shimla from kolkata

There are no direct trains available from Kolkata to shimla. You have to take one or more break journey. So, you have to choose the proper way. There are two types of traveler in India. One, who don’t want any headache during travel and the other one, who try to minimize the unnecessary expenditure. Now I am giving some information for the second type of peoples because the first one will prefer to travel under packages from the private agencies.

There are so many way to reach shimla from Kolkata. These ares-

Now you have to choose the right to reach shimla from Kolkata. If you feel any doubt to arrange your plan then please read the article. Definitely it will help you to find out a proper way to reach shimla from Kolkata.

1) This is the best plan according to me. It will take around 33 hours to reach Kalka. Early morning you will reach at Kalka. From the same station, you will get toy train. The toy train will take 5 hours to reach shimla.
The clock room, retiring rooms, canteen, tourist guide information centre undertaking by state government, rented cars etc are available in shimla station. The central bus stand is nearly one km away from station and a hanging footpath is there to reach bus stand. Total 40 hours will take to reach shimla from Kolkata and the total expenditure per person is Rs. 3000/-.

2) Though you will reach shimla within 10-12 hours using the second plan but you have to spend more than Rs. 5000/- per head. This will be the most comfortable journey.

3) I keep this plan in third position because you will reach at shimla within 24 hours but the overall comfort not that much good because you have to take a bus. In general, I don’t prefer to take bus journey for long distance.

Take Rajdhani or Duranto from Kolkata up to Delhi then take red bus from Delhi to Shimla. Approximately, ticket fare will be Rs. 5000/- around.

4) If you are planning to visit one or two tourist spot in Delhi on the way of Shimla and, getting a morning flight from Kolkata airport with a cheap rate then choose this plan. Put your luggage at the clock room from where you will take your train for Kalka.

My experience:-

During my travel, I choose this option. I landed Delhi at morning at 8 AM. I put my luggage at the clock room in Old Delhi station because I have reservation on Howrah Kalka mail at 9 PM from Old Delhi station. I enjoyed full day at Delhi. Take dinner from “Paratha Gali” near Old Delhi station. Then take Shivalik Deluxe Express (Toy train) from Kalka.

kolkata airport to barddhaman

If you land in Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airpport at mid night, like 10 PM to 2.0 AM and have to reach Burdwan without wasting your time and money, then I will give you some advice which will definitely help you. No need to take any hotel or lounge rooms.


You are staying far away from home and try to prepare a proper plan which will save your time and money and simultaneously want to give your maximum time to your mom and dad those who are in the Burdwan, then I will help you to complete your unfinished plan.


Most probably, the flights, which will arrive at mid night or early morning, are cheaper than the day time flights.

Somebody, don’t want to travel the late night arrival flights because the transportations are very less during late night. But I tell you the right information which will never create any trouble.

PLAN: -

After taking the luggage from belt, take an online cab which will cheaper than any other cabs during night. Hope, within 30 min, you will get an online cab. After that you will reach at Howrah station within 30 min. So, keep 1.30 hours for transportation from Kolkata airport to Howrah.

One train is available for Burdwan from Howrah at 2 AM and will reach Burdwan at around 4 AM. Especially the train is for the news paper transportation. The train is known as “paper gari”. It will reach Burdwan via main line and have only stoppage at Bandel.

As the train runs at night, due to this reason, you think that the train is unsafe. But I tell you don't hesitate, the train is safe and most of the passengers are news paper dealers.

delhi to shimla train

There are no direct trains are available for Shimla from Delhi.  First, you have to reach Kalka or Chandigarh. After that you have to choose which way you want to reach Shimla.

If you want to take an unforgettable ride of toy train from Kalka to Shimla then first of all you have to reach Kalka, is 30 km ahead from Chandigarh. So you have to take train from Delhi up to Kalka. But one problem is that, the number of train is very less up to Kalka. Up to Chandigarh, lots of trains are available.
So, you need proper information for hassle free trip.



1) If you want that your family will enjoy the journey of toy train from Kalka to Shimla then I recommend you the best way that your family will really enjoy: -

• Take Howrah Kalka Mail from Old Delhi (DLI) on around 9.00 PM (schedule departure) after your daily work duty. Next day early morning, the Howrah Kalka Mail will reach Kalka at around 5.00 AM.
• Take Shivalik Deluxe Express from Kalka. It is a connective toy train with Howrah Kalka Mail and will take 5 hours to reach Shimla. No matter how much luggage you have, you will not face any any problem because the platforms are in the same row for both the trains. There are total 100 numbers of tunnels in this route. It will be amazing when the train will enter the tunnel.
• Before lunch, you will be in Shimla.

