Imagine a steam train slowly ascending the hills as you enjoy stunning views of lush green hills and valleys of the Nilgiri mountain range through your window, with cool breezes refreshing you. It’s an slow yet strangely exhilarating experience that awaits you at the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
In 2005, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway was designated a World Heritage Site as a part of the Mountain Railways in India, along with the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway and the Darjeeling Hill Railway.
Built by the British in 1908, the metre gauge train is the only operational rack and pinion railway in India. The rack and pinion mechanism is used only in the most challenging of climbs to avoid the train sliding backwards on the smooth rails.
It was in 1854 that the first plans were made to build a mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to the Nilgiri Hills. But it took years to cut through red tape and complete the complex construction of the line. The line was completed and opened for traffic in June 1899, with the extension to Ooty from Coonoor completing in 1908.
The train uses steam locomotives for most of the route, but sometimes diesel engines are used in the steepest sections. The route starts from Mettupalayam and ends in Ooty, passing through tunnels and bridges, and several small hill stations with British names including Coonoor, Wellington, Love Dale and Fern Hill.
The complete route from Mettupalayam to Ooty takes nearly 5 hours, (though a distance of mere 45 km), with the return journey downhill being marginally faster at 4 hours. Those who wish for a shorter journey can opt to travel between Coonoor and Ooty in about 90 minutes.
There are 250 bridges and numerous tunnels along the route, which passes through tea estates, woodlands and picturesque hamlets. Wildlife such as the gaur, langur and even elephants can sometimes be sighted from the train.
Railway enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Museum at the Mettupalayam terminus, and the steam locomotive sheds in Ooty, Coonoor and Mettupalayam for a closer look at rolling stock, memorabilia and railway equipment associated with this heritage line.
