UNESCO Heritage Site Of India- Mountain Railways of India : Complete Tourist Information

The Mountain Railways of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a collection of three iconic railway lines that wind through the picturesque landscapes of Indiaโ€™s hills and mountains. These railways showcase the ingenuity of engineering and the beauty of Indiaโ€™s diverse terrain. The three railways included in this designation are the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka-Shimla Railway.

Overview

  • Inscription Dates:
    • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: 1999
    • Nilgiri Mountain Railway: 2005
    • Kalka-Shimla Railway: 2008
  • Significance: These railways were recognized by UNESCO for their outstanding universal value, representing remarkable achievements in railway engineering and their historical significance in the development of hill stations in India during the British colonial era.

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

  • Location: West Bengal
  • Length: 88 km (from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling)
  • Established: 1881
  • Elevation: Ascends from 100 meters to about 2,200 meters

Key Features:

  • Toy Train: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is affectionately known as the โ€œToy Trainโ€ due to its small gauge and scenic route. The steam-powered train offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills.
  • Batasia Loop: A remarkable engineering feat, this loop near Ghum allows the train to navigate steep gradients. It offers panoramic views of Darjeeling and the surrounding mountains.
  • Ghum Station: At 2,258 meters, Ghum is the highest railway station in India and a popular stop on the route.

Tourist Information:

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear views and pleasant weather.
  • Tickets: Tickets can be booked through the Indian Railways website or at the station. Itโ€™s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
  • Nearby Attractions: Darjeelingโ€™s tea gardens, Tiger Hill, and the Darjeeling Zoo.

2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR)

  • Location: Tamil Nadu
  • Length: 46 km (from Mettupalayam to Ooty)
  • Established: 1908
  • Elevation: Ascends from 326 meters to 2,203 meters

Key Features:

  • Rack and Pinion System: The NMR is unique among Indian railways as it uses a rack and pinion system to navigate the steep inclines of the Nilgiri Hills.
  • Coonoor: A popular hill station along the route, known for its tea gardens and beautiful scenery.
  • Steam Locomotives: The train is often hauled by steam locomotives, particularly on the steep sections between Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

Tourist Information:

  • Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November for the best weather conditions.
  • Tickets: Tickets are available through the Indian Railways website or at the station. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for the Ooty-Coonoor section.
  • Nearby Attractions: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Doddabetta Peak.

3. Kalka-Shimla Railway

  • Location: Himachal Pradesh
  • Length: 96 km (from Kalka to Shimla)
  • Established: 1903
  • Elevation: Ascends from 656 meters to 2,076 meters

Key Features:

  • Bridges and Tunnels: The Kalka-Shimla Railway features 864 bridges and 102 tunnels, including the famous Barog Tunnel, the longest on the route.
  • Picturesque Journey: The journey offers spectacular views of the Shivalik Range and passes through dense forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields.
  • Heritage Train: The train still operates vintage carriages, offering a nostalgic experience for travelers.

Tourist Information:

  • Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to November, to avoid the extreme cold of winter.
  • Tickets: Tickets can be booked online via the Indian Railways website or purchased at the station. Booking in advance is advisable during peak seasons.
  • Nearby Attractions: Shimlaโ€™s Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, and Kufri.

UNESCO World Heritage Significance

  • Engineering Marvels: These railways are celebrated for their innovative engineering solutions in overcoming the challenging mountainous terrain, including the use of loops, zigzags, and rack systems.
  • Colonial Heritage: The railways were built during British rule to facilitate access to hill stations, which were popular retreats for colonial officials. They are a testament to the technological advancements of the time and the importance of these regions during the colonial era.
  • Cultural Impact: Beyond their engineering significance, these railways played a crucial role in shaping the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the regions they serve, fostering tourism, and connecting remote areas with the rest of India.

General Tourist Information

  • Ticket Booking: Itโ€™s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as these trains are popular among both tourists and locals. Tickets can be booked through the Indian Railways website or at local stations.
  • Seating Options: Most trains offer first-class, second-class, and sometimes general seating. The first-class coaches often have panoramic windows, providing better views of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Photography: The routes are extremely photogenic, so be sure to carry a camera. Some sections offer incredible opportunities for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
  • Travel Tips:
    • Carry Warm Clothing: Even in summer, the higher altitudes can be chilly, especially during early mornings and evenings.
    • Food and Water: While some trains offer basic refreshments, itโ€™s a good idea to carry your own snacks and water.
    • Plan Ahead: The journeys are often slow and can take several hours, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

  • Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Explore the tea gardens of Darjeeling, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and enjoy views of Mount Kanchenjunga.
  • Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Discover the charm of Ooty with its colonial architecture, visit the Tea Museum, and take a boat ride on Ooty Lake.
  • Kalka-Shimla Railway: In Shimla, stroll along the Mall Road, visit the Viceregal Lodge, and take a hike to Jakhoo Hill.

Significance

The Mountain Railways of India are not just a means of transport but an experience in themselves, offering travelers a chance to journey through some of Indiaโ€™s most stunning landscapes while riding on a piece of living history. They represent the enduring legacy of Indiaโ€™s colonial past and the incredible engineering achievements that made these railways possible.