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INDIA

If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India! - Romaine Rolland (French writer)

CHINA

China has been a beguiling enigma for centuries; its vastness, coupled with a veil of mystery, has always attracted outsiders. It is the new second world superpower, going through rapid social, economic and philosophical changes. China has the third highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka’s “Up Country” is one of the most mysterious, awe-inspiring landscapes dotted with waterfalls and lush floral, its mist-shrouded green fields seem to extend on forever, which says nothing of the legendary tea grown here.

CAMBODIA

Once home to the powerful Khmer Kingdom, Cambodia was off limits to the tourist trail for many years and its secrets lay undiscovered for centuries.

PERU

Standing 2,430 m above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height.

AFRICAN SAFARIS

The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the “Seven New Wonders of the World”.

Mountain Trains of India

If you have some time to spare, take a slow toy train up to the hill resort of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran. There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills, past little hamlets and terraced fields, making your way through tunnels and over breathtaking bridges. Its leisurely pace offers you a panoramic view of changing vistas. The invigorating air and the delights of scenic hill resort provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts from the town of Mettupalayam and thus begins a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge train ascends 46 km, on its way to the hill resort at Ooty. At a maximum speed of 33 km per hour this 'toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall bridges on the way along with the breathtaking view make this toy train journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience! Access to Ooty
Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.

Shimla
The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla is entertaining with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the stops at the picturesque stations along the way Dharmpore, Taksal, Gamma and Solan all add up to an exhilarating experience. Access to Shimla

A broad gauge line up to Kalka connects Shimla. 'The Toy Train' covers the distance of 96 km between the two stations within six hours.

Darjeeling
The most famous of the little trains, is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. With a 2 ft gauge, the Darjeeling Hill Railway is indeed a 'toy train' being the narrowest of the regular narrow gauges. The tiny centuryold engine is connoisseur's delight. The 86 km Darjeeling line has no tunnels, thus allowing the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalaya. The 7 1/2 hour ride is a journey especially for rail buffs. Access to Darjeeling
New Jalpaiguri , the starting point of the hill train to Darjeeling, has direct connections to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India. -

TRAIN JOURNEYS

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