How to Plan an Ooty Toy Train Ride with Family: Tips, Timings, and Ticket Fare

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Planning an Ooty Toy Train ride with family? Here is all the information you need on Nilgiri Mountain Railway for a joy ride.

Ooty Toy Train, officially known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a narrow-gauge railway, built in the late 19th century, that offers you a scenic journey through the Nilgiri Hills, passing through tunnels, bridges, and lush greenery.

I had a wonder ride on Ooty Toy Train with my family, a journey through the most beautiful landscapes in the Nilgiri Hills. If you are planning on embarking on this picturesque journey, I can guide you through this comprehensive Ooty Toy Train Guide. I have explained all the details here like its timings, ticket fare, and what to expect on a toy train ride.

Ooty Toy Train is an engineering marvel set in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. In 2005, it was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site for “bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problem of establishing an effective rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty.”

Ashley on Ooty Toy Train, peeping out of a window

If you are visiting Ooty, make sure you read my Ooty Travel Guide to plan your trip better. Also, read my Coonoor Travel Guide if you are planning to explore Coonoor on your trip.

History of Ooty Toy Train

Nilgiri Mountain Railway was conceptualized way back in 1854, but it did not materialize until 1899. Initially, the railway line was till Coonoor, later in 1908 it was extended till Ooty.

The locomotives used in the trains were ‘X’ class locomotives developed by Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works, Switzerland. Some of the locomotives still used are at least 50 to 80 years old. However, the newest locomotives are manufactured in India maintaining the charm and heritage of the traditional Swiss locomotives.

Initially, the entire railway line from Mettupalayam to Ooty was running on steam locomotives. But from the past few years, the steam engine got replaced by a more efficient diesel engine at Coonoor station. This is to cover the steep climb from Coonoor to Ooty. We were a little disappointed to find this not-so-fancy looking engine, but it is better for the environment, so can’t complain.

Ashley on Ooty Toy train at Coonoor railway station.

Specialty of Nilgiri Mountain Railway

I was surprised to find that Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only rack railway in India. Rack railway is a method of making a train climb steep railway using a toothed rack and pinion mechanism invented by a Swiss engineer called Dr. Roman Abt. The bottom of the trains are fitted with pinions that mesh with the racks on the railway line that runs between the tracks.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway uses Abt rack and pinion mechanism to cover the distance between Mettupalayam and Coonoor. From Coonoor to Ooty, the railway line is diesel power engine.

Route of Ooty Toy Train

Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a stretch of 46 kilometers from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam with 16 tunnels, 108 curves and 250 big and small bridges. At Mettupalayam, the railway line is only at 325 meters altitude from sea level, but as the train progresses on its journey, it climbs a height of 2218 meters altitude at Fern Hill. Ooty is 2203 meters altitude, slightly below that of Fern Hill.

The train has 7 passenger stops and 5 water stops on the way. Water stops are the places where the train stops to fill water for the engine. The passenger stations between Mettupalayam and Udagamandalam are Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu, Ketti, and Lovedale.

The train takes about 5 hours uphill from Mettupalayam to Ooty and 3 1/2 hours downhill from Ooty to Mettupalayam. Coonoor is somewhere in the middle at the distance of 3 1/2 kilometers uphill from Mettupalayam.

There is only one train that runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty, however, there are three passenger trains that run between Coonoor and Ooty. During the peak season of April to June, Nilgiri Mountain Railways run an extra train between Mettupalayam and Ooty.

A view of the Nilgiri valley from Ooty toy train.

The Charming Toy Train

The Ooty Toy Train is aptly named, as its small, blue and cream-colored coaches resemble toy trains. The vintage locomotives that used to pull these carriages weresteam-powered, adding an old-world charm to the experience. However, these are now replaced with diesel engines due to ecological reasons.

The rhythmic chugging of the engine, the hissing of steam, and the distinctive whistle all add to the nostalgic ambiance as the train meanders through the hills. The coaches are equipped with large windows, allowing you to soak in the panoramic views and capture memorable photographs.

