About Magical Toy Train in Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Toy Train, part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beloved attraction in West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, this narrow-gauge railway runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, covering 88 km through scenic hills, tea gardens, and mountain villages. Known for its vintage steam engines and iconic Batasia Loop, the toy train offers a charming journey through the Eastern Himalayas. The popular Darjeeling-Ghum joy ride is a must for tourists, offering breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. This heritage train ride beautifully captures the colonial charm and natural beauty of the region.
Overview
- Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Declared in 1999
- Constructed: Between 1879 and 1881
- Gauge: Narrow gauge (2 feet / 610 mm)
- Route: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling
- Length: Around 88 kilometers (55 miles)
What Makes It Special
- The train travels through the lush hills, tea gardens, pine forests, and quaint towns of the Eastern Himalayas.
- Famous for its loops and zigzags to climb steep gradients – especially the Batasia Loop, where you get panoramic views of Darjeeling and Kanchenjunga.
- It’s one of the very few railways in the world where steam engines still operate, offering a nostalgic journey.
Popular Routes & Rides
- New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Full Route – ~7 hours).
- Darjeeling to Ghum (Joy Ride) – ~2 hours round trip (Most popular includes a stop at Batasia Loop and Ghum Railway Museum.)
Booking & Tickets
- Tickets can be booked through our website or at the railway station.
- There are different classes: First Class, Second Class, Diesel Joy Ride, and Steam Joy Ride (slightly more expensive).
Best Time to Ride
- October to May: Clear skies, great views of the mountains.
- Avoid monsoon (June–September): Landslides and fog can affect operations.
Fun Facts
- It's the first hill railway in India.
- Featured in movies like "Barfi!" and "Parineeta".
- Ghum Station, on the route, is the highest railway station in India (2,258 meters / 7,407 ft).
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