The journey from Valanchery to Shimla covers approximately 3000 km. You can take a train from Tirur to Delhi and then a connecting train to Kalka, followed by the toy train to Shimla, or fly from Kozhikode (CCJ) to Chandigarh (IXC) and then take a taxi to Shimla. This route takes you from the tropical south to the high Himalayas. Expect a travel time of 65 hours by train or 10 hours by flight.
Total Distance: Driving distance 3050 km, Air distance 2600 km.
The toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage site; book in advance.
Flights usually have a layover in Delhi or Bengaluru.
March to June and October to February for pleasant weather in Shimla.