The war horse takes a watering break at Runneymede. (Abhilash Triambak)

The station master and some monkeys look on as our train chugs out of Hillgrove. (Abhilash Triambak)

A model of the cog wheel used on the X-class locomotives of the NMR on display at Hillgrove. (Abhilash Triambak)

The passengers take a welcome break at Hillgrove with the monkeys for company as the semaphore gantry, found all along this route, stands tall. Note the IRFCAians taking snaps from all possible angles. (Abhilash Triambak)

The overhead water tank and the station board at Hillgrove, a station famous for its monkeys :) (Abhilash Triambak)

A view of the X-37386 as it huffs and puffs to glory pushing the 3 coacher uphill along the dense forests. (Abhilash Triambak)

An up-close view of the rack and pinion system unique to the NMR. (Abhilash Triambak)

A close up view of the wheels arrangement of the X-class steam locomotives. (Abhilash Triambak)

A view of the rack rail as it enters tunnel no. 3 on the way up to UAM. (Abhilash Triambak)

Our train passes over one of the several viaducts on the route as it exits a tunnel. (Abhilash Triambak)

The first halt at Kallar where the train enters the dense forest to start its climb up the steep gradient. Note the rack and pinion system which begins here all the way up to Coonoor. (Abhilash Triambak)

The destination board on the leading coach of the MTP-UAM Passenger. Observe the majestic headlamp above the board. (Abhilash Triambak)

A close-up view of the X-class beauty as it fills its belly to prepare for the uphill climb. (Abhilash Triambak)

The quaint MTP station building dwarfs the tiny 3 coacher MTP-UAM Passenger as it gets ready to climb up the Nilgiris. (Abhilash Triambak)

A view of the Steam Shed in MTP with the Nilgiris looming large in the background. (Abhilash Triambak)