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Let your inner child indulge in an unforgettable adventure in the mountains.
Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling is a charming hill station located in West Bengal. The hill town is famous for its tea gardens, beautiful Himalayan views, and, undoubtedly, the unique Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). Fondly known as the Darjeeling Toy Train, the train begins from New Jalpaiguri and chugs all the way up the hills to Darjeeling. The DHR is India’s first mountain rail and has been operational since 1881. Originally designed for transporting goods from Darjeeling to the rest of India, it soon caught the fancy of tourists as a scenic mode of transport. This narrow-gauge marvel features a unique zig-zag system that makes it possible for it to reverse and change tracks. Having heard so many stories of my father's adventures on the train, I knew I had to experience it for myself. Despite visiting Darjeeling twice, none of my companions had time for the Toy Train. So, when I visited the hill town on my own, I decided I wasn't going to let go of the opportunity to ride the Darjeeling Toy Train.
The Darjeeling Toy train mainly operates on two routes—New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and a round trip from Darjeeling to Ghum. During my solo trip, I decided to experience both routes.The journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes. You can opt for a Chair Car or First-Class ticket. However, before you book, it is advisable to check the train's ticket prices on the IRCTC website.
At 10.00 am, I boarded the Darjeeling Toy Train at New Jalpaiguri. Our first stop was Siliguri Junction followed by Tindharia, where I alighted for a stroll. My co-passengers suggested I grab something to eat as it was the only station offering refreshments along this route. After savouring a plate of momos, I reboarded the train.Around 3.00 pm, we arrived at Kurseong. An additional Vistadome coach was added to the Toy Train, joining the initial two coaches. While it took around three additional hours to reach Darjeeling, I was enchanted by the sunset over the lush green valleys. Throughout the journey, the toy train crossed over 500 small bridges, traversing numerous slopes and curves.
On the day of my return, I decided to take the ‘Steam Joy Ride’ from Darjeeling to Ghum and back. I secured a seat in the Vistadome coach on the steam engine train that was scheduled to depart at 11:30 am. While most tourists opted for the diesel engine trains, owing to their punctuality, I couldn't resist the charm of the steam engine train, despite their unpredictability and maintenance requirements during the journey. As I eagerly waited, I couldn't spot my train anywhere. However, this unique experience was not to be missed. Patiently, I admired a beautiful model of the Batasia Loop and explored the stalls at the station that sold local products.
Finally, the Toy Train pulled into the station. The sight of the steam engine brought back many childhood memories. The train’s leisurely pace allowed ample time to soak in the views of serene valleys. I noticed people, inside their cars, photographing the steam engine. Soon I was swept over by the sounds and sights of the 140-year-old mountain rail. The sounds of the hooter, the familiar chhukk-chhukk rhythm, and clouds of coal smoke billowing into the air felt like a scene from a bygone era. It was fascinating to witness the train cutting through the roads of this hilly town. The Darjeeling Traffic Police diligently monitored the traffic, halting vehicles to ensure a smooth passage for the train. The tarin's first stop was at Batasia Loop, where I made a quick 15-minute visit to the Gorkha War Memorial. The view of the majestic Kanchenjunga Mountain, shrouded in clouds and mist, made my day. I boarded the train once more to reach Ghum. Here, we had a 30-minute stop. I took the opportunity to visit the Ghum Museum and learn more about the Darjeeling Toy Train.
My return journey to Darjeeling was accompanied by splashes of rain that added to the dreamy ambience. I was wise to book the first half of the day's trains, as it allowed me ample time in case of any interruptions. Occasionally, the trains may experience delays, affecting the overall journey time. As the day drew to an end, I reluctantly returned to my hotel room. The beautiful views at the station compelled me to linger, as I wasn't ready to bid farewell just yet.
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