Barog: Discover Himachal's Most Beautiful Station

Introduction

High in the Shivalik Hills, nestled among pine forests and colonial memories, sits a tiny, enchanting railway station named Barog. While it might seem like a brief halt on the famous Kalka–Shimla Toy Train route, Barog is much more — it’s a slice of history, a nature lover’s hideout, and arguably the most beautiful railway station in Himachal Pradesh.

With its vintage charm, mist-laced mornings, and echoes of British-era tales, Barog is a must-visit for heritage lovers, railway buffs, and weekend wanderers.

Where is Barog?

Detail	Info
District	Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Elevation	~1,560 meters (5,120 ft)
Distance from Solan	~8 km
Nearest Highway	NH-22 (Kalka–Shimla Highway)
Rail Connection	Kalka–Shimla Toy Train (UNESCO Heritage Line)

A Glimpse into Barog’s History

Named after Colonel Barog, a British engineer in charge of tunnel construction
Known for Tunnel No. 33 — one of the longest tunnels on the route (~1.1 km)
The legend says Colonel Barog tragically died by suicide due to engineering miscalculations
Today, the Barog Tunnel is a major highlight of the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla railway

Barog Railway Station – A Hidden Treasure

Why it’s special:

🏡 Set in a natural bowl of pine and cedar forests
🌸 Flower-lined platforms, vintage benches, and colonial signage
🎨 Painted in traditional Himachali colors — red, white, and green
🛤️ Offers stunning views of hills, valleys, and winding rail tracks
⌛ One of the most photogenic and well-maintained stations on the entire line

What to See & Do

Experience	Description
Walk through Tunnel 33	Longest tunnel on the route (1.1 km)
Explore the Station Area	Vintage lamp posts, flowers, pine backdrop
Watch Toy Train Arrivals	Ideal for slow-shutter videos and rail photography
Picnic on the Hillside	Several shaded spots ideal for snacks and selfies
Heritage Guest House	Stay overnight in the original British-era building

📷 Pro Tip: Visit during early morning or golden hour for magical light and fewer tourists.

What to Eat

Although small, Barog has some great food options:

Spot	Specialty
Railway Canteen	Hot chai, samosa, bun-makkhan
Barog Heights Hotel	Himachali thali, Chinese, North Indian
Local Dhabas	Chole bhature, rajma chawal, parathas
On-Train Snacks	Vendors sell fresh momos, pakoras

✅ You can also bring your own picnic basket and enjoy it in the scenic station gardens.

Where to Stay

Type	Options
Heritage Stay	Barog Railway Guest House (requires booking via IRCTC)
Mid-range Hotels	Hotel Barog Heights, Pinewood Retreat
Homestays	Local family-run options with meals
Nearby Towns	Stay in Solan or Kasauli and drive to Barog

Best Time to Visit

Season	Experience
March–June	Ideal weather, flower bloom, cool breeze
July–Sept	Misty views, greener forests
Oct–Nov	Clear skies, golden pine leaves
Dec–Feb	Chill weather, occasional snowfall

☁️ Monsoon brings extra mist — great for photographers, but roads can be slippery.

How to Reach

🚉 By Train:

Take the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train and disembark at Barog Station
Most trains stop here for 5–20 minutes — enough to explore briefly

🚗 By Road:

From Chandigarh: ~60 km (2–2.5 hrs)
From Shimla: ~55 km (2 hrs)

✅ The road is smooth and scenic, especially near Kumarhatti.

Why Visit?

✅ Quiet escape close to Chandigarh
✅ Blend of history, rail heritage, and Himalayan beauty
✅ Great for railway enthusiasts, couples, solo travelers
✅ A perfect one-night retreat or photography day trip
✅ Unique chance to stay at a heritage railway guesthouse

Summary

Barog may be a small stop on a slow train journey, but its charm is monumental. With mist swirling around the tunnel mouth, pine trees whispering secrets, and a station frozen in time, Barog is a place to pause, breathe, and simply feel.