Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), affectionately known as the toy train, was started in 1881, in order to make the transport of rice and other commodities easier and more cost-efficient. Now, it has become a focal point of Darjeeling's tourism industry, and is still one of the most outstanding examples of engineering in a challenging terrain. The track on which the train runs is only 600 mm wide!

The 87 km route offers breathtaking view of the hills and the dense forests running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been featured in several films such as Parineeta, Barfi, etc. One must get a firsthand experience of this industrial marvel in the lap of nature.

One of the most popular railway lines in the hills, Kalka Shimla Railway boasts a toy train that offers a unique experience to riders. Winding through the mighty Himalayas, the train takes one through picturesque sceneries, thrilling twists and turns and panoramic landscapes dotted with oak and pine trees. The train also passes through the beautiful Solan city and it is considered one of the best stops.

The Nilgiri Rail Line was first started in 1899 from Mettupalayam to Coonoor and eventually expanded to Udhagamandalam (old name of Ootacamund) in 1908. The toy train on this line takes passengers from a height of 1,069 ft to 7,228 ft. This rail network is one of the steepest in Asia. The line covers a total distance of 48 km in five hours from Mettupalayam to Ootacamund, covering Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington and Lovedale on the way. The route is extremely scenic and breathtaking. The view is particularly picturesque owing to the surrounding rocky terrain, ravines and lush green hills that one passes by.