One of India's most loved mountain railways, the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has also been charmingly dubbed as "The Toy Train". This fascinating narrow gauge line, which starts between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling was commissioned in 1881 and it navigates through hilly terrains, beautiful tea gardens, pretty villages and the mist-covered mountain ranges. Travelling on the Toy Train, more than being just a mode of transport, it's an extremely nostalgic and historically rich experience, where steam engines puff rhythmically through Darjeeling's most beautiful landscapes of lush tea gardens, quaint towns and winding valleys, while one experiences heritage carriages on a leisurely paced journey through the hills. As the train goes through the tightest of curves, uphill steep grades and crossing quaint bridges over small rivers while chugging along the local marketplaces with people and animals on its side, one truly experiences the marvel of how people’s daily lives unfolded along with the journey of this historic train. The most exhilarating part of the journey would be the marvel that’s popularly known as the Batasia Loop – a spiral bridge where the train goes around itself at steep slopes and offers unparalleled panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Another significant stop along the journey is at Ghoom – India’s highest railway station – which is yet another memorable part of this train ride. The sound of the steam engine and the cool mountain air along with the views of the Himalayas that keep accompanying the journey create a magical atmosphere that is unlike any other train experience around the world. Most travellers prefer to take the joy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom for shorter trips that often include a visit to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum too. Today, the Darjeeling Toy Train continues to be the biggest attraction of the region, successfully blending history, engineering, culture and natural beauty. The Toy Train, that is a visual delight for families, photographers, railway enthusiasts, historians and just about anyone with a keen interest in travel is undoubtedly an experience worth cherishing. It’s not so much about where you’re headed, but the memorable journey you take along the way that makes this ride through the hills so special.
