What’s included in a Toy Train Charter and what is not

A toy train charter means hiring one of India's narrow-gauge hill trains for your group alone. The best known ones are the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway up to Ooty and the Kalka–Shimla line, and all three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On a charter you pick the date, and the train stops where you've asked it to, so it's popular with photographers and railway enthusiasts.

Here's what our typical charter package includes and what you should budget for separately.

Standard Inclusions

The Charter Train

The train runs for your group only. That covers the locomotive (steam or diesel, depending on what you book and what the railway can allocate), the coaches and the railway crew for the agreed route.

Railway Charter Fees & Permissions

We apply to the railway for the charter and pay the charter fee, so you don't have to deal with the paperwork.

Photo Stops & Run-pasts

Planned stops at agreed spots along the line. On a run-past the train backs up and passes the group again so everyone gets the shot. The number of run-pasts is fixed when you book.

Expert Guides

Travel with knowledgeable expert guides who bring the region’s rich British-era railway history, heritage and stories to life.

Accommodation

Comfortable accommodation as specified in the itinerary.

Leisure Activities & Experiences

A selection of leisure activities, experiences, entrance tickets and applicable activity fees as outlined in the itinerary.

What is Excluded :-

1. Goods & Services Tax (GST)

   GST and other applicable government taxes are not included unless specifically stated.

   
   

2. Changes in Government or Visiting Fees

   Any increase or change in park fees, entrance charges, taxes or other government levies after booking will be payable by the guest.

   
   

3. Personal Expenses

   Tips and gratuities, personal purchases, beverages or services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.

   
   

4. Travel & Medical Insurance

   Travel insurance and medical insurance are not included and are strongly recommended.

   
   

5. Exclusive Vehicle

   An exclusive vehicle can be arranged at an additional cost of ₹2,000–₹2,500 per vehicle per day, depending on the vehicle and itinerary.

   
   

6. Freedom to Dine as You Prefer

   Dining is not included, allowing guests the flexibility to choose restaurants, cuisines and dining experiences according to their personal preferences.

1. Travel to the Starting Point

   Flights, trains or road travel to where the tour begins (for example Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri for Darjeeling, or Kalka for Shimla) are not included unless the itinerary says so.

   
   

2. Extra Run-pasts or Running Time

   Run-pasts, running hours or route changes beyond what was agreed at booking are charged separately, and only happen if the railway agrees on the day.

   
   

3. Drone Permissions

   Flying a drone needs separate permission from the authorities. We can work towards getting the permission, however it is not included and we can't guarantee it will be granted.

   
   

4. Costs from Delays and Line Closures

   Hill railways are hit by landslides, monsoon damage and track work. If the railway cancels or shortens a run, any extra hotel nights, meals or transport that result are not included.