Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is an incredibly rare and historic train system built by the British that has been running through the mountains of Tamil Nadu, India, since 1908. Because of its unique engineering and historical value, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. While many modern trains run on electricity or diesel, the steepest stretch of this route (from Mettupalayam to Coonoor) still uses vintage, coal-fired steam locomotives. It breathes, makes the classic "chug-chug" sound, and blows clouds of white steam into the mountain air.• 208 curves and 16 tunnels.• Over 250 bridges spanning deep valleys.• Breathtaking views of rolling green tea plantations, dense pine forests, and rocky waterfalls.
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