The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Tamil Nadu): The famed Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu are set to bewitch tourists with an enchanting summer experience as the Southern Railway has announced the launch of a special toy train service traversing the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway route. From March 29 to July 1, 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the scenic splendor of the Nilgiris district, aboard the iconic mountain trains.
The Salem Division of Southern Railway has unveiled plans to operate the special service along the historic Mettupalayam-Ooty-Coonoor-Ooty route, promising an exhilarating adventure for travelers during the peak summer tourism season. This iconic railway line, winding through the verdant landscapes of the Nilgiri hills, has long captivated visitors with its old-world charm and stunning vistas.
With the anticipation of a surge in tourist footfall during the months of April and May, when the Nilgiris region traditionally witnesses a massive influx of visitors, the railway authorities have decided to tap into the enduring appeal of a mountain train journey. The UNESCO World Heritage status bestowed upon the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, regarded as an engineering marvel, adds an extra layer of allure to this unique travel experience.
For those seeking an immersive encounter with nature and history, the toy train service promises to be a treat like no other. As the charming trains chug along the winding tracks, passengers will be treated to a kaleidoscope of breathtaking vistas, passing over no fewer than 206 bridges and through 16 cavernous tunnels carved into the mountainsides.
The meticulously planned schedule ensures that tourists can savor the journey at their leisure. From March 29, the trains will ply between Coonoor and Coonoor-Ooty on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, allowing travelers to explore the region’s two most renowned hill stations. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the service will also operate between Mettupalayam and Ooty on Fridays and Sundays, and on the return leg from Ooty to Mettupalayam on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a testament to the engineering prowess of the British Raj, has long captivated travelers with its serpentine tracks, steep gradients, and an array of remarkable engineering feats. As the trains navigate through rugged terrain, passengers can marvel at the sheer ingenuity that went into constructing this remarkable railway line over a century ago.
While the journey itself promises to be a highlight, the destinations along the route offer their own unique charms. Ooty, the picturesque hill station known as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” beckons visitors with its colonial-era architecture, sprawling tea gardens, and a temperate climate that provides respite from the sweltering summer heat.
Coonoor, nestled amidst verdant hills and tea plantations, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors can indulge in leisurely strolls through the town’s charming streets, sip on freshly brewed tea at one of the numerous tea estates, or simply soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.