Kalka Shimla Railway | Toy Train Shimla | Nearest Railway Station Shimla

Kalka Shimla Railway is not just a transportation mode for the people of Himachal, it is the very personification of their culture, their labours , pains and the hardships they endured in the British era.There is no doubt that Shimla railway is a marvelous piece of human endeavor. In 2007, it was proclaimed as a heritage site by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Likewise, UNESCO has also recognized the grandeur of this monumental feat of humans in the form of Shimla toy train. Subsequently, Shimla railway was included amongst the world heritage sites by UNESCO in 2008.

Kalka Shimla railway has a curious history. By 1830 Shimla emerged as an important base for the Britishers in India. Hence, Britishers put all their energies to develop this strategic point in an all round manner. Eventually, in 1864 Shimla was made the summer-capital of British India. Obviously, a viable link between Shimla and Delhi as well as the northern plains of India became essential. Therefore, the Britishers conceived a railway link between Shimla on the mountain top at the height of 2076 mts above sea-level and Kalka on the foothill of Himalayas at the altitude of 656 mts above sea level.

In 1898, the construction work of Kalka-Shimla railway link was started under the guidance of the chief engineer Mr. Herlington. From 9th Nov, 1903 ‘Shimla Toy Train’  started operating for constructed by Delhi-Ambala-Kalka railway company. Finally, the train from Kalka to Shimla started running on a narrow gauge railway track covering a distance of 96 Kms.

Tunnels of Kalka-Shimla Railway

Originally there were 107 tunnels in Kalka Shimla railway, but at present only 103 tunnels are in use. The longest one out of these is the ‘Barog Tunnel’. This tunnel has a rather interesting history. At the end of digging of the Barog tunnel, the two sides of the tunnel did not coincide with each other because of their wrong alignment. As a result, colonel Barog who was the in charge of this tunnel was fined Re. 1 for not accomplishing the work successfully and wasting government funds. He later committed suicide in shame of his shortcomings.

Facts About Mall Road Shimla

The Mall, Shimla.

The perfect place to savour the true charm of Shimla is Mall Road Shimla. It is one of the major attractions for tourists as well as locals for recreational activities. The Mall Shimla was built by British during their colonial rule in India. Mall Road Shimla has various colonial structures, hotels, shops, cafe, restaurants and showrooms which make the place unique to hang out.

The Mall Shimla is open on all days thru out the year. The good news is that though being a famous tourist place there is no entry fee for visiting Mall Road Shimla. It is a no vehicle zone as no other vehicles except emergency vehicles are allowed on this road which serves as an icing on the cake. So you can enjoy the pollution free environment while strolling without worrying to keep a watch on traffic. Timings of the Mall Road Shimla are 9 am to 9 pm.

The other major attractions which add to the beauty of The Mall Shimla are Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre, Kali Bari Temple and Town Hall.

Lakad Bazar Shimla.

Scandal Point is the place where Mall Road Shimla joins the Ridge road. It was named so because of a historical story associated with it. It is said that an Indian Maharaja eloped with a British lady from the Scandal Point. After this instance, this place was named Scandal Point because of its connection with the escape affair. The most pre-eminent feature of Scandal point is the statue of Lala Lajpat Rai, a great freedom fighter.

Gaiety Theatre is one of the prominent colonial structure on The Mall Shimla. It was opened on 30th May, 1887. Many noted actors and actresses have performed here. It is also known for its social club nowadays. Many schools and colleges use it for their art exhibitions and performances.

Kali bari Temple was built in 1845. It is associated with the belief that goddess kali existed near Jakhoo in ancient times. A wooden image of goddess Kali is worshiped here. The local people have great faith in this temple.

Town Hall, the other colonial structure is the Municipal Corporation building. Though it has been recently renovated but the building is preserved in its original form as a true heritage. It has large steps and entrance area which is a really common place for people to sit and relax.

Shopping is an activity usually enjoyed by many people. If you are one of this kind then Shimla Mall Road Shopping offers you a variety of things which will be a delight to your eyes as they are unique as well as beautiful. The list of items that are a must while doing Shimla Mall Road Shopping includes Shawls, Himachali Topi, Wooden items, Handicrafts, Jewellery, Books and Woollen garments. You can use your bargaining skills while Shimla Mall Road Shopping.

Advanced Study Shimla.

Mall Road Shimla offers amazing scenic views from the adjoining areas to gaze at, along with an enjoyable experience of Shimla Mall Road Shopping. So pack your bags and make your experience of visiting this place a memorable one.