Summary
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train is the highlight of a visit to the popular hill station of Ooty, located in south India’s Tamil Nadu state. Established in the early 19th century by the British as the summer headquarters of the Chennai government, Ooty now attracts tourists looking to escape the stifling summer heat.
The railway opened in 1899 and was completed in 1908. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. The charming toy train pulls blue and cream wooden carriages, featuring large windows for taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Railway Features
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway operates from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), with a stop at Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. This railway is unique as it is the only meter gauge, rack railway in India. Commonly known as a cog railway, it features a middle rail fitted with a rack that engages a pinion on the locomotive, providing the necessary traction for steep inclines. In fact, it boasts the steepest track in Asia, ascending from 1,069 feet to 7,228 feet above sea level.
The railway mainly operates a fleet of X Class steam locomotives, although in recent years, vintage coal-fired locomotives have been replaced by new oil-fired steam engines due to recurring technical issues, challenges in obtaining quality coal, and the risk of forest fires. The retired steam engines will be showcased at Coimbatore and Ooty railway stations, along with the Nilgiri Mountain Rail Museum in Mettupalayam.
However, officials are eager to preserve the heritage of the railway and plan to reintroduce one of the coal-fired steam engines, despite it failing a trial run in February 2018 due to insufficient steam pressure.
Route Features
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway stretches over 46 kilometers (28.5 miles), passing through numerous tunnels and crossing hundreds of bridges, about 30 of which are large. The scenery along the route is particularly stunning, highlighted by rocky terrain, ravines, tea plantations, and thickly forested hills. Coonoor, famous for its teas, is a notable stop and a tourist destination of its own. For the most spectacular views, many travelers choose to journey only from Mettupalayam to Coonoor.
How to Reach Mettupalayam
The closest city to Mettupalayam is Coimbatore, situated approximately an hour to the south, and it features an airport with flights from various locations across India.
The daily 12671 Nilagiri (Blue Mountain) Express train from Chennai arrives in Mettupalayam at 6:15 a.m., connecting travelers with the toy train’s morning departure. It also accommodates those returning in the evening. The Nilagiri Express stops in Coimbatore at 5 a.m., making it convenient for passengers traveling from there. Alternatively, a taxi from Coimbatore will cost roughly 1,200 rupees ($18).
Frequent bus services run from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam, beginning at 5 a.m., along with several passenger trains throughout the day. Affordable accommodations are available in Mettupalayam if you choose to stay overnight for the toy train ride the next day, though better options can be found in Coimbatore.
Regular Train Services and Fares
There is one toy train service operating daily on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty. The timetable is as follows:
- The 56136/Mettupalayam-Ooty MG Passenger train departs from Mettupalayam at 7:10 a.m. and arrives in Ooty at noon.
- The return service, 56137/Ooty-Mettupalayam MG Passenger train, leaves Ooty at 2 p.m. and arrives back in Mettupalayam at 5:35 p.m.
Both first class and second class seating options are available on the toy train, with first class offering more comfort and fewer seats. If you seek a more relaxing journey, it’s advisable to purchase first class tickets. A limited number of unreserved tickets are sold at the ticket counter before departure, but they typically sell out quickly. Notably, a fourth carriage was added to the train in 2016 in response to rising demand, although seats still fill up rapidly, especially during summer.
The adult fare is 30 rupees ($0.45) in second class and 205 rupees ($3) in first class, one-way. Unreserved general fare is 15 rupees ($0.15) per trip.
It is important to remember that the region receives rain from both the south-west and north-east monsoons, which can often disrupt services.
Reintroduction of Summer Train Services
After a five-year hiatus, special summer train services will start again in 2018.
The “Heritage Steam Voyage” will operate between Mettupalayam and Coonoor, on Saturdays and Sundays, from March 31 to June 24. Officially named the 06171/Mettupalayam-Coonoor Nilagiri Summer Special, it is set to depart Mettupalayam at 9:10 a.m., reaching Coonoor by 12:30 p.m., with stops at Kallar and Hillgrove. In the return direction, the train will leave Coonoor at 1:30 p.m. and arrive back in Mettupalayam at 4:20 p.m.
This train will feature two first-class carriages and one second-class carriage. Prepare to pay significantly more than the regular toy train fare, as first-class tickets cost 1,100 rupees ($16) for adults and 650 rupees ($10) for children, while second class prices are 800 rupees ($12) for adults and 500 rupees ($8) for children. Passengers will receive a welcome kit, a souvenir, and refreshments onboard.
