Darjeeling Toy Train – A Travel Guide for a Thrilling To the Hills

The Darjeeling toy train officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage attraction and the most prized gift provided by the then British Raj in India. Even after running for 100 of years though the deep gorges, manicured tea gardens, valleys, alpine villages and the thick forest of the hills to the down plains of Siliguri, Darjeeling Himalayan
Railways till today, entertains every tourist with the never ending enthusiasm and charm.  

Like most of the hilly regions in India, Darjeeling too was regarded as the summer retreat during the British rule. The railway was completed in the year of 1881 and from then it has been a medium of fascinating experience along the entire journey to the hills for the tourists from across the world.

The train route stretches up to 80 km from New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, to Darjeeling via Siliguri, Kurseong and Ghum. The toy train climbs up through the twisting route of the hills. Along the route, you will get to enjoy some of the mesmerizing views in the world, one of which is the picturesque Batasia Loop, situated between Ghum and Darjeeling, offering a charming view of Darjeeling nestled on the hill with postcard-picture view of Mount Kanchenjunga in the background. In this way, providing you the experience of a lifetime, the train passes through 5 major, and around 500 minor, bridges.   

Darjeeling Toy Train Services

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway conducts a number of tourist train services, such as-

Daily Train Services, linked with the legendary diesel and 'B' Class steam engine train, offers a range of combinations of first and second class carriages.

Joy Rides linked with 'B' Class steam engine which offers passengers, short trips from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, and Siliguri Junction to Sukna and back.

Jungle Safari Holiday Trains, offering a trip from Siliguri to Tindharia and back, with major attractions of the trip being sights of the scenic Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and "Z" reverses, here the train zigzags forwards and backwards at a steep slope.  

General Information about the Toy Train Journeys

The joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum and return involves a 10 minute stop at Batasia loop and 30 minutes stoppage at Ghoom Museum, during which you can visit the museum, the entrance fee of which is included in the fare itself.

The joyride from Siliguri Junction travels through the lush green tea estates, including a 30 minutes stoppage at the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Photo Gallery in Sukna.

The Jungle Safari trains stop for lunch at Tindharia, where one can enjoy some fascinating views before coming back to Siliguri.

Darjeeling Toy Train Timetable:

The main daily toy train service to Darjeeling departs from New Jalpaiguri at 9 a.m. and arrives at 4.15 p.m. There's also a service from Kurseong to Darjeeling at 3 p.m, arriving at 8 p.m. In addition, during the tourist season there's a train from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong at 8.30 a.m.

Joyrides depart from Darjeeling daily at 10.40 a.m. and 1.20 p.m., and Siliguri Junction daily at 10.30 a.m. Each journey lasts for around two hours.

Jungle Safari trains run on the weekends and public holidays. The trains depart from Siliguri at 11.15 a.m., with the return trip taking approximately five and a half hours.

 Toy Train Fairs

The daily one way toy train service to Darjeeling costs Rs 247 in first class, and Rs 47 rupees in second class. As for first class joyrides, it costs Rs 240 rupees, including the return.

How to Get Reservations

Bookings for the various trips offered by the toy train can be made from the Indian Railways computerized reservation counters and also on the Indian Railway website. Bookings in advance are advisable as reservations for the allotted seats happen quickly.