There is nothing to match the experience of chugging up the hills. If you have some time to spare, then take a slow toy train up to the hill resorts of Shimla, Ooty (Udhagamandalam), Darjeeling or Matheran.

Shimla:
The toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, is entrancing with 107 tunnels and lofty arched bridges. The dazzling view and the halts at the picturesque stations along the way add to the experience. Shimla is connected to New Delhi by a broad gauge line up to Kalka.

Shivalik Deluxe :
Introduced on the lines of Shatabdi Express, this train has only one stop – Barog. The journey time – 4 hours 45 mins. With a seating capacity of 120, it connects the Howrah-Kalka mail. The fare is Rs 305 per ticket either way between Kalka & Shimla. Meals are served on board.

Shivalik Palace (Tourist Coach) :
The Shivalik Palace, which runs between Kalka & Shimla caters to the elite class of tourists. It has on-board catering with an exclusive range of kitchen ware. Special features include decorative lights, a musical cordless bell, a music system,a variety of indoor games, magazines & books, ultra-modern fittings in bathrooms, an artificial decorative plant, a dining table with beautifully cushioned chairs, folding beds etc. Shivalik Palace is normally meant for a party of 6 people. The round trip fare is Rs 8225. For the price, meals are provided on board, as well as two retiring rooms at Shimla for one day. 

Ooty (Udhagamandalam) :
At a maximum speed of 33km per hour, this ' toy train' treks across plains, plantations and forest-clad hills. The 16 tunnels and tall girder bridges on the way, along with the breathtaking view, make this toy train journey to Ooty a memorable experience. Ooty is connected by a narrow gauge line from Mettupalayam, which serves as the railhead for mainline trains.

Darjeeling :
The most famous of the little trains is the one linking the town of New Jalpaiguri in the plains, to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling – perched on the awesome Himalayas.The 86km Darjeeling line allows the traveller an uninterrupted view of the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas.
Access to Darjeeling: New Jalpaiguri, the starting point of the hill train to Darjeeling, is linked to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other places in India by rail and air.

Matheran:
Close to the business city of Mumbai, Matheran is connected to Neral on Mumbai-Pune main line, and is a tourist hot spot. Journey by the toy train to Matheran takes about an hour and a half. The toy train runs between sunrise and sunset.