The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, sometimes referred to as the "Toy Train," is a narrow-gauge railway that traverses the breathtaking hills and valleys of Darjeeling, a picturesque town situated in the Indian state of West Bengal. This train route is regarded as one of the most picturesque in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This blog will explore the history, train routes, and ticketing process of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway:
The British constructed the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in the late 19th century to move tea from the Darjeeling hills to the plains. Since it was made available to the public in 1881, the railway line has played a significant role in the development of the town's history and culture. It has been an integral part of the town Darjeeling. Originally steam-powered, the Toy Train was modernized with diesel engines in the twenty-first century. Some of the steam engines are still in operation, though, to preserve the train's historical significance.
Train Routes:
There are two routes on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: the Siliguri-Darjeeling route and the Darjeeling-Ghum line. Because it provides spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, and tea plantations. The railway travels from Darjeeling to Batasia Loop, which provides breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga Himalayan range. Before returning to Darjeeling, it stops at Ghum, which is the highest railway station in India. It takes roughly two hours to complete the trip.
Locals primarily use the Siliguri-Darjeeling route for daily commuting because it is less popular with tourists. The train departs from Siliguri, travels through Kurseong, and finally arrives at Darjeeling. It covers Shukna, RongTong, Tindhariya before reaching Kurseong. The train faces occasional disruption near PaglaJhora, during monsoon journey couldn't be possible in this route.
Ticket booking:
Booking tickets: Because the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a well-known tourist destination, it is advised to do so, especially during the busiest times of the year. The Indian Railways website offers online ticket booking, and you can also purchase tickets there. Depending on the class of travel, different tickets have different prices. The price of a first-class ticket is approximately 1300 INR, a second-class ticket is approximately 800 INR, and a third-class ticket is approximately 200 INR.
Finally, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway should be on anyone's list of things to do in Darjeeling. The opportunity to travel through the breathtaking Himalayan hills and valleys is a special and unforgettable experience. So, reserve your tickets and go out on an unforgettable vacation!
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