Kalka To Shimla Toy Train Booking
Planning for Shimla trip? Toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is a must have experience.
In this post,I have covered all the details of the journey from my recent experience of this travel. Keep reading…
Table of Contents
Kalka Toy Train Station
Kalka is a town in Haryana, near Chandigarh. You can reach Kalka either by a train from Chandigarh or by road.
The train journey is just 30min. The train going to Kalka get almost empty at Chandigarh, so you can easily travel in unreserved coach as well.
The toy train platforms are different than the main line platform but its just 20 meter from the main line platform.
You will see many red coloured toy train bogies parked at this platform. Its a small station, you will not miss it.
Kalka Shimla toy train ticket
If you want to use Kalka Shimla toy train, you should first book the tickets in advance as the toy train is popular and gets filled quickly.
Tickets can be purchased online on irctc web site or from the counter. The ticket sale starts around 1month in advance unlike other irctc booking that starts around 3-4 months in advance.
The toy trains start early in the morning and few trains have only 1st class but a couple of trains do have economy and general tickets (check irctc website for details)
Once ticket is sorted, on the day of travel or one day before depending on your situation.
Note: Few train do have general coach attached, in case you do not get ticket, reach early and grab a seat. Do check irctc website for latest time table and ticket rates.
Budget stay at Kalka station
Kalka have a retiring room and waiting room. If you need to wait for few hours, you can use waiting room or just sit on bench on platromr.
In case you need to rest, you can opt for dormetory or family room at Kalka station.
The dormetory is of 8 beds with common washroom and will cost Rs.300/-
Family room have two variations- NonAC and AC. Non AC room charge is Rs.800 and ACroom charge is Rs.1200.
In case you are not able to make online booking for the retiring room, you can approach the station master and he will help you with the booking.
Note: Budget rooms are available outside station as well, you can bargain and get a room for Rs.800-1500.
Food option at Kalka station
Kalka station have a good irctc catering facility where you can get snacks as well as various veg and non veg food at resanable rates.
The seating arrangement is good and the staff is helpful & friendly. It works on self service model where you will have to get a coupon first and collect food from the food counter.
Apart from irctc catering, there are many tea stalls on the platform.
Washroom facility at Kalka station
You will find washroom in the waiting room. There is a good washroom just outside Kalka station(towards toy train station side) that is pay and use.
FAQ’s:
How much time does toy train take from Kalka to Shimla?
The train journey is around 5hrs. The train stops at few of the stations on the way for only few minutes. You can get water and eadibles at these stations.
Is there toilet on Kalka Shimla toy train?
Yes, toilet facility is available on the toy train between Kalka and Shimla.
Conclusion:
Kalka Shimla is one of the few toy trains that still is operational. I will recommend you should ride it atleast once to get the experinece.
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