Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners.
Situated at the height of 2200m, Shimla was the summer capital of British India.
Shimla still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road and the ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes and restaurants.
Shimla is well connected with many cities and is just 4 hours from the nearby city of Chandigarh.
The city has an airport as well; however, there aren't many daily flights from here.
The railway station connects Shimla with the plans and is famous for the Kalka-Shimla train route; a UNESCO listed World Heritage site.
The weather is pleasant for most of the months with tourists flocking especially during the summer months.
The winters are cold with some days of snow from mid-December till February end.
Shimla is often covered along with nearby towns of Kufri, a hill-station almost always covered by snow and Chail, famous for a huge palace and the highest cricket ground in the world.
Tourists also visit the famous Jakhu Temple and engage in sightseeing at various viewpoints during their trip to Shimla.
Skiing in Kufri, Kufri
Kufri, the winter sports capital of Shimla, leaves each and every visitor splendid with its beautiful white cover of snow.
It is a skier's paradise.
From the first snowfall of the year to the time the snow melts it is flocked by hundreds of skiers.
Skiing is Kufri's primary allure.
The slopes, the heights, and the snowy carpet it offers are the most adventurous platforms for skiing.
The thick cover of snow is perfect for hosting the adventurous sport.
The best time to roll into the snow of Kufri is from mid- December to early February.
During this period of the year, Kufri has perfect snow carpet to offer for skiing.
The place is famed for its deep valleys and thrilling slopes, best suited for skiing.
16 km from Shimla, the place which was known as a small pond, according to its name, today has been developed into a beautiful and adventurous tourist destination.
Tourists swarm to the place for getting a fun filled skiing experience.
An Exotic Skiing Experience
Kufri in India is among the oldest places to be associated with Skiing.
Even today the bulging slopes covered with thick snow are considered to be perfect for skiing.
It has a range of hills to offer, including a beginner's run, an advanced slope, and a slalom run.
Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment for hire at Kufri.
The sublime skiing experience of Kufri leaves the visitors astounded.
The white snowcaps leave no stone unturned in making your winter vacation the most memorable one.
Safety Tips
1. Undergoing certain medical tests is suggested.
2. Altitude sickness should be checked for before you embark upon this trip.
3. Carry medicines for cold and flu.
4. Make sure you carry plenty of warm clothes. Jackets that insulate are suggested.
5. Take your instructor's tips very seriously and pain relievers for casualties!
6. Good footwear is a must if you plan to go skiing.
7. Find operators that are registered and provide decent equipment and safety harnesses for your ski trip.
###How to reach Skiing in Kufri###
Located at an altitude of 2633 metres above the sea level, Kufri is just 16 km away from Shimla, on National Highway 22.
The nearest airport and railway station from Kufri are in Shimla.
You can also take regular buses from nearby places like Rampur and Shimla to reach the attraction.
Once you reach Kufri, cabs and local buses are readily available.
Horse rides can also be taken to reach the Mahasu Peak.
Situated on National Highway 22, it is well connected by buses and cars.
Air: The nearest airport to Kufri is Jubbarbhatti Airport in Shimla.
It is is hardly 10 kms away and well connected to Delhi, Kullu and Chandigarh via regular flights.
One can easily be reached Kufri from airport by hiring a taxi.
Rail: Shimla serves as the nearest railhead to Kufri, lying at a distance of about 13 kms.
It is well linked with other major railway stations of the country through regular rail service.
Road: Kufri is well linked with its neighbouring cities and states via a good network of motorable roads.
One can easily reach the hill town from cities like Shimla, Narkanda and Rampur by bus or taxi.
(2). #Kalka Shimla Toy Train
Kalka Shimla Toy Train, Shimla
The Kalka to Shimla route is best travelled by way of the toy train that runs on a narrow-gauge track and is known for its dramatic views of the hills and surrounding villages.
The historic Kalka Shimla Toy train is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and takes individuals on a ride amongst vast green hills and deodar and pine forests.
The journey was carved through the abundance of nature in Himachal Pradesh during the British rule due to which the Kalka Shimla Toy toy train is bound to take you back to a completely different era in history and through one of the most scenic railway journeys in India.
