The Best Way to Reach Shimla

Shimla Tour

There are many things in our life which are destined and no one knows when and how it will get fulfilled. Same thing happened with me when I went to my friend’s engagement in Shimla. When his persuasion failed to convince me, he bribed me with a travel opportunity in Toy train from Kalka to Shimla. Since my childhood it was my dream to experience this riveting journey. Though I got several opportunities but somehow I missed all, why and how I don’t known. It was not destined that may be one of the reasons.

For me it’s not a bribe but he targeted on my Achilles’ heel and soon I headed for Delhi from Pune via flight. From here I boarded Howrah Delhi Kalka Mail and reached Kalka at around 5:00 in the morning. Kalka located on the foothills of Himalayas is an entry point to Himachal Pradesh. From here my long cherished journey started in a cozy seat of the Shivalik Deluxe Express. With smile on my face and joy in my heart I stepped inside the train.

It is a luxury train running between Kalka and Shimla. This train has only one stoppage at Barog that is why it is also called as ‘narrow gauge Shatabdi’. The train can accommodate 120 passengers at a time. There is a special tourist coach called 'Shivalik Palace’ attached to this train which is meant for elite tourists. Apart from this the Shivalik Express has individual posh cabins which are private compartments for couples or lovers. Some of the other distinctive features that impressed me most on board were the wall to wall carpet decorations, wide glass windows, reversible cushioned chairs, music system and microphone with an alarm bell for emergency communication. 

The slow and steady moving of the train over serpentine tracks, passing by charming hills, tunnels and bridges mesmerized me completely. The journey through green valleys, high mountains and steep slopes had left the impression of ecstasy and joy which will remain in my memory forever. Covering 96 km, the train passes through 919 curves, 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels and 969 bridges. 

The most fascinated duration of this expedition was when the train passed the longest tunnel at Barog. This tunnel is 1143.61-metre-long and the train passes through fissured sandstone. The train echo and darkness outside perplexed me and I got sacred for sometime. As soon as the train comes out of the tunnel, the spread over beauty of lush green natural ambiance is like a welcome sign of this bewitching land.

After 4:45 hours of this appealing journey the train reaches the beautiful hill station Shimla, where I saw my friends waiting for me. The moment I got down from the train two of my old friends hugged me and we all headed towards our friend’s house. 

It was really a memorable journey for me because not only it fulfilled my most cherished desire but also given me a chance to meet some of my old friends. After enjoying the company of natural vistas I spent quality time with my friends for two days which provided me a chance to enjoy everything at its best.