DomesticFamily

5-Day Shimla with Kalka Toy Train Family Tour

Up on the narrow gauge instead of the highway — 96 km, 102 tunnels and five and a half hours of hillside from Kalka to Shimla. Seats booked in advance, because they sell out weeks ahead in season.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi to Kalka, train to Shimla
Transfer to Kalka and the toy train up. Evening on the Mall.
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Shimla
Day 2: Shimla
Jakhoo Temple by ropeway, the Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Shimla
Day 3: Kufri
Kufri, the Nature Park and Green Valley viewpoint.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Shimla
Day 4: Viceregal Lodge and Annandale
The Viceregal Lodge, the Army museum at Annandale and the Mall.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Stay
Shimla
Day 5: Departure
Drive back to Delhi, or the toy train down to Kalka on request.
Meals
Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO heritage railway
Reserved seats booked in advance
Barog tunnel and the Solan valley from the train
Kufri and the Himalayan Nature Park
The Ridge and the Viceregal Lodge

What's included

Accommodation as per the itinerary, on twin sharing
Daily breakfast and dinner
All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle with a hill-experienced driver
Kalka–Shimla toy train ticket where the itinerary names it
Driver allowance, fuel, tolls, parking and green tax

What's not included

Airfare or train fare to Delhi, Chandigarh or Kalka
Lunch throughout
Kufri horse ride, adventure park and go-kart charges
Ropeway and entry tickets at Jakhoo, Chail and the Nature Park
Anything the itinerary does not name

Pickup point

Delhi (Kashmere Gate) or Chandigarh — Kalka station for the toy train itineraries

Cancellation policy

Cancel 30 days or more before departure — full refund minus a ₹1,500 processing fee.

Cancel 15 to 29 days before departure — 50% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel 7 to 14 days before departure — 25% of the trip cost is refunded.

Cancel within 7 days of departure — no refund.

Toy train seats are booked against your name and are non-refundable once issued. Christmas and New Year rates at Shimla hotels are confirmed on a stricter policy, which we state at booking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Shimla, and how long does it take?

By road it is about eight hours from Delhi and four from Chandigarh. The prettier way is the Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO heritage line — five and a half hours for 96 km, 102 tunnels and 800-odd bridges. We book the train leg where the itinerary includes it; seats sell out weeks ahead in season.

When does Shimla get snow?

Late December through February, usually. Kufri and Narkanda hold snow longer than Shimla town because they are higher. If snow is the point of the trip, book January or the first half of February — Christmas week is a gamble many families lose.

Is Shimla good with elderly parents or small children?

Yes, better than most hill stations. The Mall and the Ridge are flat and pedestrian, the sightseeing is short drives, and there is no altitude to worry about. The one steep bit is Jakhoo Temple, and a ropeway covers that.

Do vehicles go on the Mall Road?

No. The Mall and the Ridge are vehicle-free, and hotels there need a short walk or a porter for luggage. If anyone in the group cannot manage that, tell us and we book below the Mall with vehicle access to the door.

Is Kufri worth it in summer?

Honestly, only for the Himalayan Nature Park and the view. Without snow, the Kufri "snow point" is a muddy slope with horses and touts. In summer we would rather send you to Chail or Narkanda, and the itineraries here are built that way.

Ready to book Shimla with Kalka Toy Train Family Tour?

Tell us your dates and group size and our team will confirm availability, hold the rooms and send you the invoice and vouchers.

Book This Tour

₹15,999₹19,000

Save ₹3,001

+ tax as applicable

Runs on any date you choose — tell us when and we will confirm availability.

Tour Option

Twin Sharing₹15,999

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The Ridge, the Mall and the toy train up from Kalka.

Know Before You Go

How do I get to Shimla, and how long does it take?By road it is about eight hours from Delhi and four from Chandigarh. The prettier way is the Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO heritage line — five and a half hours for 96 km, 102 tunnels and 800-odd bridges. We book the train leg where the itinerary includes it; seats sell out weeks ahead in season.
When does Shimla get snow?Late December through February, usually. Kufri and Narkanda hold snow longer than Shimla town because they are higher. If snow is the point of the trip, book January or the first half of February — Christmas week is a gamble many families lose.
Is Shimla good with elderly parents or small children?Yes, better than most hill stations. The Mall and the Ridge are flat and pedestrian, the sightseeing is short drives, and there is no altitude to worry about. The one steep bit is Jakhoo Temple, and a ropeway covers that.

All questions →