How to reach the Himalayas
Located in the northern tip of India, in the lap of the Himalayas, Shimla is a popular tourist destination. Though lofty mountains are very much part of Shimla, it is closely connected to the rest of the country by an efficient transport network.
The nearest railway station to Shimla is Kalka. It is situated at a distance of 96 km from Shimla and from this place it takes average 6 hours to reach Shimla. Many tunnels are on this Shimla and Kalka route with the longest being 1.2 km. The scenic beauty is simply beyond any explanation. As far as the frequency of trains is concerned, it is pretty good and on an average around 4 trains ply on this route. Before leaving for Shimla, do explore Kalka also.
More about Kalka
Kalka is one of the major cities in Himachal Pradesh and is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is quite famous for its scenery, institutional value and picture perfect view. This is a place which you can enjoy with your family and friends. Some of the tourist spots are
• Kali Mata temple– It is an ancient and an old temple, being one of the important landmarks of the city. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, it is a place to visit and worship. It is located on the national highway that runs a 22 km away from Kalka. It is assumed that this temple was built by the Pandavas during Mahabharata when they stayed here.
• Mughal garden– It has a calm and ambient atmosphere; it is one of the few places where you can catch a glimpse of the Mughal era. This garden is laid in several terraces and is well maintained providing an ideal opportunity to enjoy yourself
• Timber trail- Two hills are connected by a cable car, where a distance of 1.8 km is covered at a distance of 5000 meter above sea level. This cable car drives its way to the timber trail resort where one can enjoy a host of delicious meals.
• Fruit orchards- Kalka is pretty famous for the diverse foods. Apple is one of them and you can pay a visit to this place to see the various fruits on offer. Diversity in terms of fruits makes the tourists long for the real flavor.
Kalka is located at a distance of 40 km from Chandigarh and is the focal point of Kalka- Shimla heritage train. Regular trains ply from Delhi and is the access point for the industrial township of Baddi. Kalka has a narrow gauge line towards Shimla and a broad gauge line towards Chandigarh. It is also the gateway to the neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh.
In terms of weather, it is pleasant around the year when you compare it to the other cities in the vicinity. Summers are hot during the months of June and July whereas winter is extremely chilly. After the winter season, this region receives some amount of rainfall.
So before heading to Shimla, Kalka will not be a bad choice for sure!