OOTY TRAIN. NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train is the highlight of a visit to the popular in ooty, in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. Established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai government, Ooty now draws tourists wanting to escape the stifling summer heat.

Although the railway was proposed in 1854, it wasn't completed until 1908 as the rocky terrain and thickly forested hills made the work difficult.

It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Route

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is located in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. It runs from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills. The track is 46 kilometers (28.5 miles) long, and passes over 250 bridges (including 32 major ones) and through 16 tunnels. This railway is particularly picturesque because of the surrounding rocky terrain, ravines, tea plantations, and forested hills. Coonoor, with its world famous teas, is a tourist destination in itself.

Toy Train Services

One toy train operates along the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The engine is an 'X' Class steam locomotive, made in Switzerland. It pulls quaint blue and cream wooden carriages with large windows. The engine is changed for a more powerful diesel one at Coonoor, to provide greater traction for the steep climb up to Ooty.

The most spectacular scenery and best views are situated along the stretch from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. Hence, some people prefer to only travel along this stretch.

Fare Information

The regular reserved adult train fare is 30 rupees in second class and 205 rupees in first class, one way. The unreserved general fare is 15 rupees one way.