Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
About
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately called the 'Toy Train,' is a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway that has been running since 1881. The charming steam and diesel locomotives navigate an engineering marvel of loops, zigzags, and gradients as they chug through the streets of Darjeeling and up to Ghum India's highest railway station at 2,258 meters. The most popular ride is the 2-hour Darjeeling-Ghum joyride that passes through the famous Batasia Loop, where the track spirals over itself through a manicured garden with a war memorial and direct views of Kanchenjunga.
Highlights
What makes this place special
Batasia Loop
The train spirals through a complete loop inside a beautifully landscaped garden, offering passengers 360-degree mountain views with Kanchenjunga towering in the background.
Ghum Station
India's highest railway station at 2,258 meters, featuring a small but fascinating railway museum displaying the history of this 140-year-old heritage railway.
Street-Level Railway
The toy train runs on tracks laid directly through Darjeeling's streets, passing within arm's reach of shops, homes, and pedestrians a sight found nowhere else in the world.
Things to Know
- •The Darjeeling-Ghum joyride departs at 10:15 AM and 1:10 PM — book online in advance
- •The steam engine experience costs more but is worth it for the authentic heritage feel
- •Sit on the right side for the best Kanchenjunga views during the Batasia Loop
- •The full journey from NJP to Darjeeling takes 7-8 hours — only for enthusiasts
- •The train runs on tracks laid right through the town streets — a unique sight
- •Batasia Loop has a garden and war memorial — the train stops here for photos
- •Ghum station has a small railway museum worth visiting
