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Forget the rush! This century-old train has become a worldwide sensation due to its extreme slowness. Between mountains and lush valleys, the train offers a nostalgic and immersive journey. Discover why this five-hour ride has become one of the most popular in the country and a true UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nestled among lush mountains and covered in dense vegetation, a centuries-old train in India has been attracting thousands of tourists from around the world for an unusual reason: its extremely slow speed.
Unlike modern bullet trains, which prioritize speed and efficiency, this old railway offers a nostalgic and contemplative experience, transforming the trip into a unique and memorable experience.
Located in the Nilgiri Mountain Range in the state of Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects Mettupalayam, 330 meters above sea level, to the city of Ooty, located at an altitude of 2,2 meters.
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Covering a winding 46-kilometer route, this railway stands out not only for its spectacular scenery, but also for the time it takes to travel the route.
The journey up takes almost five hours, while the descent is a little quicker, taking about four hours.
A century-old train and a unique system
Opened by the British in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is one of the few railways in the world to use a rack and pinion system, essential for climbing extremely steep sections.
This mechanism, which consists of a toothed rail positioned between the main rails, allows the locomotive to overcome gradients of up to 8,33%.
With a complex and challenging layout, the route includes 16 tunnels, 250 bridges and 208 curves.
During the journey, the train passes through small historic stations, such as Coonoor, Wellington, Lovedale and Fern Hill, providing passengers with a privileged view of the mountains and valleys covered in lush vegetation.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historical and cultural relevance of this railway was recognized in 2005, when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site as part of the “Mountain Railways of India”, a set of historic mountain railways in the country.
The conservation of this railway system ensures that its importance is preserved for future generations, keeping alive a significant part of the history of rail transport in India.
Historically, the British used this railway to escape the intense heat of the lower regions and find refuge in the mountains.
The Ooty region, nicknamed the “Switzerland of India”, has always been a popular destination for those seeking mild temperatures and impressive natural landscapes.
The experience of traveling on the “toy train”
Despite its low speed, or perhaps because of it, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has become one of the most famous rail rides in India.
The toy train, as it is popularly called, provides an immersive journey, allowing passengers to calmly appreciate the majestic mountains and untouched vegetation along the way.
For those who wish to embark on this experience, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance.
Trips take place daily, but the carriages are small and demand is high. Bookings can be made through the official website of Indian Railway (www.irctc.co.in) or in person, where tourists receive traditional paper tickets, which have become collector's items.
A preserved railway treasure
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway represents a legacy of British railway engineering and a testament to the relationship between history and nature.
Unlike modern trains, which prioritize speed, this train reminds us that traveling can also be an experience of contemplation, slowing down and connecting with the landscape.
The preservation of this railway not only allows tourists from all over the world to experience this nostalgic experience, but also boosts the local economy, benefiting the region and ensuring the preservation of one of India’s most iconic railway routes.
If Brazil had maintained and modernized its railways, we could have cheaper, more efficient and sustainable transportation. There is still time to reverse this, but it requires investment and political will.