The Mountain Railways is one of India’s grand luxury rail journeys, and Bakkiya Tours & Travels books it for travellers from Virudhachalam, Cuddalore and right across Tamil Nadu. We don’t just reserve your cabin — we arrange the whole trip around it: getting you to the boarding city, the nights before and after, visas and flights where you need them, and any add-on sightseeing. The famous train becomes the centrepiece of a journey that’s sorted end to end.
Highlights
Day by day
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Mettupalayam to Ooty — the only rack railway in India, climbing 1,000 metres through 208 curves and 16 tunnels in about five hours. We book first-class seats and pair it with a night in Coonoor or Ooty.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The “toy train” from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, or the shorter steam joyride to Ghum via the Batasia Loop — the most photographed stretch of narrow gauge in India.
Kalka–Shimla Railway
Kalka to Shimla through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges, climbing into the Himalayan foothills. Best in the Himalayan Queen or the glass-roofed Vistadome coach.
What’s included
Included
- Reserved rail tickets
- Station transfers
- Guide where required
- Bottled water
- Booking and reservation handling
Not included
- Hotel nights
- Meals unless stated
- Camera fees
- Tips
- Travel insurance
How we arrange it
- Tell us the basics — your dates and the cabin grade you'd like.
- We check availability on your chosen departure and confirm the fare.
- We arrange the rest — your travel to the boarding city and comfortable nights either side.
- You confirm and we book, and manage the whole journey end to end.
Why book the Mountain Railways with Bakkiya Tours
We’re a local, family-run travel company that has arranged journeys since 2010, and we treat a trip like this as one seamless plan rather than a single ticket. You get one point of contact who answers the phone, transparent quotes with no surprises, and someone on your side from the first enquiry to the journey home. These trains sell out months ahead in the October–April season, so early booking matters — talk to us as soon as your dates firm up and we’ll hold the cabin grade you want.
Good to know before you board
India's luxury trains run mainly in the cooler October-to-April season and sell out months ahead, so book as early as your dates allow to secure the cabin grade you want. The fare typically covers your cabin with en-suite bathroom, all meals on board, guided off-train excursions and a personal attendant; drinks, tips and personal spending are usually extra. Dress is smart-casual by day with a slightly dressier note for dinner. Pack light — cabins are beautifully appointed but compact — and carry a photo ID, as boarding is at a specific station and time. We confirm every one of these details in writing before you travel.
Areas we serve
Bakkiya Tours is based in Virudhachalam, in Cuddalore district, and we arrange pickups right across the region — Cuddalore town, Chidambaram, Neyveli, Panruti, Ulundurpet, Tittakudi, Kattumannarkoil, Vadalur and the surrounding villages. From here we run trips throughout Tamil Nadu and into neighbouring Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as well as pilgrimages and holidays further afield in India. Being a local company means we can collect you from your doorstep, start early without a long dead-run, and be genuinely on hand throughout your journey. Tell us where you're starting from and we'll arrange a convenient pickup.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mountain Railways?
The Mountain Railways runs day trips. We can also arrange the days before and after — your travel to the start point and any extra nights or sightseeing — so tell us your total holiday length and we’ll plan around it.
When is the best time for the Mountain Railways?
The usual season is All year. Dates and availability change through the year, so message us with when you’d like to travel and we’ll confirm what’s open.
What’s included in the Mountain Railways?
Typically reserved rail tickets, station transfers, guide where required, bottled water and more — the full list is on this page. Anything not included, such as transfers, tips and insurance, we’ll set out clearly in your quote.
Can you customise the Mountain Railways or add extra days?
Yes. Most travellers add a few nights either side — time in the departure city or onward travel — and we can match the cabin or class to your budget. Tell us what you’d like and we’ll build the Mountain Railways into a longer trip.
How do I book the Mountain Railways?
Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 96264 88887 with your dates and group size. We’ll confirm live availability and send a clear, all-inclusive quote, and hold your place with an advance.
Ready to plan this journey?
Tell us your dates and group size on WhatsApp and we’ll come back with availability and a clear, all-inclusive quote.
Message us on WhatsApp