This journey will take a little longer (more than 12 hours to reach Shimla from Delhi) but this is more comfortable compare to any other mode of travels. I am giving you the train time table for your convenience.



2) If you do not want to waste your time to reach there, want to spend more time in Shimla or Manali, then select the type of travel which I have explained below: -

• Take a Bus is more significant choice compare to any other mode of travel if you want to save both the time and money. Within 7 to 8 hours, you will reach Shimla from Delhi. Take a Late night bus from Delhi and next day early morning you will be in Shimla.
• You may take a rented cab from Delhi, to make comfortable journey, but I think it will more expensive and will not be that much comfortable as you expect.
• If you don't like to travel in night then you may take an early morning train up to Chandigarh. From there you will see lots of rented cars are available for both the Shimla and Manali.

You may save your time but your travel will not that much comfortable as train journey.

My Opinion: -

Take Howrah Kalka Mail from Old Delhi station up to kalka. From Kalka, take Shhivalik Deluxe express upto shimla. Stay two days in Shimla for local site scene. Then take an over night bus from Shimla for Manali. Early morning you will reach Manali. After check in take a rented cab for local site scene. It will be light because you travel whole night to reach Manali. Next day morning, go for Rohtang pass. Whole day you have to keep for Rohtang pass. keep the 3rd day in Manali for remaining local site scene. After that take Bus on the 3rd night from Manali to Delhi. From next day you can join your job.

So, if you have 5 days and 6 night then you can easily plan a trip for both Shimla and Manali and spend some memorable time with family.

kalka mail

Kalka Mail establish a relation between the North and East India. It will depart from Howrah (West Bengal) and the destination will Kalka (Hariyana). This train will cover around 1800 km. It's not that much hectic to get a reservation ticket. This train will go through Asansol - Gaya - Pt. Din Dayal Upadhyay - Allahabad - Kanpur - Tundla - Old Delhi - Ambala Cantt - Chandigarh Stations. The train has sleeper, General, First A/C, 3 tier A/C, 2 tier A/C. Pantry car and the catering service is also available. Everyday it goes from Howrah to Kalka and everyday will return to Howrah.

Best things of Kalka Mail: -

If your boarding point from any station of West Bengal and you are planning to go Shimla or Manali, then this train will be good choice. Both the departure and arrival times are good.

The train is very long in length and the Kalka station is located at higher latitude, for this reason, some coach will be remove at Chandigarh station and the stoppage time will be 45 min. The same coaches will be rejoined during the return journey.

The Kalka station is nearly 30 km away from Chandigarh station. If you are unable to get ticket up to Kalka, then search it up to Chandigarh. The chances of getting the reservation will be more.

Another good thing is that, the Kalka Mail is linked with Shivalik Deluxe express. This is a toy train will depart from Kalka and goes up to Shimla. The schedule departure is around 7 AM from Kalka. If your Kalka Mail will delayed for any reason, the Shivalik Deluxe express would also wait.

Bad things of Kalka Mail: -

Most of the day, the Kalka Mail is getting late 2 to 3 hours from the schedule time to reach Delhi. I don't know why. After crossing Delhi, the delay time will recover. Some times the Kalka Mail can't able to recover the delay time to reach Kalka junction.

So, if you want to go Delhi from West Bengal then Kalka Mail will not be a good choice. Duranta Express and Rajdhani Express will be the best choice for Delhi. These will take lesser time compare to any other trains.

Food during travel: -

This train have a pantry coach but try to avoid their food. snakes, water bottle, etc you can take but don't go for lunch or dinner. The quality of food will be horrible.

You may carry your one time food. After that book through online site like Travel Khana, Railway Tourism etc. They are the private companies and they will provide food from station on your seat. You will get the better quality of food compare to the pantry coach's food with the same price. If you are booking continuously when ever you travel, then every time they will give you some offer.

Don't take any food from your co-passengers. It will may be dangerous.

Safety (my point of view): -

Choose your train those who has a pantry coach. That will more safe because they will not allow the outsider hawkers. If you see the outsider hawkers then do not buy anything from them. You can easily distinguish the outsider hawkers because they don't have any uniform.

