Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Ooty, India
- Enjoy scenic views of the Nilgiri Hills
- Explore the hill town of Ooty
- Ride the historic Nilgiri Mountain Railway
- Visit tea plantations and factories
Known for:
Description:
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a 46-kilometer long single-meter gauge railway line that runs from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty) via Coonoor in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest mountain railways in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train journey offers breathtaking views of the lush green valleys, tea plantations, and rolling hills. The railway line is a marvel of engineering, featuring steep gradients, tight curves, and viaducts. The journey takes approximately 5 hours to complete and is a popular tourist attraction.
History:
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway was first proposed in 1854, but construction did not begin until 1891. The line was completed in 1908 and opened to traffic in 1909. The railway was initially built to transport tea and other goods from the Nilgiri Hills to the plains. However, it soon became popular with tourists and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. The railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.