A view of Nilgiri valley from Ooty Toy Train

A view of tea plantation from Ooty Toy Train.

Other Attractions offered by Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Apart from the spectacular train journey, Nilgiri mountain railway offers other attractions that you don’t want to miss on your Ooty trip. The best part of these attractions is that they are free and you can just walk in and view the displays and locomotives.

Nilgiri Mountain Rail Museum, Mettupalayam

Take a peek into the history of Nilgiri Mountain Railway by visiting the Nilgiri Mountain Rail Museum at Mettupalayam Railway Station. The museum is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The museum displays the first locomotive used in Nilgiri mountain railway in 1899 that was manufactured by Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works, Switzerland.

Steam Loco Shed, Coonoor

If you want to see the locomotives that are currently used in Nilgiri railway, head across the Coonoor railway station to Steam Loco Shed. When you get here the first thing you spot is the selfie spot, a bright and colorful, lifelike model of the Swiss locomotive. From here when you get down the stairs you can see the place where the locomotives are serviced and maintained.

A model of Ooty Toy train locomotive at Coonoor Railway station

"Nilgiri Queen" a locomotive used in Ooty toy train.

A model of Ooty toy train locomotive in Coonoor

Heritage Rail Museum, Udagamandalam

While you are waiting at Udagamandalam railway station for your train, step into the Heritage Rail Museum at the station to view photographs and artifacts related to the history and journey of the Nilgiri mountain railways.

Exhibits at Ooty Rail Heritage Museum, Udagamandalam.

Timings and Ticket Fare for Ooty Toy Train

You can book your ticket for Ooty Toy Train on the IRCTC website, or you can book it personally at the station. Here is a comprehensive chart with details of Ooty Toy Train timings and ticket fare.

Ooty toy train ticket fare and timing details in a table.

Cancellation Charges for Ooty Toy Train

The cancellation charges for Ooty Toy Trains are different from the regular trains. For the Second Class, it is Rs. 60 per ticket, while for the First Class, it is Rs. 210 per ticket.

What to Know Before Planning the Journey on Ooty Toy Train

Here are some useful information that I gathered from my toy train journey that will help you plan your trip.

There are no toilets in the train, so make use of the station toilets before you get on.

Book the ticket through IRCTC website well in advance as they get sold out very quickly.

If you book your ticket directly at Mettupalayam or Ooty station, you will get the traditional cardboard type ticket sold in the 1900s. Nilgiri mountain railway maintains this practice as part of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Arrive at the station at least 1 hour before the train departure, if you are planning to book your tickets at the station.

If you are booking your ticket from the counter, do keep in mind that one person can book only upto four tickets. If you have more people in your group, make sure you have enough people standing in the queue to buy tickets.

Mettupalayam, Coonoor, and Udagamandalam railway stations are well-maintained and have clean vegetarian food court that serve tasty food. As a result, you can get your meals and refreshments right at the station without any hassles.

You can reach Mettupalayam from Chennai by boarding the Nilgiri Super-Fast Express which runs on a daily basis.

Similarly, you can reach Mettupalayam from Tirunelveli by boarding the Tirunelveli Mettupalayam special train which runs every Thursday from Tirunelveli and reaches Mettupalayam on Friday.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway can cancel trains on this route during events of track repair, or any natural causes. This happened to us as heavy rain caused a landslide between Mettupalayam and Coonoor causing a large boulder to damage the tracks. The railway then cancelled trains between the two stations and ran trains only between Ooty and Coonoor for a very long time.

The entrance to Nilgiri Mountain Railway to board Ooty Toy Train

Wrapping Up: Ooty Toy Train Ride with Family

A ride on the Ooty Toy Train is a journey back in time, immersing you in the rich natural beauty of the Nilgiri Hills. As the train weaves through the mountains, the enchanting landscapes and the captivating sights will leave an indelible mark on your memory.

The Ooty Toy Train is not merely a mode of transportation; it is an experience that evokes a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and appreciation for the beauty of nature. So, when you plan your visit to Ooty, make sure to include this delightful train journey in your itinerary for an unforgettable adventure.