So there i was, bored of screen time and scrolling, thinking “i need a break. but like, a cute break.” and boom — someone said, “bro, ever taken that toy train to ooty?
Did I immediately google it? yes.
Did I scream when i saw it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Also, yes. and that’s how this journey started — on india’s slowest, oldest, and probably most adorable mountain railway: the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Spoiler: this ain’t just a ride. it’s a full experience. with soot in your face, steam in your soul, and scenery that slaps.
Quick backstory (aka why UNESCO is into it)
so this train’s been around since 1908. It’s part of the famous trio called the Mountain Railways of India — alongside darjeeling and Kalka-Shimla.
The Nilgiri one is unique because it's the only one in India that still uses a rack-and-pinion system to climb steep hills.
translation? the tracks have teeth. the train has a rack. and they bite into each other to climb like mountain goats on a mission.no jokes — engineers from 100+ years ago designed this, and it still works. no patch updates. no service packs. just hardcore design.
Step 1: booking the ride (aka the hunger games)
First mistake? thinking you can casually book it a day before. lol no.
This train has limited seats and max hype. People fight over it harder than concert tickets. The moment bookings open on IRCTC, you gotta:
• log in
• Have your card saved
• be mentally prepared to lose once or twice
• and PRAY
I got lucky. managed to snag a first class ticket (aka wood-panel interior, old-school sliding windows, a seat that doesn’t squeak every time you blink).
Second class is also fun but... be ready for crowd, elbows, and sound effects from aunties and toddlers.
Step 2: Mettupalayam Station – where time slows down
The ride begins at Mettupalayam. a sleepy little town that comes alive around 6 am just to wave this train goodbye.
important:
• Be there early. the train doesn’t wait for you
• Grab a chai and vadai from the station stall. it tastes better at 5:45am for reasons unknown
• Take a pic with the steam engine. It deserves respect.
And then, it begins. a tiny toot, a soft chug-chug, and you're off.
The journey—aka 5 hours of pure chaos and calm
this isn’t a train. It's a vibe generator.
from the second it starts crawling, the landscape changes like a slideshow of “omg look at that.” Here's what hits you:
1. Flatlands to jungle real quick
Within 10 minutes, it goes from dry plains to thick green. like someone swapped the background without telling you.
banana trees, random goats, tiny temples — you’ll see it all.
2. There are 16 tunnels.
Each time you enter one, someone will scream. mostly kids. sometimes adults (me).
the darkness hits. People laugh. train whistles echo. it’s chaos and fun in one blacked-out moment. you emerge on the other side like you just time-traveled.
3.Monkeys. always monkeys
especially near hillgrove station. they sit on the trees, judge your snack choices, and occasionally try to steal chips. don't make eye contact unless you’re emotionally ready for battle.
4.Those views though
at one point — i think just before coonoor — the entire valley just opens up.
rolling tea estates. clouds drifting lazily. village women picking tea with crazy grace. you’ll want to hang your head out like in a movie. just... keep it safe. and don’t lose your sunglasses.
mid-ride snack game = strong
you stop at stations like Kallar, Hillgrove, and Lovedale. and each one is like a mini-break from reality.
• steaming hot masala chai
• vadais wrapped in newspaper
• samosas that are 70% potato, 30% nostalgia
• locals selling roasted peanuts like they’re treasure
ooty station – you made it, legend
the final stretch rolls into ooty and it feels like the end of a beautiful, slightly bumpy dream. people clap. some cry (okay, i cried internally). you step off the train and it’s colder. the air feels different. you feel different.
you didn’t just reach a hill station. you just time-traveled through history, nature, chaos, and beauty — on tracks that are 100+ years old
. 
so... is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway worth it?
bro. yes. yes 1000x times.
• is it slow? YES.
• is it uncomfortable in parts? also yes.
• but is it also one of the most beautiful, peaceful, historic rides you’ll ever take?
Absolutely.
Survival tips (based on actual mistakes i made)
• book tickets early. this train is like Beyoncé. it sells out. • bring a hoodie or light sweater. ooty can be chilly.
• snacks are your friends. samosas can heal tired souls
• your phone might not get signal mid-ride. so talk to people. or stare out the window like a thoughtful Bollywood character.
• choose a window seat. always.
• no need for filters. mother nature's doing the work here.
Final thoughts – steam engines, sky views & soul reset
We chase fast things all the time. fast flights. fast food. fast-forward lives.
this train?
It slows everything down.
it says:
“look out the window.”
“breathe slower.”
“scream in tunnels.”
“feel the wind.”
“respect the monkeys.”
and most importantly —
“don’t rush the good stuff.”
If you ever need a break from the noise, deadlines, or that one WhatsApp group that never stops texting — just book a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
It's not just a train.
It's a reminder.
that some journeys... are meant to be slow.
eat. hydrate. stretch. admire the weird moss growing on the platform walls. it’s all part of the story.
by hour 4 – body says “pls stop” but soul says “one more tunnel
The train’s not fast. like 10–15 km/h level not fast. and it stops a lot.
but somehow... you don’t mind. your body’s tired, sure. but your brain is like “bro, is this peace? is this what people in songs talk about?” also: by now, your hair smells of steam. your shirt has window dust. your camera’s full. but you're not done yet.
ooty station – you made it, legend
the final stretch rolls into ooty and it feels like the end of a beautiful, slightly bumpy dream. people clap. some cry (okay, i cried internally). you step off the train and it’s colder. the air feels different. you feel different.
you didn’t just reach a hill station. you just time-traveled through history, nature, chaos, and beauty — on tracks that are 100+ years old
so... is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway worth it?
bro. yes. yes 1000x times.
• is it slow? YES.
• is it uncomfortable in parts? also yes.
• but is it also one of the most beautiful, peaceful, historic rides you’ll ever take?
Absolutely.
Survival tips (based on actual mistakes i made)
• book tickets early. this train is like Beyoncé. it sells out. • bring a hoodie or light sweater. ooty can be chilly.
• snacks are your friends. samosas can heal tired souls
• your phone might not get signal mid-ride. so talk to people. or stare out the window like a thoughtful Bollywood character.
• choose a window seat. always.
• no need for filters. mother nature's doing the work here.
Final thoughts – steam engines, sky views & soul reset
We chase fast things all the time. fast flights. fast food. fast-forward lives.
this train?
It slows everything down.
it says:
“look out the window.”
“breathe slower.”
“scream in tunnels.”
“feel the wind.”
“respect the monkeys.”
and most importantly —
“don’t rush the good stuff.”
If you ever need a break from the noise, deadlines, or that one WhatsApp group that never stops texting — just book a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
It's not just a train.
It's a reminder.
that some journeys... are meant to be slow.
eat. hydrate. stretch. admire the weird moss growing on the platform walls. it’s all part of the story.
by hour 4 – body says “pls stop” but soul says “one more tunnel
The train’s not fast. like 10–15 km/h level not fast. and it stops a lot.
but somehow... you don’t mind. your body’s tired, sure. but your brain is like “bro, is this peace? is this what people in songs talk about?” also: by now, your hair smells of steam. your shirt has window dust. your camera’s full. but you're not done yet.