On a heritage train ride from Kalka to Shimla

On the train ride up from Kalka to Shimla, it’s all about the journey, not the destination. The 1903-built railway, a World Heritage Site, passes through 102 tunnels and trundles across more than 800 bridges and viaducts on its 96km/6hr journey. A special new heritage service on the route, which uses old saloon coaches, hopes to infuse some much-needed charm into the experience. The six-coach train includes a 1966-built Shivalik Palace coach and a Shivalik Queen coach dating from 1974, both restored to their former glory. The Shivalik Palace coach is provided with a temperature-cum-time indicator as well as an altimeter, and comes fully furnished with a dining table and chairs. The exclusive coach seats just six people. Make your bookings at railtourismindia.com.