Toy Train journey to Shimla...chal chaiyyaa chhaiyaa:)

“Mere sapno ki raai kab aayegi tu”, Rajesh Khanna hit the road and wooed Sharmila Tagore in Aradhana in 1969…Circa 2009, In a sort of role reversal, we decided to do the other way round, so I along with Abhishek and Mridul ventured out to find our respective “sapno ki ranis”. lol. But we abandoned jeep and took the toy train:)

First things first, I love hills. Hills are in my blood and have lived a significant portion of my life on hills. But Shimla isn’t exactly my favorite when it comes to hill stations. It’s not that Shimla is not beautiful. The thing is I have been to Shimla many times already. Shimla is too crowded, way too crowded. But that doesn’t take its beauty away. I was not very keen on going out. But Abhishek like always; pushed me. And it turned out to be a worthy trip. One of the reasons why I am writing this blog is the TOY TRAIN journey to Shimla. It is the best part of the journey. It’s clean and neat, and comfortable. Remember the train that Shahid Kareena boarded on their way back to home in the second half of jab we met? We opted for the expensive than the JWM version… slightly royal looking train. But I checked the cheaper options which are equally good. Toy train is an amazing experience. Of course the weather played its part as well. The train meanders through some 50 odd tunnels and beautiful hill slopes passing through forests and small hill towns where the stations are small and oh-very beautiful. I remember last year this was given some UNESCO heritage status. That may be the reason why the train is so well maintained. Some stations like Barog are especially breathtaking. It is relaxing and a way to look at life moving slowly, the toy train assures you there is no need to hurry in life. Sipping hot tea (the yuck version that railways serve in shatabdis..lol) and watch enchanting natural beauty and life pass by…divine!!;)

This one is a highly recommended journey for all. Don’t go by bus!! And also for those who feel mountain sickness, nausea and vomiting!! Now the negatives- It is slow and after a point becomes monotonous and repetitive, but it still has the charm. You start enjoying nature up close and personal. Prepare to get bored after a time and it’s highly advisable to have noisy friends or ample music for companyJ. Also, weather is a big factor; you won’t like to get trapped in a small compartment in hot weather.

Once at Shimla we headed straight to the ridge, or the upper mall.( Though I am always confused what is the exact name- is it ridge or something else? Please let me know if you do). And we did click pictures, lots of it. Next was Jakhu temple. Now anyone who claims he loves mountain trails has to climb uphill to Jakhu temple. It’s a beautiful uphill climb and quite strenuous too. The most amazing are the monkeys. They rule this place. Mind you. You are in their territory so behave!! We behaved like good kids. he he :)

They even check you for Prasad and all. The monkeys frisked me nicely. I dutifully extended by hands for further probing. Though he was doubtful about my cell phone, but he “cleared” me. Other people submitted their prasads to them, dutifully. They are really smart and since you are in their kingdom, you dare not do anything stupid.
On our way down I thought of rolling down Mridul, but decided not to do it because could have caused an avalanche. Lol;)
Back downtown we did what everyone does in shimla- shop-hopping…eating…roaming around…eating again…to lakkad bazaar…some more munching..ridge…some pastries and ice-creams and so on. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you…Shimla has immense beauty..in every sense of word..he he..and yes my fav heroine is kangana…lol..The trip ended with sundown and we hopped a bus back home. A real nice day, well spent.:)

And yes this trip could have been perfect if we hadn’t encountered instances of PDA..in the bus..i mean real nasty stuff…..you know the things..That should NEVER be done in public…that was a huge turn off…anyway..;).
Overall a nice, fun filled Saturday outing;)

PS: I know the blog is two weeks late. But still. If you want to know more about toy train, go check the trains out on Indian rail site. And search between station KALKA and SIMLA(not Shimla, or else you will end up nowhere). The fares are normal, it cost us 290 each, and that was rather expensive version, there are cheaper options also available. But try to book at least one week in advance. Have fun:)