SOTC Blog

Spread over a steep highland ridge, bounded by emerald-green tea plantations and towered over by magnificent mountains, Darjeeling is the ultimate Indian hill station and is certainly West Bengal’s leading attraction. To relish the experience of this beautiful hill station, all you need to do is to get on the Toy Train in Darjeeling. Awarded and given the heritage status by UNESCO, the train passes through lush green forests of Darjeeling and halts at some of the highest railway stations of the world, giving you an enthralling riding experience.

Here are reasons why you need to include the Toy Train ride on your Darjeeling tour packages:

One of the narrow gauges

The Darjeeling Himalaya Railway or the Toy Train is amongst one of the very few remaining narrow-gauge charmers in the world. It climbs more than 2000 metres between Siliguri in West Bengal and will offer you an enchanting view of the tea plantations of Darjeeling.

It has even ferried the kings

This British-constructed 84 kilometres train used to carry precious tea cargo from the mountains to the plains, to the teapots of the world. Ever since its launch in the year 1880, the toy train has carried millions of people that include individuals’ holding prestigious positions like the kings, queens and heads of states.

Loops you in

You will get an opportunity to pass through mystic forests with conifers from Sukna forests. The railway spirals up entire loops of 360 degrees to climb high slopes. In all, the train drives through 5 such reverses and 3 loops.

Experience hill towns

You can get an opportunity to take a look at the many small hill towns. The zig-zag route will surely turn out to be a fun ride as you get to explore many old hill towns on the way.

An amazing view of the Himalayas

When the train touches Kurseong, which is at a height of 4,800 feet, you get to see breath-taking sights of the snow-capped mountains of the world’s third-highest mountain, Kanchenjunga; a famous destination to be included in your Darjeeling tour packages. It also makes a stop at the world’s second highest railway station, Ghoom.

It usually takes about 45 minutes to cover the 7km route from Ghoom to Darjeeling with a 10-minute halt at the famous Batasia Loop, nearby which the train finishes a steep full circle. Here you can get an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful and scenic view of the mountains. It also has a War Memorial built in respect of the Gorkha soldiers who lost their lives during the battle for Indian Independence.

Darjeeling Toy Train Ride is one of the most interesting things to do in Darjeeling & thrilling explorations experienced by tourists. In fact, tourists from all parts of the globe come here to enjoy the delightful ride. If you are planning a trip to Darjeeling anytime soon, a toy train ride should definitely be on your priority list.