Shivalik Deluxe Express – Journey from Kalka to Shimla

Shimla is a beautiful place especially for nature lovers. To enjoy the nature, the best way to travel to Shimla would be by train from Kalka to Shimla. The train runs through this route on meter gauge track. The distance covered by this wonderful train journey is 96km and it passes through 103 tunnels to reach Shimla . It takes 5-51/2 hours to reach Shimla railway station from Kalka. The train route passes through beautiful valley and hills moving upwards throughout its journey upto Shimla. There are deluxe, honeymoon and chair car compartments in these trains. The ticket fare is very reasonable varying from Rs.19 to Rs.290/. There are different trains varying in their timings of departure and their classes. The names of these trains are Kalka Shimla Passenger, Rail Motor, Shivalik Deluxe Express, Kalka Shimla Express and Himalayan Queen.

The best train to travel by this route is the Shivalik Deluxe Express, which starts in the early morning at 5.30 am from Kalka. This train connects many trains which reaches Kalka in the early morning hours. The journey in the early hours through the beautiful valley  would be wonderful treat to our eyes. The train starts from Shimla back to Kalka at 5.40 pm and reaches 10.20 pm in the night to Kalka. It is very convenient for the tourists who are going to travel back by Howrah Mail to Delhi and other places.

The Shivalik Express is best known for its ambiance. The coaches are well equipped with reversible cushioned seats, foldable tables for serving food, wall to wall carpeting and wide glass windows , which can be opened so you can enjoy the nature. Good relaxing music is played to enhance a more pleasant  atmosphere.

The Shivalik Express does not have any official stops throughout the journey except for the Barog station, to load the food packets. The breakfast is complementary in the up journey to Shimla and dinner during the down journey to Kalka. There is a choice of food for the passenger, they can order either vegetarian or non-vegetarian food.

Travelling by these trains especially during the snow season would be a retreat to our lives. The wonderful experience of the scenic beauty would be a lifetime reward by God. The scene would be like this:

The Shivalik Express is a connecting service for Howrah – Kalka Mail and also in return journey back to Delhi or Howrah.  It accomodates  120 passengers and reaches the destination in 4.45 hours. The one way fare for a person is Rs.290/.

There are premium Shivalik coaches named by The Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach and The Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach. The Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach provided a luxurious ambience accomodating a part of  six persons and is equipped with folding cushioned bed, refrigerator, on board kitchen and dining table. The fare includes complementary accomodation  of two luxurious retiring rooms at Shimla and free meals enroute. The Shivalik Queen tourist coach is also a luxury coach with ultra modern facilities. These luxury coaches are attached to other trains as per special requirements.

Please not that the Kalka Shimla toy train bookings open only one month in advance (except Shivalik Deluxe train, it will open three months before from travel date), not like other trains which open two months in advance.

Content last updated in January 2023. Travel with confidence with Sunrsie Himachal Packages from Sunrise Holidays Shimla.