Winding through steep slopes, forests and century-old bridges, India’s slowest train crawls uphill at just 9 km per hour, turning a simple ride into a heritage experience. This photo story explores the Nilgiri Mountain Railway’s unique route, history and charm, showing why its unhurried pace continues to captivate travellers even in a fast-moving world.
1 / 8This iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway service climbs through the Western Ghats at an average speed of just 9 km per hour, making it India’s slowest passenger train. Its leisurely pace is dictated by steep gradients and tight curves carved into the blue hills of Tamil Nadu. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
2 / 8Part of the famed Nilgiri Mountain Railway, the route is recognised by UNESCO for its century-old engineering and heritage value. Built during the early 1900s, the line still operates on technology originally designed for mountain railways over a century ago. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
3 / 8Covering about 46 km in roughly five hours, the train connects the plains of Mettupalayam to the hill station of Ooty. It stops at picturesque stations like Coonoor, Wellington, Aravankadu and Lovedale, each perched along forested ridges. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
4 / 8Why is it so slow? The train uses a rack-and-pinion system on the steepest stretches, allowing it to grip the tracks while crawling uphill. Sharp bends, narrow valleys and continuous gradients require extremely low speeds to maintain safety on the ascent. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
5 / 8The slow pace becomes an advantage as the train travels past tea gardens, eucalyptus forests and mist-covered slopes. Every turn reveals new views of the Nilgiris, the kind you’d miss on a faster railway. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
6 / 8Travellers cross dozens of small bridges and old tunnels while sitting in blue-and-cream coaches that retain their old-world charm. Some sections still use vintage steam locomotives, adding to the toy-train nostalgia. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
7 / 8Despite being India’s slowest, the train is one of the country’s most sought-after rides, especially during holidays and peak seasons. Many travellers take the journey solely for the experience, not the destination, because of its unique heritage appeal. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
8 / 8In a world of fast trains and quicker travel, this slow crawl through the hills reminds passengers that speed isn’t everything. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is less about getting to Ooty and more about the joy of an unhurried, scenic mountain journey. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)
