About

As you ride the ‘Toy Train’ (declared a UNESCO World Heritrage Site), it winds its way through the picturesque Himalayan foothills, transporting you at a leisurely pace, breathing in the crisp mountain air from the towering Himalayan peaks. “The most enjoyable day on earth,’” said Mark Twain as he rode across the verdant hills that reveal rolling tea gardens.

About Toy Train 2
About Toy Train 1
About Toy Train 3
About Toy Train 1
About Toy Train 2
About Toy Train 3

WHAT’S INCREDIBLE

  1. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is a 2-foot narrow-gauge railway located in the Himalayan foothills.

  2. The railway was built between 1879 and the train line was officially opened to the public in 1881. it carried 380 tons of goods and 8000 passengers.

  3. It offers a journey of 88 km, taking passengers through lush forests, tea gardens, quaint villages, and the Darjeeling hills.

  1. The journey includes stops at several stations, including Kurseong, Ghoom, and Batasia Loop, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the unique culture and history of the area.

  2. In the year 1891 Darjeeling station was renovated and enlarged. After 5 years a station was built in Kurseong, especially for the purpose of storage shedding.

  3. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is an engineering marvel.

  1. The ‘Toy Train’ is the first and only steam-powered rack-and-pinion railway in India and one of the oldest mountain railways in the world.

  2. On April 8, 1879, Franklin Prestage, who first saw the value of a rail connection for exporting rice and tea got final approval for his proposal and established the Darjeeling Steam Tramway Co. The company's initial plan to run the line as a steam tramway was quickly abandoned, and on September 15, 1881, it changed its name to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Co. (DHR).

What's incredible


Fascinating Stories

FASCINATING STORIES

  1. The journey is an unforgettable experience and offers a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes and local culture.

  2. During its 88 km (55 miles) journey it climbs from 328 ft (100 m) above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 7218 ft (2,200 m) at Darjeeling using 6 zigzags and 5 loops to gain altitude. It is known for its steep gradients, tight curves, and dramatic scenery along its chugging path.

FASCINATING STORIES

  1. It is the second railway site in the world and the first industrial World Heritage site in Asia to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  2. Today’s toy train still bears some of the old features it had when it was set up over 140 years ago. Next time you board the train keep your eyes open to observe the antiquity.

FASCINATING STORIES

  1. Several Bollywood films have been shot on this train. Rajesh Khanna sings "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" to heroine Sharmila Tagore, who is on the train in Aradhana (1965). Other films with the train are Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (1992), Parineeta (2005), Barfi (2012) and Jagga Jasoos (2017) and many more.

FASCINATING STORIES

  1. Mark Twain, the renowned American writer expressed that “The most enjoyable day I have spent on earth mixed with the ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy,” after he rode the Darjeeling Toy Train in 1895.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Essentials

TIMINGS

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The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) runs from New Jalpaiguri station (NJP) to Darjeeling station (DJ).


The train departs from New Jalpaiguri at 8:40 am and arrives at Darjeeling at 12:15 pm.

WEATHER

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The weather in Siliguri is typically hot and humid during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C.


During the winter months, temperatures can drop as low as 10°C and the city receives moderate rainfall.

Places to stay

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From opulent hotels to intimate bed and breakfasts that offer a cozy atmosphere, Siliguri has something for every type of traveler.