Is there a direct train?

No, there is no direct train from Kerala to Shimla.

Which airport is closest?

Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest major airport.

How long is the toy train?

The Kalka-Shimla toy train journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Driving is safe but requires experience with steep mountain hairpins.

What is the best month?

May and June are ideal for avoiding extreme cold.

Shimla

Train Flight

Chendrappini to Shimla

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Chendrappini to Shimla involves a massive cross-country journey of approximately 2800 km. You must first reach Thrissur Railway Station, 20 km away, to board a long-distance train to New Delhi. From Delhi, you can take the Vande Bharat Express or the Kalka Shatabdi to Kalka. The final leg involves the historic Kalka-Shimla toy train or a taxi via NH 5. This journey spans multiple climate zones and requires careful multi-modal planning.

Total Distance: 2800 km by road, 2200 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Kochi to Chandigarh followed by a 3-hour taxi ride.

Cheapest Way

Train in Sleeper class, costing approximately 3500 INR.

Compare Chendrappini to Shimla Routes

	Train Connecting	Flight Connecting
Duration	52 hours	9 hours
Avg Price	5000-9000 INR	12000-20000 INR
Operator	Kerala Express	IndiGo
Route	Thrissur to New Delhi, then Kalka to Shimla.	Kochi (COK) to Chandigarh (IXC), then taxi to Shimla.
Tip	Book the Kalka-Shimla toy train at least 30 days in advance.	Chandigarh airport is the most practical gateway to Shimla.

Travel Tips

Book Early
Train tickets for long-distance routes in India sell out weeks in advance.
Layering
Shimla temperatures drop significantly; carry heavy woolens even in summer.
Local Transport
Use the HRTC bus service for affordable travel within Himachal Pradesh.
Stay Hydrated
High altitude can cause dehydration; drink plenty of water during the ascent.
Taxi Apps
Pre-book taxis from Chandigarh airport to avoid surge pricing at the terminal.

Safety Tips

Motion Sickness
The road from Kalka to Shimla is winding; carry anti-nausea medication.
Emergency Contacts
Keep local police and hospital numbers saved in your phone.
Document Safety
Carry physical copies of your ID and train tickets.
Night Travel
Avoid driving on mountain roads after dark due to fog and visibility issues.