Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The experience of a trip to Darjeeling is incomplete without a ride on the centuries-old ‘Toy Train’. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), which has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just a railway service, it is a living history of the mountains.
When the steam engine runs through the tea garden with the sound of kuuu-jhik-jhik, it seems as if time has stopped.
Quick Facts
Weather: Snowy and windy
Located in: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Entry Fee: Tickets are priced between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,600 (depending on the engine and route).
Height: From flat to a maximum of 7,407 feet (Ghum station).
Timings: Trains run in different shifts from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Time Required: 2 hours for the joy ride and 7-8 hours for the full ride.
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The best time to travel Toy train is March-May and October-December. At this time the sky is clear and the pleasant view of Kanchenjunga can be enjoyed through the windows of the train.
There is a different thrill of walking through the fog in winter, but during the rainy season, the services of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are often disrupted due to the threat of landslides, so it is wise to avoid the month of June to September.
How to Reach Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
If you want to enjoy the full journey, you have to reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. From there the main journey of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway starts. Apart from this, those who want to taste the toy train in a short time, they can take a ‘Joy Ride’ from Darjeeling town.
This short journey is basically from Darjeeling to Ghum station and back to Darjeeling. These trains depart from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station located in the main city.
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Route
The engineering of this line is truly amazing. The entire Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route is about 88 km long. It starts from New Jalpaiguri and passes through Sukna, Kurseong and Ghoom to reach Darjeeling.
On the way, the train crosses the famous’ Batasia Loop ‘, where the train turns 360 degrees and crosses the height of the mountain. A panoramic view of the entire Darjeeling town and the Himalayas can be seen from this point.
Things To Do in Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The main attraction of Tiger Hill is the sunrise. When the morning light first falls on Kanchenjunga, the mountain seems to be covered with molten gold. You can also enjoy the following:
- Batasia Loop: On the way, take a tour of the beautiful gardens and war memorials as the train stops at this huge railway loop.
- Ghum Rail Museum: Located at Ghum, the highest railway station in India, this museum preserves the ancient equipment and history of the railways.
- Photography: Taking pictures of the toy train passing through winding paths, deep gorges and tea gardens is very popular among tourists.
- Steam Engine Ride: Along with the modern diesel engine, the old-fashioned steam engine is also run, which will make you nostalgic.
Tips for Visiting Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Booking: The demand for tickets is high during the tourist season. Therefore, it is important to book online from the IRCTC website at least 2-3 months in advance. Spot bookings are often not available.
- Choose the right compartment: Although the ticket price of the steam engine is slightly higher than the diesel engine, choose the steam engine to get the real traditional feel.
- Comfortable Clothes: There is no proper weather in the mountains, so keep light warm clothes or windcheater with you.
Planning to Stay in Darjeeling: Here is the list of all the hotels
Frequently Asked Questions About Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- How do I book a train ticket?
You can book tickets directly from the official website of Indian Railways (www.irctc.co.in) or from the counter of Darjeeling station. - What is the difference between Jai Ride and NJP-Darziling Yatra?
Joy Ride is a short tour of 2 hours for the tourists who come back from Darjeeling till Ghoom. On the other hand, the train coming from NJP is a full-day journey which is used for commuting. - Do you take the train every day?
Yes, the train runs every day if the weather is favorable. However, sometimes the schedule may change due to mechanical disturbances or natural disasters. - Is there any food on the train?
There are no pantry cars on the train. However, you can buy local tea and snacks during the stoppage at the stations.
Planning to Stay in Darjeeling: Here is the list of all the hotels
