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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.

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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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line

Embark on a nostalgic ride aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), a remarkable feat of engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005. Colloquially called the 'Toy Train', this railway offers a unique and charming way to experience the beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. The NMR was constructed by the British in 1908 to connect the plains with the popular hill station of Ooty (Udhagamandalam), a favored summer retreat. The 46-kilometer journey begins in Mettupalayam at an elevation of 326 meters and climbs to 2,203 meters in Ooty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The railway is the only rack railway in India, employing a unique rack and pinion system to conquer the steep gradients. The journey is a sensory feast, passing through 16 tunnels, over 250 bridges, and around 208 curves. The route meanders through dense forests, lush tea plantations, and verdant valleys, providing breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills. The train stops at several quaint stations along the way, including Kallar, Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale, and Fernhill, each offering its own unique charm. The ascent takes approximately 5 hours, while the downhill journey is shorter, around 3.5 hours. The NMR uses a fleet of X Class steam locomotives, some of which are over eight decades old, adding to the railway's vintage charm. These locomotives are meticulously maintained and are a significant draw for railway enthusiasts. The railway also uses diesel locomotives on the section between Coonoor and Udhagamandalam. A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is more than just a train journey; it's a step back in time and an immersion into the natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills.

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