The Shivalik Deluxe Express is one of the most popular and comfortable Kalka Shimla Toy Train toy trains from Kalka to Shimla. It is often the first choice for travelers who want a better travel experience without losing the classic charm of the heritage railway. The train runs on the famous narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway and offers a scenic ride through tunnels, bridges, pine forests, and hillside villages.
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This train is especially suitable for tourists who are visiting Shimla for the first time. Since it usually departs from Kalka early in the morning, passengers get to enjoy fresh mountain views, soft morning light, and clearer visibility along the route. The timing also works well for travelers arriving at Kalka by overnight train from Delhi or nearby cities.
Virtual Tour of Shivalik Deluxe Express
Watch this virtual tour of the Shivalik Deluxe Express to see the coach, seats, food, scenic views, tunnels, bridges, and overall Kalka to Shimla toy train experience before planning your journey.
Train Timings:
- Frequency: generally daily, but always check the latest schedule before booking
- Kalka to Shimla: around 05:20 AM to 10:10 AM
- Shimla to Kalka: around 05:50 PM to 10:35 PM
- Travel time: about 4 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes
Facilities on Shivalik Express
The Shivalik Deluxe Express offers better facilities than many regular toy train coaches on the Kalka-Shimla route. It is designed mainly for tourists who want a more comfortable and scenic journey.
Key facilities include:
- Comfortable and Movable cushioned seats for a relaxed mountain journey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Large windows for better views of valleys, tunnels, bridges, and pine forests ⭐⭐⭐
- Cleaner and better-maintained coaches compared to basic seating options ⭐⭐
- Reserved seating, which makes the journey more organized ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Limited luggage space inside the coach ⭐
- Tourist-friendly interiors with a more premium feel ⭐⭐⭐
- Good option for families, couples, and senior travelers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Better visibility for photography, especially during the morning journey from Kalka to Shimla ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Food or snacks ,⭐⭐(Inculde in Fare)
Food and Snacks Offered in Shivalik Express
Food and snacks are usually included in the fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express, but the exact menu may change depending on Indian Railways/catering arrangements. Passengers are generally served light refreshments during the Kalka to Shimla journey.
Common food and snack items may include
| Veg | Non-Veg | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 500ml Water Bottel (RailNeer) | 500ml Water Bottel (RailNeer) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tea or coffee | Tea or coffee | ⭐ |
| Bread slices | Bread slices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Butter | Butter | ⭐⭐ |
| 2Pcs Veg cutlet+Some Vaggies | Egg Omelette + Some Vaggies | ⭐⭐ |
| ketchup | ketchup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Juice or fruit drink | Juice or fruit drink | ⭐ Very Bad Quality |
| 2Pcs Biscuit | 2 Pcs Biscuit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Important note
The food menu is not fixed and may vary by season, catering contractor, and railway rules. Passengers should carry extra water and light snacks, especially when traveling with children or senior citizens.
My Food Review
According to my experience, the food served in Shivalik Deluxe Express was decent for a short mountain journey. The small veg cutlets, multigrain biscuits, tea, and mango juice were good options for light refreshment. However, passengers should not expect a full meal. If you are traveling with children, senior citizens, or you prefer more food, it is better to carry extra snacks and water.
Pros and Cons of Shivalik Deluxe Express
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More comfortable than regular toy train coaches | Usually more expensive than basic chair car or general seating |
| Large windows offer good views of hills, tunnels, and bridges | Seats can sell out quickly during peak tourist season |
| Early morning departure gives better light and clearer views | Very early departure from Kalka may not suit all travelers |
| Good choice for families, couples, and senior travelers | Limited luggage space inside the coach |
| Offers a premium feel while keeping the heritage toy train charm | Food and onboard services Not good |
| Reserved seating makes the journey more organized | Timings can change due to weather, maintenance, or railway updates |
Halts and Timings of Shivalik Deluxe Express
The Shivalik Deluxe Express (52451/52452) usually runs daily between Kalka and Shimla. It is a limited-stop toy train, so it does not halt at every small station on the route. The journey takes around 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the latest railway schedule and operating conditions.
