{"id":9562,"date":"2017-03-14T07:44:16","date_gmt":"2017-03-14T07:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sterlingholidays.com\/blog\/?p=9562"},"modified":"2024-02-16T05:27:05","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T05:27:05","slug":"darjeeling-himalayan-railway-toy-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sterlingholidays.com\/blog\/darjeeling-himalayan-railway-toy-train\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>Darjeeling Himalayan Railway<\/span><\/a>, also known as \u2018Toy Train\u2019, is a one of its kind experience as the tracks meander through the high hills of the Himalayas and lush tea plantations. A ride aboard this unique train is a must if you are travelling towards the tea capital of India.<\/span>
\n\"Darjeeling<\/p>\n

Here are some interesting and useful facts you need to know about it:<\/span><\/p>\n

It is the oldest hill railway of India<\/b><\/h2>\n

Constructed in 1881, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway(DHR) is the oldest hill railway of India and among the oldest in the world as well. The narrow-gauge(2 feet) railway extends between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, covering a distance of over 80 kilometres. Once a summer retreat of the British, Darjeeling was frequented by the British officers and their families who had to undertake an arduous road journey from Kolkata to reach their destination. The DHR was conceptualised to provide convenient access to the place.<\/p>\n

DHR is UNESCO heritage site<\/b><\/h2>\n

A perfect example of architectural and engineering excellence, the railway was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1999. The coveted title had only been bestowed upon one railway before DHR, the Semmering Railway of Austria. Now that\u2019s an achievement! The marvellous track passes through 14 stations, over 500 bridges and forms incredible loops and \u2018z\u2019 reverses that make one reflect on the sheer genius behind the planning of the railway. UNESCO has laid down very specific criteria for inclusion of a historical monument into the list and it is not surprising that DHR fulfilled them all.<\/p>\n

Ghoom, an en route station is the highest one in India<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train meets up with 14 stations along its entire route. One of the stations is Ghoom, which happens to be the highest railway station in the country at an altitude of almost 7400 feet. The station houses a rail museum on the first floor. The train halts at this station for half an hour and the rail fare includes the museum entry fee. It is definitely worth your time to step down and have a look inside the museum, the biggest attraction of which is the oldest baby engine known as Baby Sivok. Ghoom is also famous for its 19<\/span>th<\/span> century monastery and the Batasia loop. There is a lot to see in Ghoom and you may plan staying over a couple of nights. A very modern, comfortable and tranquil resort by Sterling lies just near the monastery.<\/span><\/p>\n

A lot of history with a touch of romance<\/b><\/h2>\n

Darjeeling is known to be one of the best <\/span>honeymoon destinations in India<\/span><\/a> and the a ride in the toy train along with your better half is a must visit. Built in the 19<\/span>th<\/span> century under the British colonial rule, there are a lot of stories associated with the construction of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, some true and some simply hearsay. One such story if of the incident wherein the contractor responsible for the construction of the railway was frustrated over the narrow areas where loops were impossible to build. He confided the same in his wife to which she replied, \u2019\u2019If you cannot go forward, why don\u2019t you move back?\u2019\u2019 She referred to his returning to England but the contractor took it as a literal inspiration and came up with the idea of zig-zag tracks. I don\u2019t know if the story is true or false but is definitely interesting!<\/span><\/p>\n

Booking the Toy Train is very simple<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Toy Train can be booked through the Indian Railway reservation counters and online website likewise. As it undoubtedly a much-coveted tourist attraction, the seats fill up real quick and it is therefore, wise to book well in advance.<\/p>\n