The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the "Darjeeling Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a narrow-gauge railway that was built between 1879 and 1881 to connect the town of Siliguri with Darjeeling, a popular hill station in the Himalayas. The train consists of a number of vintage British-built steam locomotives, some of which are over 100 years old. The locomotives are well maintained and lovingly restored by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway authorities.
The Darjeeling Toy Train is a popular tourist attraction mainly for kid's attractions in Darjeeling and offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding tea gardens. The train runs through a series of loops, zig-zags and spirals, passing through breathtaking scenery, including forests, waterfalls, and hill stations.The train consists of several vintage coaches that are pulled by steam locomotives or diesel engines. The coaches are adorned with wooden panels, brass fittings, and large windows that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The train has different classes of coaches, including first-class, second-class, and third-class, with varying levels of comfort and amenities. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) provides Joy Ride which is most desirable ride amoung the tourist which is a 2 hour ride from Darjeeling station and back. In 2023 alone DHR has recorded more than 90,000 tourist availing the joy ride.
Places you can see when riding the Toy Train (Joy Ride) in Darjeeling:
Batasia Loop :
Batasia Loop is a famous engineering marvel located on the route of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is a spiral loop of railway tracks that allows the train to gain altitude by completing a full circle and returning to the same point. The Batasia Loop is located about 5 km from Darjeeling town and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga mountain range. The loop is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers and plants, making it a Top 10 popular tourist attraction in Darjeeling.
Ghum:
Ghum is a small town located at an altitude of 7,407 feet above sea level and is the highest point on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway line. The town is known for its famous Ghum Monastery, which houses a 15-foot high statue of Lord Buddha.
DHR Museum
DHR Museum is within the Ghum toy Train Station premises. Baby Shivok is the major attraction which is the oldest Toy Train engine showcased outside. The cost of Tickets for the DHR Museum is included in the Joy Ride tickets itself.
Information about Joy Ride booking:
If you are interested in booking the Darjeeling Toy Train, there are several ways to do so. Here are a few options:
Tour Packages: Our travel agency Yes Tourism India offer tour packages that include Toy Train tickets. These packages usually include hotel accommodations and other sightseeing activities as well.
Online Booking: You can visit the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) to book your Toy Train tickets online. Select the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway option and follow the instructions to book your tickets.
Ticket Counters: Customer can book your Toy Train tickets directly from the ticket counters at the Darjeeling, Kurseong, or New Jalpaiguri railway stations. However, it is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as the train tickets may sell out quickly.
Darjeeling Zoo - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Darjeeling Toy train running now?
From September 2021, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) had resumed its services after a temporary suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is advisable to check the current status of the train services with the Indian Railways or local authorities before planning a trip, as the situation can change depending on the pandemic situation or any other factors affecting the train services.
What are the ticket prices of Darjeeling toy train ride?
The ticket prices for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) vary depending on the class of travel and the distance covered.The ticket prices for the popular Darjeeling to Ghum Joy Ride (approx. 16 km) were as follows:
Disel Engine: INR 1,000 per person. All First Class seats
Steam Engine: INR 1,045 per person. All First Class seats including Vidstadome Coaches
How long does the Darjeeling toy train ride take?
The duration of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) ride varies depending on the route and the class of travel. The duration of some popular train rides were as follows:
Darjeeling to Ghum Joy Ride (approx. 16 km): The ride takes around 2 hours, including a 30-minute stop at the Batasia Loop.
Siliguri to Darjeeling (approx. 88 km): The ride takes around 7 hours, including several stops at various stations along the way.
Kurseong to Darjeeling (approx. 32 km): The ride takes around 3-4 hours, including several stops at various stations along the way.
It is important to note that the Toy Train is a slow-moving train that allows passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty and take in the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Does Darjeeling toy train provide food?
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) does not provide food on board. However, passengers can bring their food and drinks on board.