Parangipettai to Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line

Parangipettai to Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is a metre gauge railway line in Tamil Nadu, India. It is considered to be an engineering marvel due to its steep gradients and sharp curves. The NMR line runs from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty) and covers a distance of 46 kilometers. The journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiri Hills.

Language

The official language of Tamil Nadu is Tamil. However, English is widely spoken and understood in the state. Hindi is also spoken by a significant number of people.

Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). It is advisable to exchange your currency before arriving in India as the exchange rates may be less favourable at the airport.

Distance

The distance between Parangipettai and Udagamandalam is approximately 450 kilometers. The journey by train takes about 12 hours.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Parangipettai is the Trichy International Airport (TRZ). From Trichy, you can take a train or bus to Mettupalayam, which is the starting point of the NMR line. The journey by train takes about 5 hours and by bus takes about 6 hours.

Expenses

The cost of a train ticket from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam is approximately INR 200. The cost of a bus ticket is approximately INR 300. The cost of accommodation in Udagamandalam ranges from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per night.

Best time to go

The best time to visit the Nilgiri Hills is during the winter months (October to March). The weather during this time is pleasant and the skies are clear.

What to Eat

The Nilgiri Hills are known for their unique cuisine. Some of the popular dishes include:

• Nilgiri mutton curry
• Chicken chettinad
• Idli sambar
• Dosa
• Payasam

Where to Go

In addition to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, there are several other places to visit in the Nilgiri Hills. These include:

• Ooty Lake
• Botanical Garden
• Rose Garden
• Tea plantations
• Mudumalai National Park

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nilgiri Mountain Railway:

1. What is the fare for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway?
   The fare for the Nilgiri Mountain Railway varies depending on the class of travel. The fare for a first class ticket is INR 700, the fare for a second class ticket is INR 400, and the fare for a third class ticket is INR 200.
2. Is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
   Yes, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. What is the altitude of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway?
   The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet).
4. Is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway safe?
   Yes, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is safe. The railway line is well-maintained and the trains are regularly inspected.