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.