Embark on a journey on the renowned Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a narrow-gauge railway that is one of India’s oldest and most well-known. Often referred to as the Toy Train, this heritage railway is a key highlight of the India Luxury Train tour. Spanning 78 kilometers (49 miles) of the breathtaking Indian landscape, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The Darjeeling train, built in 1881, operates between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling railway station, originally serving to transport people to the Himalayan hills and tea freights to the lowlands. This passenger railway offers a unique experience, being one of the famous trains with a tiny 2-foot gauge. The Darjeeling express train traverses this incredible miniature mountain railway, passing over Ghum, one of the world’s highest railway stops.
With the stunning backdrop of the Eastern Himalayas, this remarkable Darjeeling Himalayan Railway winds and loops its way up to an elevation of almost 2100m (6,890 feet). The third-highest peak in the world, Kanchenjunga Mountain, offers breathtaking views from the Darjeeling train line that runs through the town of Darjeeling (28 169ft). Even today, the first steam locomotive still operates between Ghum station and Darjeeling, adding to the charm of this Himalayan train journey. Explore the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with Castle and King on the India Luxury Train Tour.
Experience the romanticism of rail travel while riding a private vintage tram that is infused with old-world charm. Enjoy your journey on the train as you drive by the Siliguri bazaar, capturing images of the vibrant stalls there.
Visit the railway workshops at Tindharia before continuing on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Darjeeling after making a quick stop at the train’s original lower terminus. Travel through the Windemere Hotel, historically favored by British tea merchants and planters, and through the renowned Kurseong’s hill bazaar.
Wind your way through lovely towns on the Darjeeling train and straight up to Kurseong’s main street before reaching the mountain’s crest at Ghoom and descending into Darjeeling’s picturesque valley. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views as the train circles the scenic route of the Batasia Loop before concluding the journey with a historical stroll inside the Darjeeling Hill Railway Museum.
- How much cost for Darjeeling toy train ticket price?
Ans. Rs 1000 per head for diesel engine rides and Rs 1505 per head for steam train rides with first class seats on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Entry to the rail museum is included in the fare. It is a round trip journey from Darjeeling to Ghum and back to Darjeeling on the toy train and no extra fare is charged for the return journey.
- What is the best time to travel in Darjeeling toy train?
Ans. Best time to visit Darjeeling by train: All throughout the year. But we would recommend winter and monsoon to enjoy the beautiful views on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. To get the best experience of the Indian Luxury Train Tour, ask Castle and King to add it to the travel plan.
- Darjeeling Toy Train Journey & Route
Ans. The Toy train starts from NJP and travels all the way on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Darjeeling, to Ghum, and back. This is how to get to Darjeeling, offering a unique and scenic journey.
