Darjeeling Toy Train

Darjeeling Toy train is also known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). Toy Train or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) was first started in 1881, and still is the most outstanding, example of a hill passenger railway. The whole 83 km stretch of this narrow hill track covered in around 8 hours is completely incredible. The train starts climbing up from Sukna and covers Chunabati, Rungtong, Tindharia, Agony Point, Kurseong, Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery before entering the land of refreshing brews Darjeeling. The changing landscape observed from the train include markets adjacent to the train, free flowing Teesta River, delightful green tea gardens and the colourful flower bearing plants. The first train of Darjeeling Toy train was much more different from what it is today. It was a small four wheeled trolley with two wooden benches. The 26 feet long bogey was added much later. Earlier, it was not only used as transporting passengers, but also the freight to isolated hill towns. As the time passed, the train became completely a passenger train. Today, the Darjeeling Toy Train is the best way to soak the scenic pleasures of the mountainous landscape 7000 feet above the ground level.This is the reason why this gorgeous Darjeeling Toy train and its enchanting terrain are recognized as world heritage site under mountain railways of India. Darjeeling to Ghoom is India,s highest railway station. Built in between 1879 to 1881 this World Heritage Site railway track elevates from 100m in New Jalpaiguri to 2200m in Darjeeling. Interestingly the track runs parallel to the road, cuts through the road but hardly deviates from the main road. It runs so close to the shops and houses that at some point you think it would run into it. The open window offers great view of the landscapes and the people living by the road.

On public demand, Darjeeling toy train also runs between SIliguri and Tindharia on weekends and national holidays. These are specially run trains for an exciting jungle safari in the Mahayana wildlife sanctuary. The train is comprised of three coaches of a class with a steam engine of B class. It travels from Darjeeling to till Gum and then return to Darjeeling, stopping at Gum museum and Batasia loop during this return journey. The tickets for the train can be booked on the Railway counters or through the Indian Railways website. It is advised to book the tickets in advance, as the train ride is much in demand among the natives as well as the tourists. Darjeeling toy train is like a jewel in the crown worn by Indian Railways. It is one of the most popular and magnificent trains in India, and is one of its kind. Its popularity is growing among the foreign tourists also who visit India. The main daily toy train service to Darjeeling departs from New Jalpaiguri at 9 a.m. and arrives at 4.15 p.m. There's also a service from Kurseong to Darjeeling at 3 p.m, arriving at 8 p.m. In addition, during the tourist season there's a train from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong at 8.30 a.m. The daily toy train service to Darjeeling costs 247 rupees ($5.20) in first class, and 47 rupees ($1) in second class, one way. First class joyrides cost 240 rupees return. The plains are much warmer than the hills and as the train climbs up the mountains the climate gets much colder. Therefore it is advisable to keep warm clothes handy as one needs them.