Toy train to Ooty

Over the Christmas break this year we planned a two week train trip to see a wide variety of the landscape and people of India.  Our first leg of our journey to the Nilgiri hills, was spent in an overnight sleeper car, where it connects to the famous narrow gauge toy train to the hill station of Ooty.     

The leisurely trip up the mountain takes 5-6 hours with frequent stops for the steam engine to take on water, or just to build up steam.

I had never thought of Casey Jones as a character covered with grease and soot, but if this engineer is any indication, it's a messy job. Looking at the engine, I did have the thought it was very possible it was not going to be able to push us to the top of the mountain (the engine is behind the passenger cars).  Despite my one moment of hesitation, off we went in a cloud of steam.

Here's what Wikipedia says about the train: The 'Nilagiri Passenger' train covers a distance of 26 mi (41.8 km),^[2] travels through 208 curves, 16 tunnels,^[2] and 250 bridges.^[2] The uphill journey takes around 290 minutes (4.8 hours), and the downhill journey takes 215 minutes (3.6 hours) It has the steepest track in Asia with a maximum gradient of 8.33%.^[2]

While climbing the steepest grades, a unique rack and pinion system is used. This consists of a toothed track down the center of the line, and a large gear on the bottom of the engine, which propels the train up the hill.  


It is a distinct contrast travelling from the flat tropical plains up into the very beautiful mountains of the Nilgiri hills, with it's cool climate and cascading waterfalls.  During British rule, the town of Ooty was established as a tea and produce hub.  It also served as a favorite retreat for the British elite in the summer months to escape the scorching heat of the plains.  Today it is easy to see why it remains a popular destination for people from around the world.