Traveling by ‘Toy’ Himalayan Queen & Tunnel 34

It was an incredible experience! The Kalka -Shimla train holds a rich history and traversing through those scenic routes must have been quite nostalgic, providing a glimpse into the past while relishing the picturesque beauty of the journey. It's a unique way to connect with the region's heritage and relive the bygone era of train travel.

Harvinder ever crazy to travel by train but Kalka Shimla ride was a an ice topping on the cake.

It is unusual experience to embark on a nostalgic journey through time on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. A narrow gauge spanning North India at a width of 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm), gracefully navigates its way through challenging mountainous landscapes.

 It is an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site linking the Indian plains to the picturesque 'Queen of Hills, Shimla. 

Dating back to 1903, this train ride stands as an astounding engineering marvel in India, weaving its way through a breathtaking landscape adorned with 102 tunnels, 864 mesmerizing bridges, and 919 captivating curves.

Its allure lies in the mesmerizing panoramas of Shivalik hills and quaint villages that unfold along its route. 

In the crisp November air of 1903, a majestic steam engine named the Hill Puffer embarked on its journey from Kalka, bearing the distinguished presence of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India. A seven-hour odyssey ensued, navigating through a labyrinth of 102 tunnels, the most notable being the nearly kilometer-long marvel at Barog. 

Tunnel # 34 now.

The story of Colonel Barog and the tunnel number 34 at Barog on the Kalka-Shimla Railway is indeed tragic and has become a part of the local folklore. 

Tunnel #34 then

His inability to align the tunnel properly led to the alignment issues and the subsequent penalty. It's a sorrowful tale that adds an eerie and poignant aspect to the history of the Himalayan Queen train route.

Enjoying a jolly time at Barog Station

The legend goes that Colonel Barog, devastated by the failure and unable to cope with the humiliation, ended his life within the incomplete tunnel, accompanied by his faithful dog. It's a poignant and tragic aspect of the story, adding to the mystique surrounding Tunnel 34.

Double Rainbow - a Poem 2015

With Today’s Storm,

Weak fall leaves are falling on the grounds

Like flowers are spread in mounds.

Soon there will be no leaves on the trees,

Giving way to blossom fresh leaves.

Double Rainbow blesses the affair,

Makes whole phenomena rarely rare.

Preet 

A double rainbow occurs when sunlight is both refracted and reflected in raindrops, resulting in two concentric arcs of different colors. 

The primary rainbow is brighter and has red on the outer edge, while the secondary is fainter with colors reversed. 

It's a mesmerizing sight due to the dispersion of light and the specific angles required for its formation. Seeing one is like spotting a rare gem in the sky!

Cappadocia Balloon Ride

Planning For A Balloon Side in Turkey

We organized a comprehensive trip! Our plan included an early morning balloon ride in Cappadocia, which typically lasts an hour and offers stunning sunrise views. To ensure a smooth experience, we booked an air ticket from Istanbul to Nevsehir (717 Km) and arranged a three-night stay at Crown Plaza.

Knowing the popularity of the balloon rides, we wisely made reservations in advance through Urgup Balloons via our cave hotel, despite the increased rates. Initially we were reluctant to spend that huge rate but on the insistence of our nephew Gurpal, we went ahead for this memorable ride.

Enjoying the ride enclosed in one of the six buckets

Hundreds of baloons floating at Sun Rise

A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey, is an enchanting experience. The region's unique landscape, filled with fairy chimneys and valleys, makes it a breathtaking adventure.

We booked our tickets through our cave hotel for Urgup Baloons who had already jacked up the rate from $134 to $440. Our nephew Gurpal was very keen for the baloon ride as he was specially traveling to this place for all important ride. Cappadocia is far away from main Turkey junction Istanbul. So we all decided to go for the ride at any cost. 

A few friends back in USA had warned against the dangerous ride in severe cold conditions for aged like us. On the contrary we found it was all fine and adventurous through out. 

Hotel Pick up and ride to site

They sent a Limousine to pick us from our Hotel at Ctoen Plaza at 4.00 AM 

Waiting at 4.00 AM for the ride to the balloon ride site

Waiting at Crown Plaza

             

Inside the pick up car dimly lighted

Preparing for The Ride

Reached the site at Dawn

In the Dawn of  Capadocoa, the sky becomes colorful with plentyful baloons

Another balloon in the neighborhood is preparing for the ride.

Some of the balloons already up in the sky.

While the hot air is being blown into the balloon

Fellow riders waiting for the ride to start

A huge blower on work

Baloon is getting ready and half done.

 

The ride offers a 360-degree view of Cappadocia's stunning landscape, with its distinctive rock formations, valleys, and historical sites such as Göreme Open-Air Museum.

Actual Ride & Various View Shots

The balloon starts rising up

A mile above the ground

Panoramic view

Vegetable and fruit orchids also clearly visible.

The balloons could go very near to rock and we were warned not to touch.

Chimney rocks

Another view of Volcanic rocks formed about a million years ago.

Shadow of our balloon on the rock

Cave houses as visible from a distance

Camera stick of the operator visible 

Pilot maneuvering the controls 

Chimney rocks from various angles

Descending

Gurpal And Charanjit with a victory look.

What a View of Balloons all over

The Perfect Landing on The Trolley

The Baloon should land on this trolley truck

A view of fellow travelers

The Pilot and Co-Pilot

Pilot making descending moves.

Finally pleased to get back to our pretty earth

The entire experience usually encompasses pickup, a pre-flight breakfast, the exhilarating balloon ride itself, and concludes with a celebratory toast upon landing. Cappadocia's distance from Istanbul hasn't deterred our enthusiasm, as the sight of numerous balloons drifting above the mesmerizing terrain promises an unforgettable adventure.

First Flight Certificate

It is creditable on the part of the company who offered us a celebratory non alcoholic toast following which the certificates  were handed over to all the participants

The participants of the balloon ride.

Hot air balloon operators prioritize safety, providing safety briefings before the flight and ensuring that all necessary safety measures are in place.

It's a fantastic chance for photography enthusiasts, as the views during sunrise create a picturesque setting that's ideal for capturing stunning moments.

Overall, the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride offered not just a bird's-eye view but a magical experience that often becomes a highlight of many travelers' journeys.

 How young Gurpal was so right in his observation to persist for the ride without caring for extra money being charged that day!