Just think about it – emerald hills with cold peaks peeking through the dense clouds, and the sounds of a train chugging around… “chug chug chug chug,” and its whistles echoing through the serene mountains. That’s the beauty of the Darjeeling Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage and a must for any traveler in the mountainous range of the Himalayas.
This adorable thing, which, by the way, is the cutest thing you’ll ever see, isn’t just another. It was built in the 1800s, is evidence of colonial engineering, and acts like a moving time capsule.
The iconic train winds 88 km between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in 7 hours. There is also a shorter 14 km scenic tour from Darjeeling to Ghum, taking the passengers to the beautiful sights of the hills riddled with tea plantations and quaint villages, and at a soothing speed of 20 mph with an iconic Batasia Loop, spiraling around the hilltop that would leave you breathtaking panoramic views.
But is it just a one-trick pony? Is it just there for the scenery? Not. It’s an experience that reaches your soul and hits just the right spots. Here’s why that hefty price tag is worth the experience:
- It’s an experience exclusive to Darjeeling. Passing through the majestic Himalayas, watching colorful villages and endless tea plantations while breathing in the fresh air, is blissful. Is that worth the price tag? You decide. The soothing, slow chugging of the steam engine in the front, the gentle side-to-side sways of the carriage, and the aroma of the freshly brewed tea in every station waiting to be enjoyed – it’s an utterly overwhelming pack of emotions.
- Not only that, it’s a historian’s favorite. Experience the 18th-century engineering masterpiece and the legacy of British colonial rule.
- It’s a paradise for a photographer. The scenes of Darjeeling are considered “Instagram worthy” of how beautiful they are, and the train is the mode of transport to get these Instagram-worthy pics.
- It’s also a great experience with your family! Your children will enjoy the ride, your spouse will enjoy their photography sessions, and your parents will enjoy the scenic paradise of Darjeeling.
- And it’s all totally eco-friendly! Because of how it’s built, it doesn’t leave an excessive carbon footprint! So, give that SUV a break, and all aboard!
Bonus: Go above your budget a little – opt for the steam engine for the nostalgic and authentic journey.
Now, how do you start?
Book your ticket:
- Bookings are available on the Indian Railways website or mobile app, and it’s the same as booking any other train.
- Or, go directly to Darjeeling or any ordinary station and book there.
- There are two options for booking: Joy Train, which runs on Diesel, or the Steam engine. The steam engine is a bit pricier than the former, but it’s worth it.
Board the train:
- All trains begin and end at Darjeeling Railway Station.
Ticket costs:
Ticket costs are hard to pin down, as it all depends on the season and class.
- The regular Joy Train tickets are generally between ₹450 to ₹1420 per head.
- As mentioned before, the Steam Engines are more expensive, ranging from ₹1000 to ₹1600 per head.
So, what’s the holdup? Pack your thickest jackets, grab your camera bag, and board the train! This little choo-choo train promises significant memories that’ll last forever.
