Simla Transportation Tips by lachydragon

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: It really is the ONLY way to get to Shimla! This gorgeous little mountain railway was built by the British during the height of the Raj and connects the town of Kalka in the Punjab to Shimla via 103 tunnels in a little over 100 kms of track. The train runs four times a day with uphill services departing at 4am, 5.30am, 6.30am and 11.55am. You can check out the most up-to-date service information at Indian Railways We came from Chandigarh in the morning and caught a bus to Kalka which connected with very little time to spare, leave yourself plenty of time if you have to make connections (rule number 1 in India!)

There are 2 classes of travel 1st and 2nd with quite a price difference between them. We travelled 2nd class at Rs.36 for the 5 hour trip (about AUS$1) I think forst class was about Rs. 300 and the only difference was reserved seating and padded vinyl seats in 1st class. Since we arrived late there were no seats left so we sat on our bags in the aisle and then variously sat in the open doorway to watch the world move by the train. It really was a fantastic way to travel and the carriage was abuzz with happy Indian holidaymakers all getting ready for their fun at Shimla! Once we saw the first snow by the tracks there was a stampede of people over to the windows and howls of delight from young and old alike!!

The train will take you to the main railway station which is then about 1.5 kms to the main part of town near the Christ Church. There will however be plenty of porters more than willing to carry your luggage at the station but do remember to fix a price beforehand and bargain hard.

Have Fun!!

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