The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, famously known as “toy train,” is a 2-ft gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, West Bengal. This short, intriguing train ascends from 100 m (328 ft) to 2,200 m (7,218 ft) above sea level.  To help gain altitude, the track has 6 zigzags and 5 loops. The train crawls at snail’s pace, but the journey is riveting as it takes you through scenic landscapes and small villages/towns. 

The train passes through 14 stations including Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Gayabari, Kurseong, Jorebungalow, Ghum (India’s highest station), and Batasia Loop (there is a war memorial here, and you get a panoramic view of Darjeeling town and Mt. Khangchendzonga). 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so seeing the wondrous sights of Darjeeling by Toy Train is going to be worth your while.

Services:

Darjeeling Mail: New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong and Darjeeling

• Cost: INR 281-1700

Joy Train: Darjeeling to Ghum (diesel engine)

• Cost: INR 1000-1600

Red Panda: Darjeeling to Kurseong (steam engine; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)

• Cost: INR 1000-1600 (depending on the type of coach)
• Time: 9:10-12:45

Jungle Safari: Siliguri Junction to Tindharia (on demand)

• Cost: INR 1000-1200