Darjeeling Toy Train Experience: UNESCO Heritage Railway Complete Guide
Darjeeling is a really beautiful hill station in West Bengal. It is famous for its tea gardens and also the snowy mountains visible from atop. But the most special factor associated with any visit here is something related to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This is a small train, affectionately referred to by many as the “Toy Train.” It is so special that UNESCO gave it the status of a World Heritage Site in 1999.
The guide is built on deep experience and travel expertise, drawing on the best routes and local tips to provide you with the most authoritative information on the subject. Our goal is to make your trip exceptional with clear and honest information for your first ride.
A Little History of the Iron Sherpa
The Toy Train began its journey in 1881. At that time, going uphill was quite tedious and exhausting for horses and carts. The British built a railway to connect the plains of Siliguri to the hills of Darjeeling.
The biggest problem this presented the engineers with lay in the fact that the hills were too steep for a normal train. To get around this problem, they devised “loops” and “zig-zags.” These allow the train to climb the slopes slowly and safely. Today, it still remains one of the marvels of old engineering. It is among those few places in the world that still show original steam engines in action.
Choosing Your Ride: Steam vs. Diesel
When you plan your journey, you essentially have two options. You can ride a train pulled by either a vintage steam engine or a modern diesel engine.
- The Steam Engine: The most famous experience would be the following. It burns coal and ejects thick white smoke. It makes a truly loud “choo-choo” sound that’s echoing through the hills. Much slower and more expensive, but that is what it would feel like to journey through time.
- The Diesel Engine: These are faster trains and quite a bit more reliable. They are also cheaper compared to the steam rides. Although lacking in old-world charms, they are great for viewing the sights if one is economizing.
The Popular “Joy Ride” from Darjeeling
For most tourists, the “Joy Ride” is in order. This is a short ride that starts and ends in Darjeeling town. If one does not have much time, this is the best way to experience the train.
- The Route: The train travels from Darjeeling up to a station called Ghum and returns.
- Batasia Loop: The main attraction of the Joy Ride is the train sweeping in a circle along a beautiful garden. In the middle of the circle lies a memorial for gallant soldiers. From here, a 360-degree view of the town and Mount Kanchenjunga is possible.
- Ghum Station: It is the highest railway station in India. The train stops here for about 30 minutes. You can visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum right on the platform. It houses old photos and artifacts from the early days of the train.
The Long Journey: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling
You can board a long-distance train for the full experience. The ride covers about 88 kilometres, starting with the hot plains of NJP and slowly climbing up to the cool heights of Darjeeling.
It’s a 7-8-hour journey. The scenery will change from flat tea gardens to thick forests and finally steep mountain cliffs. The train often runs right next to the main road. You will be so close to the local shops that you can almost touch them! It is a slow ride, so bring a book and some snacks with you.
How to Book Your Tickets
Bookings are a bit tricky since it’s such a popular train, and it’s highly inadvisable to wait till you reach Darjeeling to buy tickets.
- Online Booking: Use the official Indian Railways website at IRCTC. The station code for Darjeeling is “DJ,” and for Ghum, the station code is “GHUM.”
- Advance Planning: The tickets for the steam engine Joy Rides usually sell out two to three months in advance. Attempt to get a booking at least 60 days in advance of the date of your visit.
- Ticket Classes: Most Toy Trains have First Class cabins. They have big windows so as to afford a fine view of the surroundings.
Important Travelling Tips
- Sit on the Right Side: If you are going from Darjeeling to Ghum, try to get a seat on the right side. This usually has the best view of the valley and mountains.
- Expect Delays: The Toy Train is very old. Sometimes, there are small mechanical issues or blocks on the tracks. Do not plan any urgent meetings or flights right after your ride.
- Dress in Layers: The air in the open coaches can feel chilly even when the sun is bright as the train moves along, so bring a light sweater or a shawl.
- Photography: The train rides along slowly. This is just perfect for videoing the scenery. Just beware of leaning out too far!
- Respect Heritage: Remember, it’s a treasure of history. Do not throw garbage from the windows, and follow the railway staff’s instructions.
Stay in a hotel on Hill Cart Road or Gandhi Road for the sound of the train whistle to kick-start every morning. Many of these colonial-style hotels offer a lovely view of the tracks. You can wake up, pull the steaming cup of Darjeeling tea, and watch the steam engine puff past your window.
The Darjeeling Toy Train is not just a means of transport; it’s a slow, rhythmic beauty of life. When everything in our world has to be fast and quick, this train teaches us to slow down. It enables us to see the smiles of the locals in the communities on the slopes and to feel the mountain wind. Be it the train enthusiast or the nature lover, this UNESCO site is something not to be missed. It signifies the spirit of the Himalayas—strong, steady, and timeless. The trip to the “Queen of the Hills” is never complete without the whistle of the Iron Sherpa.
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