The 5 and a half-hour toy train journey provides special services and is must-do when visiting the mountainside of the North.
###Kalka Shimla Toy Train Timings###
Train Number
Name
Timings
52457
KLK SML Pass
4:00 AM - 9:20 AM
72451
Rail Motor
5:10 AM - 9:50 AM
52451
Shivalik Deluxe Express
5:30 AM - 10:15 AM
52453
Kalka Shimla Express
6:00 AM - 11:05 AM (Peak Season only)
52455
Himalayan Queen
12:10 PM - 5:20 PM
52441
Holiday Special
7:00 AM - 12:10 PM
52443
Holiday Special
###Kalka Shimla Toy Train Route###
Kalka- Taksal- Gumman- Koti- Sonwara- Dharampur Himachal- Kumar Hatti Dagshai- Barog- Solan- Salogra- Kandaghat- Kanoh- Kathleeghat- Shoghi- Tara Devi- Jutogh- Summer Hill- Shimla
The route from Kalka to Shimla is a 96-kilometre long uphill course all the way from the foothills to an altitude of 2076 metres above sea level.
The course is filled with 102 tunnels, the longest of which is Barog that takes 3 whole minutes to pass.
Passengers can also enjoy the stunning views and ornate bridges (869 in total) that they will pass through.
This structure that was completed in 1903, and took almost 20 years to make has about 919 curves and passes through some of the iconic Himachal Pradesh locations such as Kota, Dharampur, etc.
In addition to this, passengers have the satisfaction to end the mystical ride at a top-notch hill station high up in the
mountains
###Kalka Shimla Toy Train Services and Fare
While the Kalka Shimla Toy Train is an experience in itself, the authorities have created many special services and carriages to make the experience even better for the tourists.
Self Propelled RA 100
The Self Propelled RA 100 is a new venture by the railway authorities to make travelling and booking more convenient for passengers during summertime. The train compartment seats 8 Passengers who can book seats on a chartered seating basis. However, this simple carriage is available only when a minimum of 6 passengers have made a booking.
Cost: INR 36000 (Round Trip)
Shivalik Palace RA 200
The luxurious, air-conditioned RA 200 is one of a kind carriage that seats a maximum of 9 passengers. The carriage comes equipped with a modular kitchen and crockeries to assist in making freshly cooked meals aboard the train. If the kitchen is not equipped, attendants will provide meal services from a large selection of dishes.
Cost: INR 27000 (Round Trip)
Jharoka CT 14
Similar to the RA 100, seats aboard the CT 14 Jharoka are also given out on a chartered seating basis. The carriage has a balcony on both sides that gives you enough space to gaze out at the passing landscape and marvel at the beauty. The carriage is also air-conditioned and has plush seating that goes well with the wooden furniture. A special feature of the CT 14 is its environment-friendly exterior which is a necessity in these trying times. The CT 14 seats around 8 passengers with a minimum requirement of 6 passengers.
Cost: INR 29000 (Return journey on the next day)
Composite Coaches CT 12 AND 13
Perfect for large groups, the CT 12 and 13 composite coaches seat a maximum of 22 passengers. With its magnanimous windows, you and your entire band of people can enjoy the stunning views while having a jolly old time aboard the train.
Cost: INR 18135 (Single Trip)
Hop-On-Hop-Off
During the peak season, the Kalka Shimla Toy Train also offers hop-on-hop-off services that let you get down at any station and board another incoming train without the hassle of purchasing another ticket. The hop on hop off services encourage tourism and let you visit more places in a single journey.
Vista Dome Coaches
Vista dome coaches (also known as Nihaar) which are 36 seater glass coaches have also been introduced. These coaches make you feel one with your natural surroundings while also making you comfortable as they are equipped with A/C and LED lights. Additionally, blinds on all windows allow for a sense of privacy or to block out the sun when you wish to take a nap. The cushion to wood designs only adds to the charm of these antique coaches.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train Booking
Booking for all the services, normal and special, opens one month in advance and visitors are advised to book their tickets before the toy train gets full, as it is a major attraction as well as a means of convenient travel. The toy train is available on all days according to the train schedule and booking can be done through official websites like IRCTC.
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