Know about the fascinating journey of Toy Train

“Toy Train” is a common nickname for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This toy train trip in Darjeeling connects Darjeeling with Siliguri and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a singular experience and one of the best-known trains with a tiny 2-foot gauge. Between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, this incredible miniature railway travels, passing over Ghum, one of the highest stops in the world. This station has a beautiful ambience filled with unspoiled happiness and is tucked away at 2258 meters.

Why is a toy train ride a must-have experience?

In operation since 1881, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Train travels a distance of roughly 88 kilometres. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a distinctive experience and transports you to the picturesque hill station set. The Darjeeling Toy Train is a true feat of engineering that connects the lower plains and hills while still having the ability to traverse some extremely dangerous hills. There are still some steam-powered locomotives on this Darjeeling toy railroad, although they are not permitted in the steep terrain.

To allow for the inhalation of the breathtaking atmosphere and for a lovely visual treat, the toy train runs exceptionally slowly. Since colonial times, this train has been a true symbol of heritage and provides the ideal opportunity to become enchanted by the Himalayas. The present diesel, though, causes the train to travel a little more quickly. In order to deal with the problems of monsoon season, passengers on board can also see a staff member standing in the front and putting sand on the track.

Best Time to Experience the Darjeeling Toy Train

The three best months to use the Darjeeling Toy Train are October, November, and December. At this point, the mist starts to dissipate, allowing for a clearer perspective while riding the toy train.

Trips: The total number of trips made by the Darjeeling toy train within a given season. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways may run up to 20 train trips per day during the busiest times, depending entirely on the demand for the day. Additionally, the train also stops at Batasia Loop, one of the toy train ride’s main attractions.

Darjeeling Toy Train Offers Iconic Sights

Along with the breathtaking views that Darjeeling’s toy train rides are known for, there are additional attractions. The recognizable sights listed below are available to travelers, along with breathtaking vistas.

Batasia Loop

It was built in 1919 as a requirement of the railway to tackle the steep incline that the train had to deal with at Ghum, and it is one of the main attractions of the Darjeeling toy train journey. The toy train would not have been able to connect Darjeeling with Ghum, the highest point, without this route. One can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga Mountain range from this well-known location.

Ghum

On the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway track, Ghum is the train station with the distinction of being the highest altitude station. The Darjeeling toy train travels the about 14 km journey between Darjeeling and Ghum on a daily basis. Additionally, it connects Lopchu, Sonada, Siliguri, and Kurseong.

There are roughly 18 scheduled rides on the Darjeeling to Ghum route, with the first one departing at 7:40 AM and the latest one leaving at 4:30 PM. Visitors are given the choice to select the type of train they want to ride on from two alternatives, including steam- or diesel-powered trains. But taking the steam engine toy train will give you a true sense of what the Darjeeling toy train is all about.

Cost of a ride on the Darjeeling Toy Train

• Train Toy with Steam Engine:INR 1300
• Toy Train with Diesel Engine: INR 800