Note: Timings can change due to weather, maintenance, or railway updates. Always confirm the latest schedule on IRCTC or the NTES app before traveling.
Kalka to Shimla
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Halt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalka (KLK) | — | 05:45 AM | Start |
| Dharampur Himachal (DMP) | 07:14 AM | 07:16 AM | 2 min |
| Barog (BOF) | 07:45 AM | 07:50 AM | 5 min |
| Solan (SOL) | 08:01 AM | 08:03 AM | 2 min |
| Kandaghat (KDZ) | 08:38 AM | 08:40 AM | 2 min |
| Tara Devi (TVI) | 09:53 AM | 09:54 AM | 1 min |
| Shimla (SML) | 10:40 AM | — | End |
Shimla to Kalka
| Station | Arrival | Departure | Halt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla (SML) | — | 02:15 PM | Start |
| Tara Devi | 03:00 PM | 03:01 PM | 1 min |
| Kandaghat | 04:10 PM | 04:12 PM | 2 min |
| Solan | 04:50 PM | 04:52 PM | 2 min |
| Barog | 05:05 PM | 05:10 PM | 5 min |
| Dharampur Himachal | 05:40 PM | 05:42 PM | 2 min |
| Kalka (KLK) | 07:30 PM | — | End |
Ticket Fare Breakup of Shivalik Deluxe Express
The ticket fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express may vary depending on railway rules, booking date, class availability, and catering charges. The fare usually includes reserved seating and light food/snacks, but passengers should always check the latest fare on IRCTC before booking.
| Service | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Fare | 447.00 |
| Total GST | 23.00 |
| Catering Charges (Optional) | 125 |
| Total | 595 |
My Opinion on Shivalik Deluxe Express
In my opinion, the Shivalik Deluxe Express is a very good option for travelers who want a comfortable and scenic toy train journey from Kalka to Shimla. The train offers beautiful views, reserved seating, cleaner coaches, and a peaceful travel experience. It is especially suitable for families, couples, senior citizens, and first-time Shimla visitors. The only drawbacks are limited luggage space and a changing food menu, so carrying extra snacks and water is a good idea. Overall, it is one of the best toy trains on the Kalka-Shimla route.
Kalka Shimla Toy Train FAQ
What is the train number of Shivalik Deluxe Express?
The Shivalik Deluxe Express runs between Kalka and Shimla with train numbers 52451 for Kalka to Shimla and 52452 for Shimla to Kalka.
What is the travel time of Shivalik Deluxe Express from Kalka to Shimla?
The journey usually takes around 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the latest railway schedule, weather, and operating conditions.
Is food included in Shivalik Deluxe Express fare?
Yes, food or light snacks are usually included in the fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express. However, the menu may change depending on railway and catering arrangements, so passengers should carry extra snacks and water.
Is Shivalik Deluxe Express good for families and senior citizens?
Yes, Shivalik Deluxe Express is a good option for families, couples, senior citizens, and first-time Shimla visitors because it offers reserved seating, comfortable cushioned seats, cleaner coaches, and large windows for scenic views.
Where can I check the latest timing and fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express?
Passengers should check the latest timing, fare, and seat availability on the official IRCTC website or the NTES app before booking, as timings and fares may change.
What is the ticket fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express?
The ticket fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express is usually around ₹595 for adults, but it may change depending on railway rules, booking date, class availability, and catering charges. Passengers should always check the latest fare on IRCTC before booking.
What food items are served in Shivalik Deluxe Express?
Food and light snacks are usually included in the fare of Shivalik Deluxe Express. Common items may include tea or coffee, biscuits, bread, butter, jam, veg cutlet, sandwich, ketchup, juice, cake or muffin, and packed drinking water. However, the menu is not fixed and may change depending on Indian Railways catering arrangements.