The nostalgia of train journeys : Nilgiri Mountain Railway

                                         The nostalgia of train journeys:    Nilgiri Mountain Railway

I spent most of my childhood in Ooty, a naturally abounding hill station on the 'Queen of Hills'.  It is also called the Blue Mountains or simply 'The Nilgiris'!  The ineffable charm of Nilgiris and its UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) always fascinates me.  Until I was eight, I never got a chance to travel on the coveted toy train that runs between Ooty and Mettupalayam. And, while we were relocating to 'Singara Chennai', I got that most amazing opportunity. Thenceforth, I have travelled many times to the coveted hill station.  Yet, I turn nostalgic every time my mother recalls our days in the lap of nature.  

Nilgiri Mountain Railway has transcended the barriers of time.   To this day, this technological marvel is well maintained by the Railways.  Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005, NMR stands as an outstanding testimony of innovative transportation system and technological ensemble.  The 46 Km journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty covers six small stations in 4 hours.  The X-class vintage locos, rack and pinion system and the  braking system are the unique features of NMR.  The NMR train chugs through the dark little tunnels, mystic terrains, varying curves ,exotic valleys, small cascades and sprawling tea estates draw tourists and rail enthusiasts from all over the world.



Plan your sojourn to the enchanting NMR and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature!




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