Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Photo: Arne Hückelheim, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or the Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, it is about 88 km (55 mi) long. It climbs from about 100 m (328 ft) above sea level at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 m (7,218 ft) at Darjeeling, using six zig-zags and five loops to gain altitude. There are both steam and diesel engines serving the route. There are 18 stops covered in the journey. This railway is a as part of the Mountain Railways of India.
UnderstandThis route provides breath-taking panoramic views of the Himalayas and the nearby hills. Some of the stops are special and unique in their own way. The journey starts from New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri.
PrepareThere are many businesses in Siliguri and other parts of West Bengal providing tour packages for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Get inThe journey usually starts from New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) in Siliguri. You can get to the railway station either by road, rail or air.
TicketsTickets for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway can be booked both online and at counters. For e-tickets, you can visit the IRCTC website.
GoFor tourists who want to go from Darjeeling, there are four trains a day that travel the seven-kilometre route to Ghum - sometimes also spelled Ghoom - where they turn around and return half an hour later.
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Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Arne Hückelheim, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons