Shimla - Kalka toy train

Hi all,

We're hoping to get the toy train from Shimla to Kalka in early September but aren't sure of the exact date we will be travelling on. This makes it difficult to book very far in advance so I was wondering what our chances of getting tickets would be at a couple of days notice? We're planning on having about 3 days in Shimla so could book as soon as we arrived - is this likely to be possible at that time of year?

Thanks for any help.

It is difficult to say. I had a look at General Quota availability for the next few days and it looks like there is none. It's too early to say what the situation will be in September. Some trains do have Foreign Tourist Quota seats but I'm not sure whether you can book these in Shimla or if you would have to book at one of the International Tourist desks.

ok, thanks Dave.

I think we'll just have to take a chance as I don't think we want to commit ourselves to a specific date at the moment.

In Oct last year, I put a brave face on and thought that I will manage tickets a few days before the journey to Shimla. No such luck. You will have to book the tickets 2 months (or is it 3 now) in advance just as you would for a normal train journey. So if you are sure about this, go ahead and get your tickets early. The journey, though slow, is absolutely mind-blowing. So have I heard!!

You have to be clear upfront about which toy train you are looking for. There are some with enough seats (around 90) and can be booked 120 days ahead. There is one (rail motor) with 8 seats that can be booked 30 days ahead - and unless you have a travel agent doing it for you by sending someone at midnight to be the first in line when counter opens at 8AM, there is hardly any chance. Some other toy trains are seasonal & may not have any reservation needed (more like general class). For couple days notice, FT quota might help, if it is applicable to the train/class & available on that day (assuming some one else hasn't availed it already).

Thanks for the advice. Making me think that maybe we should actually book....

Paramiyer - do you know the name or the train which can be booked 120 days in advance?

52452 Shivalik Deluxe Express & 52458 Shimla Kalka Passenger

for a tourist experience, i would suggest 52451/2 option...

Thanks both! Your advice is much appreciated

Now just to try and work out the online booking systems!

The Shivalik Deluxe is an excellent train with comfortable seats and meals provided. There is a Foreign Tourist Quota of 8 seats in each direction which doesn't appear to get fully booked very often. You could buy these tickets in Delhi or one of the other major centres prior to going to Simla.

Thanks, Dave, that's useful to know. Think we'll still try and book online but if we can't for any reason will try when we're in Delhi.

i can see adequate availability for Sep in 52451, so book ahead!
i stand corrected on availability in 72451 (rail motor) - looks like the rush (may-jun vacations?) has died down & you can get seats for 30 days ahead. so, you can try your luck with this in Aug.

I've just been having a look on cleartrip to check out availability and the trains coming up on there are the Himalayan Queen (52456), the Shimla Kalka Passenger (52458) and Shimla Kalka express (52454).

Out of these the Himalayan Queen seems the most convenient time (10.30am) but I can't see the 52451/2 as you guys have suggested. Am I looking in the right place? Also at the moment the site is saying that it can't get current availability for the Himalayan Queen - is this one of the ones which can only be booked closer to the time?

Sorry for all the questions but just trying to make sense of it all!

jtc

Sadly the Shivalik Deluxe is one of those trains that Cleartrip don't list. I took it up with them and they weren't interested. I got my tickets through the irctc website.

You could book one of the available trains to be certain and then go for FTQ on the Deluxe when you get to Delhi. The cost of cancelling tickets is quite minimal.

Be aware that some trains on the KS have 30 day rather than 120 day reservation periods. I'm pretty certain that the Himalayan Queen is one of these.

Thanks for the quick reply Dave.

Do you know what the Himalayan Queen is like to travel on? As I said, I think out of the trains listed the times of it are much more convenient, as well as hopefully being better for appreciating the views, so I may try and book us on that one when they start selling the tickets. As you suggest I could then look at changing it when in Delhi.

I understand that I need to send a scan of my passport to IRCTC in order to book from abroad - do you know if I need to do this for both of us who will be travelling or just for the person who's making the booking?

Thanks again.