Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – Toy Train Journey, Timings, Booking, Route



Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Toy Train Journey Through the Clouds

 What is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway?

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), also known as the Toy Train, is a historic **narrow-gauge mountain railway** that connects **New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling, covering a distance of 88 km (55 miles) through the lush hills of West Bengal, India. Built between 1879 and 1881, it climbs from 100 meters to over 2,200 meters above sea level, using loops and zigzags instead of tunnels.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the DHR is an engineering marvel and a cultural icon. It is managed by Indian Railways, under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone.

---

Key Features

Gauge:** 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge
Route: New Jalpaiguri – Siliguri – Kurseong – Ghum – Darjeeling
Length: 88 kilometers (55 miles)
Steepest Gradient:1 in 20
Highest Station:Ghum (2,258 meters), the highest railway station in India
Locomotives: Original steam engines (B Class) + modern diesel engines

---

Why Is It Famous?

🏞️ Scenic Route: You pass through tea gardens, forests, waterfalls, and colonial towns.
🚂 Steam Experience: Operates iconic **steam joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghum.
🛤️ Zig-Zag Engineering: Features legendary loops like Batasia Loop.
 🎬 In Pop Culture: Featured in films like Barfi!, Parineeta, and  Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman.

---

Major Stations & Stops

| Station | Altitude | Highlight |
| -------------- | -------- | ------------------------------- |
| New Jalpaiguri | 100 m | Starting point (Broad gauge) |
| Siliguri | 123 m | Gateway to the hills |
| Kurseong | 1,482 m | Tea estates, colonial charm |
| Ghum | 2,258 m | India's highest railway station |
| Darjeeling | 2,042 m | Hill town, terminus point |

---

 Types of Toy Train Rides

1. **Joy Ride (Darjeeling – Ghum – Darjeeling)**

   * Duration: 2 hours
   * Distance: 14 km round-trip
   * Includes stop at **Batasia Loop** and **DHR Museum at Ghum**

2. Diesel/Steam Passenger Train (NJP – Darjeeling)

   * Duration: 6–7 hours
   * For scenic full-route travel
   * Advance booking recommended

3. Charter Trains

   For groups, weddings, and film shoots
   Customizable schedules

---

Ticket Booking

Tickets can be booked online at:
Or offline at railway stations (limited quota). Popular routes like the steam joy ride often sell out weeks in advance during peak season (April–June, Oct–Dec).

 Best Time to Visit

April to June: Spring/summer – clear views of Kanchenjunga
October to December: Post-monsoon – best for photography
Avoid: Monsoon (July–September) due to landslides

 UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was the **first railway in India to receive **UNESCO World Heritage recognition (1999), later joined by the Nilgiri Mountain Railway and Kalka-Shimla Railway under the collective name: Mountain Railways of India.

---

FAQs

Q. Is the Toy Train safe for kids and elderly?**
Yes, it runs slowly (10–20 km/h), and is safe and comfortable.

**Q. Can I bring luggage on board?**
Small bags are fine. Larger luggage is not recommended for joy rides.

**Q. Are food and toilets available?**
Only on longer routes (NJP–Darjeeling). Not on joy rides.

**Q. Can I travel both up and down by Toy Train?**
Yes, but it takes time. Most people do one leg by road and one by train.



 Final Thoughts

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is not just a train—it’s a journey into history, heritage, and Himalayan beauty. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a nature lover, or a tourist seeking nostalgia, this ride offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

🚖 Planning a trip? Book a scenic Darjeeling taxi tour with Darjeelinghost

Message Darjeelinghost on WhatsApp. https://wa.me/918207219672

Popular posts from this blog

A Comprehensive Study of the Colonial Cemeteries of Darjeeling

Image
 Necropolis in the Clouds: A Comprehensive Study of the Colonial Cemeteries of Darjeeling Part I: The Genesis of a Colonial Enclave - Darjeeling's Foundation The colonial cemeteries of Darjeeling are not merely repositories of the dead; they are profound historical documents, etched in stone and soil, that narrate the story of the British Empire's expansion into the Himalayas. To comprehend their significance, one must first understand the genesis of Darjeeling itself—a meticulously planned colonial project designed to serve the strategic, medical, and economic interests of the British Raj. The establishment of these burial grounds was an inevitable consequence of this enterprise, marking the transition of a remote mountain ridge into a permanent European settlement. The initial impetus for the British presence was twofold: health and military strategy. In the early 19th century, the British in India were grappling with the debilitating effects of tropical diseases....
Read more

Planning a Trip to Darjeeling Despite Teesta Flooding? Here's What You Need to Know

Image
If you're planning to head to Darjeeling right now , here's some reassuring news: the main routes to Darjeeling remain open and accessible despite the recent heavy rains and disruptions caused by the Teesta flooding and landslides on neighboring highways. While National Highway 10 (NH-10)—which connects Sikkim and Kalimpong—experienced closure and diversions due to flooding and landslides, the Darjeeling routes themselves have seen rapid restoration . As of late July 29, single-lane traffic has resumed in partly affected areas**, especially on the Darjeeling–Kalimpong corridor, with road crews actively working to keep access clear. For travelers coming from Siliguri, the **Rohini–Kurseong route remains open and is currently the best route** to Darjeeling. Alternative roads through Sukna and Pankhabari are also operational. While the Hill Cart Road (NH-110) may still face occasional delays due to minor slides or weather conditions, there have been no complete closure...
Read more

A Darjeeling Driver's Guide: Why You MUST Visit in Autumn 2025

Image
Hello and Namaste from the driver's seat! ​My name is Shiwath Rai and for over 3 years, my team and I have had the pleasure of navigating these beautiful, winding roads. We're the ones who get you to the sunrise on time and know the best spots for momos.  Every year, we see Darjeeling change with the seasons, and if you ask any local driver, they'll tell you a little secret: right now, in late September and early October, is the most magical time to be here. ​The monsoon has washed the dust away, the big crowds haven't arrived yet, and the mountains... well, the mountains are putting on a show. As your local travel partners, we want to share why this is the perfect time to book your trip and how we can help you see the very best of our hometown. ​ Pic : I am standing infront of my Car in Tumling. ​The View from Our Windshield: Clear Skies & Happy Tourists ​Every morning, when we pick up our first guests, the excitement is real. Why? Because t...
Read more