My Opinion: -

If you are coming from West Bengal and your destination is Shimla and want to enjoy the toy train journey, then definitely take the Kalka Mail. It will be your best option.

jaipur, the pink city

Jaipur is known as Pink City. Jaipur represents the rich and vibrant lifestyle. The city is famous for art work and textiles. Maharaja Ram Singh painted the whole city pink to welcome the guests. That’s why Jaipur is famous as Pink City.
If you have very short time but want to make a trip and search where to go then, I suggest to visit Jaipur, the 'Pink City' of Rajasthan.
Hardly, it requires 3-4 days to complete your tour. Just choose a well transportation option, which you can afford and spent your holidays happily.

What to see: -

Amber Fort: -

Amber Fort is located a little away from the main city of Jaipur. It is an important tourist destination. Elephant ride is available to visit the Fort but you must be visited in the morning, other way you have to go by taxi or rickshaw. The light show in Hindi starts from 8 PM and the English light show starts from 7.30 PM.

Entrance fees and charges -

• Indian -            100/- per person.
• Foreigner -       500/- per person.
• Elephant ride - 1100/- for two persons.
• Sound light show (50 mins) -

                          1) In English - 200/- per person.

                          2) In Hindi - 100/- per person.

* Student concessions are available here. (Requires a valid student ID Card).

Amber Palace

Jaigarh Fort: -

Though the place is not as splendid as Amber Fort, you can get a good view from here. A large Cannon (with a 6.1 m long barrel) is placed here.

Entry Tickets -

• Indian -            35/- per person.
• Foreigner -       85/- per person.
• Vehicle entry - 50/- per person.

Large Cannon at Jaigarh Fort.

Nahargarh Fort: -

One of the famous place to visit is Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur. The city view from here is excellent one. Here you can find a Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal, which is awesome, though the entry charges is little costly.

Main entry tickets -

• Indian -      50/- per person.
• Foreigner - 200/- per person. 

  For Wax Museum and Sheesh Mahal - 500/- per person.

View from Nahargarh Fort.

City Palace: -

It is the beautiful fusion of the Mughal and the Rajasthani architecture houses. The Mubarak Mahal (Welcome Palace) right before 7 storied Chandra Mahal, the Selah Khana (Armory section), the Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-Aam housing a major part of the museum.

Entry fees -

• Indian -      75/- per person.
• Foreigner - 300/- per person.

Hawa Mahal: -

"Palace of Wind", is another attraction in Jaipur city. The royal ladies watched the activities on the street without being seen by the public, from this Mahal. Outside view of this building is excellent. Don't miss it.

Opening hours - 9.30 AM - 4.30 PM.

Entry fees: -

• Indian -      50/- per person.
• Foreigner - 200/- per person.

Hawa Mahal.

Jantar Mantar: -

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located near the City Palace and Hawa Mahal. It has huge striking instruments like Samrat Yantra, Sun Dial and the impressive Ram Yantra.

Entry Fees -

• Indian -      50/- per person.
• Foreigner - 200/- per person.

Albert Hall Museum: -

Albert hall Museum is another place in Jaipur which should not be skipped. This museum building has a rare collection of artifacts such as metal work, ivory carvings, pieces of jewelry, textile, pottery and paintings.

Entry tickets -

• Indian -      40/- per person.
• Foreigner - 300/- per person.

Albart Hall.

Basically these are the main point of Jaipur City. Further, you can see the Jal Mahal, The palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. Most visitors combine to go Jal Mahal with the Amer Fort because both are on the same side of Jaipur. Also you can visit Laxi Narayan Temple or Birla Mandir, The Central Park, famous Ganesh Temple, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Planetarium in the B.M. Birla Science and Technology Center etc.

Jal Mahal.

Night Tourism: -

A visit to pink city has become more enchanting with the introduction of night tourism. Albert Hall museum is opened for night viewing after 7 PM and the entry fees is 100/-. You can watch light and sound show at Amber Fort. The entry fees will be 200/-.

"If you may go tough RTDC during night for safety purpose. Fare will be 700/- per head including dinner. contact no. - 2375466, 5114768, 2200778."

Bicycle on Rent: -

You can take a bicycle on rent basis for local spot. It is good if you travel Jaipur during winter season.

Pink Pedals - 7229942277.

