We'd read about the Nilgiri Mountain Railway which is one of the few remaining steam trains and which (for train buffs) climbs the steepest sections using the "Swiss rack" system. Anyway, not knowing when we would get to it, we couldn't book a ticket. So we arrived in Mettupalayam after two days without internet with nowhere to stay and no train tickets. Found a relatively clean hotel, had a great lunch then headed for the ticket office. No space on the train but we were first on the waiting list. A visit to the station-master at 5:30am confirmed that we did have seats on the only train at 7am. Hooray!
And what a journey, 5 hours to do less than 40km, train packed with Indian holiday-makers in party mode, regular stops for photos, tea and snacks - just great! Now ensconced in nice comfortable hotel in Ooty where it's cooler at 2400m.
Hard to believe we only have a week left.
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