If you're eager to experience the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride but can't get tickets during the peak summer season, here's some great news. The Salem Division of Southern Railway has announced a special toy train service operating from March 28th to July 7th 2025.
Schedule:
- Uphill Journey (06171): Departs Mettupalayam at 9:10 a.m. every Friday and Sunday, arriving in Ooty at 2:25 p.m.
- Downhill Journey (06172): Departs Ooty at 11:25 a.m. every Saturday and Monday (starting March 29th), arriving in Mettupalayam at 4:20 p.m.
Seating Capacity:
- Mettupalayam to Coonoor: 40 first-class and 140 second-class seats
- Coonoor to Ooty: 80 first-class and 140 second-class seats
Ticket Pricing:
- First Class: ₹1,470 (compared to ₹600 on regular trains)
- Second Class: ₹965 (compared to ₹295 on regular trains)
Special Toy Train Timings:
| Train No.06171 Mettupalayam – Udagamandalam Special Train |
↓ | Station | ↑ | Train No.06172 Udagamandalam – Mettupalayam Special Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09.10 | Dep. | Mettupalayam | Arr. | 16.20 |
| 09.28 / 09.35 | (a/d) | Kallar | (a/d) | 15.50 / 15.55 |
| 10.46 / 11.00 | (a/d) | Hillgrove | (a/d) | 14.34 / 14.42 |
| 12.30 / 12.55 | (a/d) | Coonoor | (a/d) | 13.00 / 13.30 |
| 13.04 / 13.06 | (a/d) | Wellington | (a/d) | 12.35 / 12.45 |
| 13.16 / 13.18 | (a/d) | Aravankadu | (a/d) | 12.20 / 12.25 |
| 13.38 / 13.40 | (a/d) | Ketti | (a/d) | 12.00 / 12.05 |
| 14.00 / 14.13 | (a/d) | Lovedale | (a/d) | 11.37 / 11.41 |
| 14.25 | Arr. | Udagamandalam | Dep. | 11.25 |
While the fares are higher than regular service, this special toy train offers a valuable opportunity to experience the breathtaking Nilgiri landscape during peak season when standard tickets are difficult to secure. The premium pricing reflects the increased availability and convenience during the summer months.
Check our detailed guide on how to book the toy train in Ooty.
