The Toy Train

A representative from our travel company met us at the hotel in Delhi and escorted us to New Delhi station then on to the train to Kalka with all the vouchers for the rest of our trip. Unfortunately it was the wrong carriage but that was easily sorted out. What an experience it was to travel First Class on Indian Rail. We had scarcely sat in our well spaced seats before water was delivered, and several newspapers and a magazine appeared. This was followed by coffee and biscuits, a hot breakfast and more coffee. The tickets only cost 1025 rupees (about fifteen pounds) for both of us and the journey was about 4 hours.


In Kalka we had less than half an hour to change to the "toy train" to Shimla. What a culture shock after the other train! It is smaller, a narrow gauge line, though not quite as small as this rail car we met going in the other direction. We found our carriage immediately. Unfortunately it was occupied by a group of young boys, about 9 or 10 years old, and as we stood doubtfully in the doorway we were told that they would leave when the train started. As we pointed out our seats, they all poured out of the window (a barrel load of monkeys comes to mind). With seats secured we had to try to stow luggage. There were 2 other non Indian couples on the train, an older couple going to the Oberoi and a young couple. The girl looked Indian and had been born in Delhi but was put in an orphanage at age 4 and adopted by a Danish couple at 5. She and her partner who was also Danish were visiting India for the first time since she was adopted. She found that people expected her to speak Hindi. Since we had both finished "City of Djinns" , an amusing and historical book about Delhi, it seemed appropriate to pass it on to them. Needless to say they spoke perfect english and could also read it. The other couple kindly shared their lunch as both their hotel and their tour company had provided large packed lunches. It was a long and uncomfortable 5 hours of climbing slowly up the mountainside but the views were spectacular. Shimla is built around 7000 feet up on the side of a mountain and had evidence of recent snow falls. A driver met us and transported us to the Radisson Hotel. Service here was a bit overpowering at times. After washing a few clothes and updating the blog we visited the buffet which was very good but a bit spicy. Having met the hotel guide we agreed on a tour on Tuesday but would have a quiet day on Monday.