Toy Train also known by the name Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway is one of the most important tourism attraction of the Darjeeling hill
stations. It provides a lifetime experience to its travelers as provides
wonderful opportunity to witness the breathtaking Himalayas with scenic views
along the route.
The Toy Train takes you from the plainer areas of Siliguri to
the lush green mountains of Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of the pristine hill
stations of north India. The place was regarded as a summer retreat during the
rule of the Britishers. In the year 1999, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was
declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The railway route is around 80 km
long, which starts New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, to Darjeeling via Siliguri,
Kurseong and Ghum (Ghum or Ghoom is also
the second highest mountain railway station in the world). The captivating toy
train climbs up through the meandering railway line, offering you some
breathtaking views of the mountains.
One
of the major spots along the route is Batasia Loop, which lies between Ghum and
Darjeeling and offers a picture perfect view of the main town of Darjeeling
with stunning Mount Kanchenjunga in the background. Apart from this, the train
passes over 5 major and 500 minor bridges.
The railway line of the
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is laid on the same alignment which zigzags from
the plainer region to the twisting loops of the hill station. The actual climb of
this journey commences from Sukna providing the scenic views of the hilly
region along with the view of the plain areas at the bottom. The Toy Train
passes through densely wooded forest from Sukna and climbs up the hill, making
your journey a memorable one. There are 13 stations along the route including
New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling with an average distance of about 7 km between
the stations. The railway station in Ghoom is the second highest railway
station in the world and also the highest one in India. The station holds a
museum in the first floor with displays the early golden era of the Toy Train.
Train Services
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
provides a number of exciting tourist train services.
Daily Train Services- It is a diesel and 'B' Class steam engine
which provides a blend of first and second class carriages.
Joy Rides- It is a 'B' Class steam engine, which takes the
travelers on short trips from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, also from Siliguri
Junction to Sukna and back.
Jungle Safari Holiday Trains- It will take you from Siliguri to
Tindharia and return. The chief attractions of this trip are charming Mahananda
Wildlife Sanctuary and "Z" reverses, where the Toy Train zigzags
forwards and backwards up the hill.
General Information about the Services
The ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom
and back involves a 10 minute stop at Batasia loop and 30 minutes stoppage at
Ghoom Museum. The entrance fee to the museum is included in the fare.
The ride from Siliguri Junction
passes through tea plantations of the plainer region and includes a 30 minutes
stop at the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Photo Gallery in Sukna.
The main highlight of Jungle
Safari trips is Tindharia, where the train stops for lunch. This place offers a
stunning view of the valley and the surrounding areas.
Ticket Fares
The first reservation will cost
you around Rs 247 and the second reservation will cost you around Rs 47. For
more information, you can contact DHR or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Department on fares and journey.
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