Last Updated:
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs 46 km between Mettupalayam and Ooty. Covering the route in about five hours, it moves at just 10-12 km/h
This railway line has 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and over 250 bridges, making the journey not just slow but also scenic. (News18 Hindi)
You may have heard about the world’s fastest trains that cover hundreds of kilometres in just a few hours. But have you ever heard of a train so slow that it takes five hours to travel just 46 kilometres?
India is home to one of the slowest trains in the world, a heritage marvel that has been running for more than a century. Known as the Mettupalayam-Ooty Nilgiri Passenger Train, this toy train attracts tourists from around the globe, not for its speed but for the unforgettable journey it offers. Despite its slow pace, the ride remains a cherished experience for all who board it.
Recommended Stories
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs 46 km between Mettupalayam and Ooty in Tamil Nadu. The journey takes about five hours, with the train averaging just 10-12 km/h. Its speed is deliberately kept low because the route cuts through steep mountain slopes, sharp bends, and narrow ridges.
To overcome the challenge of climbing steep gradients, the train uses the rack and pinion system, a central toothed track and a pinion wheel in the engine that prevents slipping.
The railway line is considered an engineering wonder. First proposed in 1854, construction faced repeated delays due to the tough terrain. Work finally began in 1891 and was completed in 1908. Even today, both steam and diesel locomotives are used, retaining the old-world charm of the route.
The line has 208 curves, 16 tunnels, and more than 250 bridges, which make the journey not only slow but also scenic. The blue-coloured coaches, gliding through lush green hills, tea gardens, misty valleys, and quiet forests, offer breathtaking views at every turn. Stations along the way, Lovedale, Wellington, Adderley, Coonoor, and Runnymede, add to the classic railway experience.
The Nilgiri train is always in demand, with tourists booking tickets months in advance. It has also been featured in films, most famously in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer movie Dil Se song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, shot on its coaches. Despite being slow, the train’s unique character and natural beauty ensure that passengers never complain. Instead, the leisurely pace allows them to soak in the charm of the Nilgiri hills.
What began as a summer retreat for the British Raj has now become one of India’s most iconic tourist attractions. More than 120 years later, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway still preserves its heritage essence while offering travellers one of the most memorable train journeys in the country.
- Location :
Tamil Nadu, India, India
Loading comments…
Go to Source
Author: News18
 "As Trump tariffs kick in, India refuses to take the bait with a cautious tread")
 "150,000 already saved, India sends another flood warning to Pakistan: High probability of Tawi spate")
