A popular tourist attraction in Shimla is the toy railway. However, a similar train in Tamil Nadu is also gaining popularity online. According to the official website Invest India, the Mettupalayam Ooty Nilgiri passenger train is the slowest in India, traveling at ten kmph, or nearly 16 times slower than the nation’s fastest train. Due to the train’s operation in a steep location, it travels 46 kilometers in around five hours. However, the pleasant view presented compensates for the train’s speed.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway extension has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations agency UNESCO. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was initially suggested for building in 1854, but due to the challenging terrain, work only began in 1891 and was finished in 1908, according to the UNESCO website.
According to UNESCO, this railway, which climbs elevations from 326 meters to 2,203 meters, embodied the most recent advances in engineering at the time.
The Beautiful Ride
During its 46-km route, the train travels through many tunnels and more than 100 bridges, according to IRCTC. The ride is magnificent because of the rugged terrain, ravines, tea plantations, and heavily wooded slopes.
The area between Mettupalayam and Coonoor has some of the most breathtaking vistas.
Central Stations
Daily service is provided by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway between Mettupalayam and Ooty. At 7:10 am, the train departs from Mettupalayam and arrives in Ooty at noon. According to IRCTC, the train departs from Ooty at 2 pm and arrives in Mettupalayam at 5.35 pm for the return trip.
The major road stops are Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu, Ketti, and Lovedale.
Composition
Both first-class and second-class seats are available on the train. In comparison to the second class, the seats in the first class have cushions and are fewer in number.
The train’s fourth carriage was added in 2016 due to the fast-expanding demand.
How Can I Order Tickets?
On the IRCTC website, reservations may be made for travel on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The best time to make reservations is as far in advance because there are so many tourists around on holidays and weekends.
