Himdarshan Express: The First Vista Dome Train in Shimla-Kalka Route
Travelers who are planning to enjoy the valley of Shimla will have a new option to travel between Kalka and Shimla rail route. Besides the old toy train, it’s the Himdarshan express with the new vista dome train which passengers can book for their ride on Kalka-Shimla track. It is a unique gift to the passengers from the Indian Railways that is known for its better services offered to passengers. It was the year 2002 when passengers were allowed to use the web portal of IRCTC through which one can book ticket online for their train journey and order online food online in train en route. It’s the first time when railways will introduce the vista dome coaches in Himdarshan express that will be made of high-end glasses. The entire coaches of the train will be transparent and the passengers can enjoy the extravagant beauty of Shimla through this glass made train. Himdarshan express has started running on the UNESCO world heritage Kalka Shimla track. Passengers can enjoy the beautiful snowfall during their journey. At present the tickets are booked manually at Kalka and Shimla station.
The Indian Railways narrow gauge route between Kalka and Shimla is a gift by nature to the mankind and it has become even more scenic with the introduction of vista dome train. The Indian Railways unveiled Himdarshan express on Christmas last year. The train with vista dome coaches will commute between Kalka to Shimla. The glass-top coaches of Himdarshan express give tourists a panoramic view of the beautiful mountains. The train runs at average speed of 14 to 20 kmph which gives an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and snowfall in the route. The reversible seats in all coaches’ give tourists an opportunity to adjust seats in the direction of the train for enjoying the lush green areas of the valley.
AMENITIES AND FEATURES OF HIMDARSHAN EXPRESS:
The swanky train has 7 coaches with:
- Paneled air-conditioning modern windows
- LED bulbs ,wider UPVC windows as well as honeycomb blinds
- Sockets for charging led lamps and gadgets and
- Upgraded toilets with western style water chest of drawers.
- Each coach has a seating capacity of 15 passengers and 1st class coach can accommodate 14 people.
FARE AND TIMINGS OF HIMDARSHAN EXPRESS:
- One needs to shell out Rs. 630 for a delightful experience on this train.
- With a travel time of 5 hours 25 minutes, the train starts its journey at 7 am from Kalka & 3:50 pm from Shimla.
- In return, the train starts from Shimla at 15:50 and reach Kalka at 09:15 pm.
- On both side of this exciting journey train will stop at Barog railway station on the way.
ABOUT KALKA SHIMLA RAIL ROUTE:
The Kalka-Shimla rail route of Ambala division was declared and awarded as the world heritage site. The 111 years old Kalka-Shimla rail line was first opened on 9th of November. It connects Shimla “The capital of Himachal Pradesh” to Kalka. It is also listed under “Mountain Railways of India”. No doubt, The Kalka Shimla rail route is the best example of the exceptional narrow gauge engineering skills. This exotic rail route is stunningly beautiful. Peak winter season and rainy season are the most suitable time for tourists to travel on this site. The snowfall is common on this section in December and January where travelers can feel the essence of nature. Including Himdarshsan express other toy trains are also run by Indian Railways which attract tourists.
If you are planning a trip to Shimla then it is highly recommended to visit this world heritage Kalka-Shimla rail route, and enjoy the ride of stunning Himdarshan express train to explore the snowfall and beauty of lush green areas en route.