MATHERAN LIGHT RAILWAY:
Matheran, an eco-sensitive region, is Asia's only automobile free hill station. Matheran toy train takes one to this beautiful pollution-free settlement covering a narrow-gauge track of approx. 21 km. The railway line, started in 1907, has a horseshoe barrier, which is its unique feature.
A two-hour journey starts from Neral station (39m) near Mumbai. The train crawls zigzag on the steep track through a picturesque route with grassy slopes, sharp curves, tree-covered hills, a tunnel, few panorama points, finally culminating at Matheran, lying at an elevation of 800m in the Sahaydri range.
KANGRA VALLEY RAILWAY:
A great example of outstanding hill passenger railways of India, Kangra valley railway also known as Kangra toy train, was initially commissioned for freight traffic in 1928 and later converted to passenger railway service in 1929. It covers a scenic stretch of approx. 163 km, passing through uniquely designed 971 bridges and 02 tunnels.
During a ride on this scenic train journey one can enjoy glancing at snow-clad mountains, quaint villages, pine tree forests, gold green fields and many more mesmerizing sights.
The tracks climbing from 331m in Pathankot (Punjab) to 1189m at Joginder Nagar station (Himachal Pradesh) with a highest elevation of 1291m at en-route station Ahju, takes one to Kangra valley. Located in the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas, Kangra valley is known for its nature and ancient Hindu shrines, which makes the train popular among the pilgrims and tourists.
COUNTRY SIDE TRAIN RIDE (BETWEEN KAMLIGHAT TO PHULAD):
This meter gauge train in Rajasthan is known for remarkable views of rustic countryside. It is operating since 1930 in the rugged terrain between Udaipur and Marwar (covering a distance of approx. 200 km), but the stretch between Kamlighat and Phulad (21 kms) is the main draw here.
The two-hour journey from Phulad to Kamlighat or vice versa takes one through a very scenic landscape with panoramic views, scrub jungle, hills, tunnels, bridges, and quaint one-man stations. Despite its snail pace, the train is a lifeline to many local villagers, thus giving tourists a chance to interact with those villagers and to know about their culture.
It's very likely to spot a shepherd travelling with his sheep or goats, milkman carrying his wares to customers etc. on the train. During the train journey one can witness the rustic rural lifestyle of Indian villagers and enjoy the panoramic views of the nature.
The above are some of the outstanding examples of the meter gauge and earliest hill passenger railways in India. All of them are engineering marvels and fully operational with most of their original features intact. They provide spectacular panoramic views to travellers as well as act as a regular mode of transportation for the local travellers. Come and experience these unique journeys with us! We, at
Indo Asia Tours, are all about the handcrafted tours, memories, and moments you take out of your trip, and believe us, this escapade will be a life-changing one!