers can retreat for a cup of piping scorching chai, crackers, and masala vada.
The way to e-book Nilgiri Mountain Railway tickets
Reservations for a joyous prepare journey onboard the Nilgiri Mountain Rail could be made through IRCTC‘s official web site. As a result of surge in vacationers over holidays and weekends, it’s advisable to e-book your tickets upfront and revel in a leisurely experience by the Nilgiri Hills’ tunnels, bridges, and plush foliage and fauna.
Within the highlight: Ooty toy prepare takes centre stage in Bollywood movies and documentaries
Along with delighting discerning travellers, Nilgiri Mountain Rail has performed a distinguished position in well-known Bollywood motion pictures and tv documentaries. The long-lasting tune “Chhaiya Chhaiya“ from the movie Dil Se (1998) not solely climbed the charts for its catchy tunes but additionally for being totally shot on the Nilgiri Mountain Rail! Starring Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora, the tune featured white ribbons of steam escaping the prepare’s classic engine, showcasing the scenic tea plantations and sweeping viaducts alongside the best way.
Moreover, the toy prepare appeared within the Hindi tune “Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun” from the movie Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981). An X-class locomotive from the Nilgiri Mountain Railway served because the mannequin for Ashima within the film Thomas & Associates: The Nice Race (2016) and appeared within the twenty second, twenty third, and twenty fourth seasons of Thomas & Associates.
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Moreover, the prepare was prominently featured within the award-winning documentary sequence by BBC about Indian Hill Railways. The primary programme targeted on the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway, the second on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the third on the Kalka-Shimla Railway. Lastly, the prepare was a spotlight of the episode titled ‘Deccan’ on the Nice Railway Journeys sequence by BBC Tv.
(Characteristic Picture: Courtesy Rajesh Narayanan/Shutterstock)
This story first appeared on Journey+Leisure India.