The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, known to everyone as the Ooty toy train, climbs from Mettupalayam in the plains to Udhagamandalam (Ooty) in the Nilgiri hills. The full line is about 46 km long, with 16 tunnels, some 250 bridges and more than 200 curves, and it is the only rack railway in India – a toothed rail between the tracks lets the engine haul itself up the steepest slopes.
In 2005 UNESCO added the line to the Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site, alongside the Darjeeling and Kalka–Shimla railways. For many visitors, a seat on the morning train is the highlight of a Nilgiris holiday.
On this page
History of the line
A mountain railway to the Nilgiris was first proposed in 1854, but work took decades to begin. The line from Mettupalayam to Coonoor opened in June 1899, and it was extended to Fernhill and then Ooty in October 1908. It is owned by Indian Railways and run by Southern Railway.
The heart of the line is the rack section between Kallar and Coonoor, which uses the Swiss Abt rack-and-pinion system. Here the gradient reaches 1 in 12 (8.33%), the steepest on any line in Asia. Steam locomotives of the X class, most built in Switzerland and some newer ones built at Trichy’s Golden Rock workshops, push the train from behind up this section.
The route and what you see
- Mettupalayam to Kallar: an easy run through areca and banana groves, crossing the Bhavani river.
- Kallar to Coonoor: the rack section – slow, dramatic climbing through forest, tunnels and cuttings, with water stops at small stations such as Hillgrove, where passengers can stretch their legs.
- Coonoor: the main halfway station and the locomotive shed; diesel locomotives work only the upper section from here to Ooty.
- Coonoor to Ooty: tea gardens, eucalyptus and hill villages via Wellington, Aravankadu, Ketti and Lovedale.
Timings and tickets
At the time of writing, the main through train leaves Mettupalayam at 7:10 AM and reaches Ooty around noon, taking close to five hours uphill. The downhill train leaves Ooty in the early afternoon and takes about three and a half hours. There are also several shorter daily services between Coonoor and Ooty, and extra trains in the summer season.
Tickets are sold through Indian Railways and the IRCTC website, as for any train. Seats on the Mettupalayam train are limited and sell out quickly, especially in April–June, weekends and holidays, so book as early as bookings open. Schedules, classes and fares change – check with Indian Railways before you go. Services can be suspended after landslides in the monsoon.
Tips for the ride
- Which side: on the uphill journey, the views open up on both sides; try to get a window seat.
- Short on time? The Coonoor–Ooty section is easier to book and still gives tea-garden views, though you miss the rack section.
- Food and water: carry snacks and water; facilities on board are basic.
- Warm layer: it can be cold and misty as you reach Ooty, even when Mettupalayam is hot.
- Luggage: the coaches are small; send big bags ahead with your car.
Fitting the toy train into a trip from Pondicherry
Ooty is about 430 km from Pondicherry by road, around 9 to 10 hours by car. To catch the 7:10 AM train you need to spend the night in Mettupalayam or Coimbatore. The easy plan: your driver drops you at Mettupalayam station in the morning, drives up the ghat road and meets you at Ooty or Coonoor station, with your luggage safely in the car.
We can build this into our Ooty – Coonoor – Mysore tour or the Wayanad – Ooty – Mysore tour, but train tickets must be booked separately and are subject to availability. See our hill stations page for other ideas.
Official information: IRCTC
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Ooty toy train leave Mettupalayam?
At the time of writing, the main train departs Mettupalayam at 7:10 AM and reaches Ooty around noon. Check Indian Railways for the current schedule.
How do I book the Nilgiri Mountain Railway?
Book through Indian Railways or the IRCTC website like any other train. Seats are limited, so book as early as possible, especially for the summer season.
Is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. It was added in 2005 as part of the Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site.
How long is the Ooty toy train journey?
The full line is about 46 km. Uphill from Mettupalayam takes close to five hours; downhill takes around three and a half hours.