Bike on Rent: -

You can also take a rented bike. The address is given below-

Rajasthan Bike.

www.rajasthanbikes.com

Opp. Meerji Ka Bagh,

Near Amber Tower,

Sansar Chandra Road,

Jaipur - 302001.

Contact No. - 0141-2368208.

Mob No. - 9549234565.

Tips for the Tourists: -

• Hire auto rickshaws from pre-paid booth where ever available and taxis from approved agency.
• Take the services of Govt approved guides only.
• In case of any cheating, contact nearest Tourist Association Force (TAF), is available at bus stand, railway station, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort.
• Check about photography and video permission at the monument.
• You have to be a good bargainer during shopping.

delhi to kalka train

Kalka is a station from where the train is available for going to Shimla or Manali. From this Kalka station, starts the hill area. If you want to enjoy the journey of a toy train then you have to reach Kalka railway station. But the number of trains from New Delhi (NDLS) or Old Delhi (DLI) or Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) to Kalka station is a little less.

Train time table from New Delhi (NDLS) to Kalka (KLK): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from New Delhi (NDLS)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
12011	Kalka Shatabdi Exp.	7.40 AM	11.45 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
22455	Kalka SF Exp.	7.50 AM	12.20 PM	Y	-	-	Y	-	-	-
12925	Paschim Exp.	11.05 AM	4.45 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12005	Kalka Shatabdi Exp.	5.15 PM	9.20 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Train time table from Old Delhi (DLI) to Kalka (KLK): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from Old Delhi (DLI)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
54303	Delhi Kalka Pass.	3.20 PM	11.15 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12311	Kalka Mail	9.30 PM	4.40 AM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Train time table from Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) to Kalka (KLK): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from Old Delhi (DLI)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
14095	Himalayan Queen	5.35 AM	11.10 AM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Delhi to Chandigarh (CDG): -

If your destination is Shimla or Manali and want to save time then you may take a train up to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh station, easily you can get buses, sharing car, buses. The number of trains from New Delhi (NDLS), Old Delhi (DLI) or Sarai Rohilla (DEE) to Chandigarh station (CDG) is more.

Time table from New Delhi (NDLS) to Chandigarh (CDG): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from New Delhi (NDLS)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
19307	Chandigarh weekly exp.	1.40 AM	6.45 PM	-	-	-	-	-	Y	-
12011	Kalka Shatabdi Exp.	7.40 AM	11.05 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
22455	Kalka SF Exp.	7.50 AM	11.35 PM	Y	-	-	Y	-	-	-
12925	Paschim Exp.	11.05 AM	3.57 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12217	Kerala Sampark Kranti Exp.	11.50 AM	3.45 PM	-	Y	-	Y	-	-	-
22457	Una Himachal SF Exp.	1.15 PM	5.25 PM	Y	-	-	-	-	-	-
22685	Chandigarh Karnataka Sampark Kranti Exp	1.55 PM	6.20 PM	-	Y	-	-	-	Y	-
12057	Una Himachal Jan Shatabdi Exp	2.35 PM	7.05 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12005	Kalka Shatabdi Exp.	5.15 PM	8.35 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12449	Goa Sampark Kranti Exp.	6.25 PM	11.45 PM	-	-	-	Y	Y	-	-
12045	Chandigarh Shatabdi Exp.	7.15 PM	10.45 PM	-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Train Time table from Old Delhi (DLI) to Chandigarh (CDG): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from Old Delhi (DLI)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
14217	Unchahar Exp.	4.25 AM	9.35 AM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
54303	Delhi Kalka Pass.	3.20 PM	10.25 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
12311	Kalka Mail	9.30 PM	3.00 AM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Train time table from Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE) to Chandigarh (CDG): -

Train no.	Train name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Departure date from Delhi Sarai Rohilla (DEE)
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
14095	Himalaya Queen	5.35 AM	10.25 PM	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Train time table from Hazarat Nizamuddin (NZM) to Chandigarh (CDG): -

Train No.	Train Name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Dept. day from NZM
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
12687	Chandigarh SF Slip Exp.	9.10 PM	3.50 AM	-	-	Y	-	-	Y	-

Train time table from Delhi Cantt. (DEC) to Chandigarh (CDG): -

Train No.	Train Name	Dept. time	Arrival time	Dept. day from DEC
				S	M	T	W	T	F	S
22451	Chandigarh Bi-weekly SF Exp.	11.54 AM	4.20 PM	-	-	Y	-	-	Y	-