Most often while planning a trip somewhere people are lost as to how to travel from one point to another. So I thought why not make it a little simpler by telling people how best they can plan their Trip from Delhi. Since most people plan their trip around Shimla I thought its best to start from there.

While planning a trip to the hills one must keep in mind that usually there are no direct trains. Bus connectivity is good but not that comfortable. So trains are the only options! There is no direct train to Shimla from Delhi. One has to break the entire journey, into train and bus travel. Even though there are lots of trains from Delhi to Shimla, but Shatabdi is the only train which is very convenient. The Shatabdi leaves around 7.30 AM in the morning and reaches Chandigarh at 10.45 and then precedes Kalka at 11.30am. Kalka being the start of the hills is preferred stop to get off by most travelers who have planned trips around the region. From Kalka there are just two options from this point either the distance has to be covered by road that is by hiring a cab or share jeep or the only other option is the toy train. Numerous cabs are parked outside the station at Kalka, but then they are expensive, and the charges are anything between Rs 500-2000 which can be a pocket pinch however one must bargain a lot with these cab drivers to get a good deal. You can also catch a bus which would be cheaper but crowded and longer, time wise and also it’s a bad option if you have a lot of luggage on you.

The Shatabdi costs about Rs 550 per head one way in the AC chair car. They serve meals on the train which are included in the fare, so one can munch along as the train chugs on. The important stops are along the way are Sonipat , Panipat, Karnal (which is the halfway point), Ambala, Chandigarh and then final destination is Kalka.

The only other option is the toy train, which is a very slow and painstaking journey if you have a lot of time on hand. The toy train takes about 6 hours to get there. Despite the amount of time it takes, it is an experience of a kind with beautiful landscape for company. The best part of the train is that it stops at the heart of Shimla, just below the mall. The starting point for the T-Train is the same station where Shatabdi terminates its journey.

Time Table of trains running between stations is available easily online. It would be advisable to book your travel well in advance to avoid cancellation during peak hours.