The Ooty Toy Train, officially known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is a famous tourist attraction in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a narrow-gauge railway that operates between Ooty and Mettupalayam, covering a distance of approximately 46 kilometers.
The Toy Train is renowned for its scenic beauty and the old-world charm it offers to passengers. It passes through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, dense forests, and several tunnels and bridges, providing breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Mountains.
This train passes through 16 tunnels, 250 bridges and 208 serpentine curves.
The train is operated by a unique steam locomotive called the “X Class” steam engine, which is over a century old and is one of the oldest working steam engines in the world. In addition to the steam engine, there are also diesel locomotives used for regular services.
The Ooty Toy Train journey is a leisurely and enjoyable experience, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys. The train moves at a slow pace, allowing travelers to relish the scenic vistas along the route.
To ride the Ooty Toy Train, you need to purchase a ticket. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, as the train can get quite crowded. Tickets can be booked online or at the railway station counter. The journey from Ooty to Mettupalayam or vice versa takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the weather and other factors.
Please note that due to the evolving situation and potential changes in operations, it’s important to verify the current schedule and ticket availability from official sources or local authorities before planning your trip.