The attraction of practice journeys stays uncontested: a leisurely tempo, comfortable coaches framing nation views, and the creation of fun-filled recollections. Should you fancy the old-world magic of rail journey, look no additional than the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, India’s slowest practice journey, to your bucket checklist. Protecting a mere 46 km in 5 hours, this iconic narrow-gauge railway prioritises a delicate meander via the breathtaking sights of Tamil Nadu over hurried expeditions, clocking in at virtually 16 instances slower than India’s quickest trains.
Fondly referred to as the Ooty toy practice, the Nilgiri Mountain Rail’s unhurried tempo might be attributed to the steep gradient and rugged terrains it conquers in the course of the journey. But, who frets in regards to the time, when the practice 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 via tunnels, bridges, and hairpin curves
A practice journey with a facet of journey, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway ventures via 16 tunnels, navigates 208 steep curves, and traverses 250 bridges. Really 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 via a number of quaint cities like Coonoor, Wellington, Ketti, Lovedale, Hillgrove, and Aravankadu. It comes as no shock that the majority passengers have their faces and telephones glued to the home windows in the course of the journey!
Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Prepare schedule, composition and timings
With its core steeped in nostalgic attraction, because of classic steam locomotives, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway gives each First Class with 72 seats and Second Class with 100 seats. The previous boasts cushioned preparations and scantier crowds. The toy practice carriages stand out in stunning hues of blue and cream, crafted totally out of wooden. In 2016, a fourth carriage was launched to satisfy the quickly rising demand for the Ooty toy practice. Working every day, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway stands as South India’s solely mountain railway.
Supervised by IRCTC, the practice 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 accommodations, workplaces and church buildings, and savour the slow-paced life at increased elevations. On its return journey, the practice 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 sizzling chai, crackers, and masala vada.
The right way to ebook Nilgiri Mountain Railway tickets
Reservations for a joyous practice journey onboard the Nilgiri Mountain Rail might be made by way of IRCTC‘s official web site. Because of the surge in vacationers over holidays and weekends, it’s advisable to ebook your tickets prematurely and revel in a leisurely journey via the Nilgiri Hills’ tunnels, bridges, and plush foliage and fauna.
Within the highlight: Ooty toy practice 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 enduring music “Chhaiya Chhaiya“ from the movie Dil Se (1998) not solely climbed the charts for its catchy tunes but in addition for being totally shot on the Nilgiri Mountain Rail! Starring Shahrukh Khan and Malaika Arora, the music featured white ribbons of steam escaping the practice’s classic engine, showcasing the scenic tea plantations and sweeping viaducts alongside the best way.
Moreover, the toy practice appeared within the Hindi music “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.
Store one of the best journey experiences right here
Moreover, the practice 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 practice was a spotlight of the episode titled ‘Deccan’ on the Nice Railway Journeys sequence by BBC Tv.
(Function Picture: Courtesy Rajesh Narayanan/Shutterstock)
This story first appeared on Journey+Leisure India.