The Nilgiris Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu, India’s slowest train at 9 km/h, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vintage steam train offers a scenic 46 km journey through the Western Ghats, known for its heritage, engineering, and Bollywood fame
Be it the fastest or the slowest, each train journey has a special charm of its own. Interestingly, in a world of fast trains and quick travel, the slowest train in India has earned the heritage title. The Nilgiris Mountain Railway, operating at a speed of 9 km per hour, reminds passengers that speed isn't everything. However, it captivates riders with the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats.
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Vintage Charm Of Nilgiris Mountain Railway
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Mountain Railways of India," this slow-crawl journey runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udagamandalam) in Tamil Nadu. The historic narrow-gauge "toy train" uses a unique rack-and-pinion system to climb steep gradients, making the journey one of the most memorable experiences. Built during the early 1900s, the train's route has also been acclaimed and preserved for its century-old engineering and heritage value.
The leisurely pace of India's slowest passenger train is dictated by the narrow valleys, steep gradients, and sharp bends carved into the blue hills of Tamil Nadu to ensure safety on the ascent. Famous for its unhurried, scenic journey, the train gradually crawls uphill at just 9 km per hour. It operates with steam locomotives and charming wooden coaches, transporting you back in time.
Journey Details Of Nilgiris Mountain Railway
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The train stops at stations such as Hillgrove, Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu, Lovedale, and Ketti on its approximately 5-hour journey, offering riders a chance for a timeless experience.
The scenic 46 km (28.5 miles) route takes travellers through dense forests, steep slopes, waterfalls, century-old bridges, and tea plantations. In addition to vintage steam engines, the Nilgiris Mountain Railway is recognised for its 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and 250 bridges, which wind through surreal landscapes.
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Bollywood Connection
The Nilgiris Mountain Railway, offering travellers breathtaking views of the Nilgiris, also takes a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the popular Bollywood song, "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from the 1998 movie Dil Se. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora, the song remains etched in the hearts of many movie buffs. Sung by Sapna Awasthi and Sukhwinder Singh, the song was shot on the train that was temporarily painted brown. The train's slow pace was a key factor in its selection. However, performers wore safety harnesses as they danced on the roof of the moving train.
The Nilgiris Mountain Railway is undoubtedly much more about the joy of it than just a train journey! Travellers often prefer to enjoy the unhurried ride rather than rush to the destination.
