That the iconic Nilgiri hills are a popular destination for honeymooning couples is well known. On Friday, a newly married couple from the United Kingdom took their love for the Nilgiris to another level by chartering an entire train, with a seating capacity of 120, from Mettupalayam to the hills.
The couple, Graham William Lynn, 30, an engineer from the U.K., and Siliva Plasic, 27, a researcher from Poland, got married just two weeks ago.
“While planning our honeymoon, we decided to charter the iconic steam train to the Nilgiris. We thought it would be romantic to have the entire train to ourselves,” Mr. Lynn told reporters in Udhagamandalam.
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The couple had booked their tickets on the IRCTC website. They arrived on Friday morning and boarded the train to Udhagamandalam. “We were left speechless by the amazing beauty of the Nilgiris all the way from Mettupalayam, and even by the tunnels. The views were just breathtaking,” said Mr. Lynn.
The couple, who had chartered the train for ₹3 lakh, said they had arrived at the Mettupalayam Railway Station early to see the train museum, which outlines the history of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR).
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“We were given such fantastic hospitality by the NMR staff,” said Mr. Lynn, adding that he and Ms. Plasic planned to stay in the Nilgiris for three days.
The Salem division of Southern Railway said the Railway Board had given the green light to operate services in the NMR section to cater to tourists and vintage train lovers.
A chartered train with 120 seats from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam and back costs ₹3 lakh per trip, according to the Railway.