Located on the NH 22, Kalka is on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, it is the terminus for the narrow gauge railway from/to Shimla. Situated just over the border in the state of Haryana, this town is set at the foothills of the Himalayas and is an entry point to the Land of Gods- Himachal Pradesh. Kalka derived it’s name from a Hindu Godddess Kali. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and a lot of pilgrims turn up here during Navratri.
The best way to get to Shimla by train is from Kalka which is the nearest railhead to Shimla. Known worldwide for the scenic journey across the foothills of Himalayas, the view on the way from Kalka to Shimla is breath taking as the train chugs along this route.
There are regular trains from Kalka to Shimla. However, it is strongly recommended to take the Shimla toy train. The 96 Kms stretch is covered in 6 hours and greets you to the thick pine forests, mist-laden mountainsides and green basking valleys. During the winter, the train chugs through a cascade of snow, making for a truly picturesque journey. The toy train passes through 103 tunnels and 20 railway stations.
The temperature in Kalka in winter drops to around zero degree Celcius and there is also heavy snowfall in the area. The best time to visit is April to June when other parts of the country is hot and the temperature here is pleasant.
The Indian Rupee is the official currency here. Currency can be converted at the currency exchange counters at the Airport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in only shops and major hotels.
The Howrah Kalka Mail departs daily at 2250 Hrs and arrives at Kalka at 0500 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 2345 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 0625 Hrs.
The Kalka Shatabdi leaves Delhi at 1715 Hrs to reach Kalka at 2115 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 0600 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 1000 Hrs.
The New Delhi Kalka Himalayan Queen Express leaves Delhi at 0600 Hrs and arrives Kalka at 1120 Hrs. On the way back leaves Kalka at 1650 Hrs and reaches Delhi at 2210 Hrs.
Major Airport: The closest major airport is the Chandigarh Airport, 16 kms away.
It is a popular picnic spot with the locals and the tourists. There is a mini zoo here. The gardens are located in Pinjore, just 5 kms towards the Southwest on the Chandigarh road. The architecture is Mughal style. There are four gardens and also palaces built in the Rajput-Mughal style of architecture. The Rang Mahal, an arched pavilion, is decorated with traditional guldasta (bouquet) motifs. the Jal Mahal is set among cool fountains.The Sheesh Mahal has a beautiful mirror-studded ceiling and is cooled by water flowing underneath.
Shopping:
When in Kalka, one can certainly look forward to buying wooden handicrafts very unique to Himachal Pradesh. Do not miss out on buying the woolen clothes, shawls and the traditional caps. There are lots of Tibetan handicrafts also available here. You can either shop at the private shops or streets where vendors give you good bargains or you can head to the Himachal Emporium or The Tibetan Refugee Handloom Shop. At the Tibetan Refugee Handloom shop, look in for Tibetan carpets and pickle, squashes and jams.
One can check into hotels like Blue Moon Hotel, Parwanoo which is just 3-4 Kms from Kalka Railway Station. There is option also to stay at hotels on the main station road in Kalka.
There is not much to see in Kalka, but it is a good stop over on the way to Shimla.
