Odyssey Tours & Travels

Toy Train

The Kalka Shimla Railway is a 96-km long, single track working rail link built in the mid-19th century to provide a service to the highland town of Shimla. Hauled by a tiny blue-and-white diesel locomotive, the toy train rattles at leisurely pace through stunning scenery.

Exploring Shimla and Around

If you are fond of walking, Shimla has many parts that remain hidden to vehicles. Combinations by car and then on foot are possible in several areas

The area around the Institute of Advanced Study has several walks, which can be combined with visits to the State Museum.

A visit to the Jakhoo temple can be combined with a stroll and shopping on the Mall, a 7-km long thoroughfare. The Lower Bazaar that runs parallel to the Mall has the flavour of a typical Indian market place. Trinkets that can be purchased here include silver jewellery. Jakhoo has several paths that crisscross the hill; a good walk is along the old Five Benches Road.

You can also walk towards Chotta Shimla and Raj Bhavan, the residence of the state Governor.

Special Interest: Nature

Some routes offer a greater variety of Shimla trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns. If you are lucky some bird species can also be sighted. Some suggested places are: - The Glen, and the narrow forest trail that runs above it and loops around Summer Hill. - The Bharari spur. - Towards the villages of Kamina and Pabo - Trek route down from Kamina to Tattapani.