Nilgiri Mountain Railway: A Timeless Journey Through the Blue Mountains
Experience a nostalgic journey through the Nilgiri Mountains on the historic 'Toy Train,' a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, affectionately known as the 'Toy Train,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a captivating journey through the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Built by the British in 1908, this meter-gauge railway ascends from Mettupalayam to Ooty, traversing stunning landscapes of dense forests, tea plantations, and verdant valleys.
A brief summary to Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line
- Tamil Nadu, IN
Local tips
- Book tickets well in advance, especially during peak season (April-June and September-December), as they sell out quickly.
- Try to secure a window seat on the right side of the train for the best views during the ascent.
- Consider breaking the journey at Coonoor to explore attractions like Sim's Park, Lamb's Rock, and Dolphin's Nose.
- Check the train schedule in advance as the timings may vary, and services can be affected by weather conditions like heavy rain or landslides.
- For a more immersive experience, consider traveling in first class for a more comfortable journey and better views.
Getting There
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Train
To reach the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, start at Mettupalayam Railway Station (MTP), which is well-connected to Coimbatore (CJB) and Chennai (MAS). From Coimbatore, you can take a bus or taxi to Mettupalayam, approximately an hour away. The Nilgiri Express (train number 12671) from Chennai arrives in Mettupalayam at 6:15 AM, connecting with the toy train's morning departure. Ensure you book tickets in advance via the IRCTC website or app. Ticket prices from Mettupalayam to Ooty range from ₹30 for second class to ₹250 for first class.
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Bus
Alternatively, from Coimbatore, frequent bus services are available to Mettupalayam. Buses typically depart from Coimbatore Bus Stand and take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Mettupalayam. Bus fares range from ₹50 to ₹150 depending on the type of bus. From the Mettupalayam Bus Stand, the railway station is a short auto-rickshaw ride away, costing around ₹30 to ₹50.
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Taxi/Auto-rickshaw
If arriving in Ooty city center, auto-rickshaws are readily available for a short trip to Udhagamandalam Railway Station. The ride from Charing Cross Bus Stand to the railway station takes approximately 9 minutes and costs around ₹80 to ₹150. Taxis are also available but may be more expensive, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹300 for the same distance.
Discover more about Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line
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