Embarking on a slow trip amongst the scenic mountains, valleys and cities with remarkable history – a toy train ride can delight not just your eyes but your soul as well. We suggest you try one of these seven iconic toy train rides on your next rebound vacation. By Smrithi Suresh
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – West Bengal, India
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When you are touring in Darjeeling, trying the toy train ride is a must. What started in the 1880s, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) began its passenger services only in 1964. The DHR, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers you various packages to explore the breathtaking Himalayan view. The vintage train ride becomes particularly interesting while crossing the six zigzag routes amid plantations and forests. The famous Batasia Loop, a double spiral route, offers a 360-degree view of the mountains. Sitting by the carriage windows, you can also catch a glimpse of the tea gardens covered by forests. The settlement in this city will remind you of the pre-independence era while serving the experience of a lifetime. They usually have on offer train rides such as Joy Rides from Darjeeling to Ghum at a starting fare of INR 1,000 or Jungle Safari in the evening at a similar starting price. There are also options to travel in passenger charter trains. However, due to the current pandemic situation, the services have been temporarily halted.
2. Corcovado Rack Railway – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Corcovado train is a rack railway that can take you to one of the seven wonders of the world – Christ the Redeemer. Established in 1884, this railroad runs for 3.8 kilometres towards Corcovado mountain from the terminus. This trip will leave you enthralled with its picturesque views of the city and nearby beaches. The journey towards the summit is covered by the thick rainforest of Tijuca. Usually, the clouds envelop the statue and the city. It is suggested to take an early train ride for a clearer view. A round trip ticket and admission to the statue could cost somewhere around INR 700 to INR 1,100. The destination was recently reopened by the Brazilian Government, at 25 per cent visitor capacity.
3. Šargan Eight Railway – Mokra Gora, Serbia
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This heritage train with wooden wagons cuts through 22 tunnels across the mountains of Mokra Gora. It was originally established in 1925 to reach the mountain peaks in the region and got the name due to the curvy pathway that resembles an eight. This train ride takes you uphill to unfold a stunning view of Serbia. You can also spot the one-of-its-kind Kustendorf village, which was created completely with wood by film director Emir Kusturica. You can also see a waterfall and a long stairway leading to the Tara Mountain. The expansive views of the valley, as seen from this train, will forever be etched in your memory. A trip would cost somewhere between INR 340-680.
4. Snowdon Mountain Railway – Wales, UK
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Snowdon Mountain Railway is one of the most unique and thrilling railway journeys in the world. It was started in 1896 and it departs from the terminus of Llanberis. The train takes you to the Summit of Snowden — the highest mountain in Wales and England. At the start of the travel, the Ceunant Mawr waterfall gushing into the gorge below and the view of the Valley of Reeds, qualify for a spectacular sight. The railways offer different train services like steam, diesel and hybrid locomotives. We suggest you opt for the steam train ride so as to re-live a traditional train journey moment. Passing through the fascinating wildlife and mountains will lead you to the lush green Rocky Valley. Eight-kilometres ahead lies Hafod Eryri, the summit building of Snowden. This summit offers one of the world’s greatest panoramic views. On a clear day, you can even see Ireland from the summit building. The train is currently operating with limited passengers and services, which extend up to the Clogwyn Station. The steam locomotives are also suspended for 2020. A round trip ticket costs approximately INR 2,064.
5. St Kitts Scenic Railway – St. Kitts, West Indies
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Popularly known as the Sugar Train, the St Kitts Scenic Railway was formally introduced in St Kitts island to transport sugar cane and was later expanded to the coastline of Eastern Caribbean island. This scenic three-hour ride cuts through the abandoned plantations, black sand beach and cane fields. While the upper level has an open-air observation deck, which offers you a 360-degree view of the island, the lower level has a closed deck with huge windows for sightseeing. The passengers are also provided with complimentary food and some Caribbean folk music, along with the narration of the beautiful Caribbean history. During the trip, the train crosses tall steel bridges and thick rainforests. After 28 kilometres, passengers can take a bus to further explore the untouched culture and scenery of the location. The ticket price varies from INR 750 to 1,000 depending upon the season. St Kitts is expected to resume services in October 2020.
6. Kalka–Shimla Toy Train – Himachal Pradesh, India
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This toy train service runs on Kalka-Shimla mountain railway track, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covering a distance of 96 kilometres. The journey of this train began in 1903, during the British Raj. Currently, the IRCTC offers Joy Ride train services and hop-on-hop-off services for passengers and covers 20 railway stations. The gothic architecture of the stations stands as a symbol of India’s history. As the train goes chugging towards Shimla, the scenery en route is sure to leave you spellbound. During the journey, you also cross Tunnel number 33 in Barog, which is claimed to be the straightest tunnel in the world. Moreover, the railroad is completely enveloped by oak and pine trees, which makes it all the more memorable. A hundred curves and bridges later, you find yourself in Shimla within a span of just six hours. The cost of a regular ticket starts from INR 295.
7. Harz Railway – Thuringia, Germany
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The trains of Harz railway are operated with steam engines and cover 48 stations, making it the longest railway network of Europe. This heritage rail service was started in 1897 and leads to the summit of Brocken, the highest peak in northern Germany. A ride through the beautiful steep gradients and countless bends around the narrow valleys makes this a unique experience. The hisses, steam and the chugging sounds from this vintage train throughout the trip takes you back in time. For most of the year, the mountains are covered in mist and fog, so it is advisable to take early morning train rides. However, the best time to explore Harz steam trains is in winter. Amid the snow-clad flora and pathway filled with snowpacks, the train offers a thrilling adventure. The ticket fare starts from INR 2,760 for a single trip.
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