The toy train in Darjeeling is one of the most iconic attractions that every traveler must experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and is a scenic and nostalgic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas. If you are heading to this beautiful hill station, then you must add the toy train ride to your itinerary.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
Batasia Loop: Panoramic views of Darjeeling town and the snowcapped Kanchenjunga range from Batasia Loop. An engineering marvel where the train spirals around a hilltop. The site has manicured gardens and memorials, and it is a picturesque spot for photographs.
DHR Ghum Museum: A museum primarily housed in the Ghum Railway Station, located in India, and is the highest railway station in the country.
Choosing Your Ride
There are various options available to experience the toy train in Darjeeling from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Joy Rides: Short, two-hour roundtrips from Darjeeling to Ghum and back via Batasia Loop. They give a taste of the DHR experience and are perfect for those quickly running out of time.
NJP to Darjeeling Train Service: The nature of your journey from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling is not a shorter one with a direct service. With more depth in the region’s landscape and culture, this service provides a deeper immersion.
Planning Your Darjeeling Trip
When planning your Darjeeling trip, consider the following:
Booking in Advance: The toy train in Darjeeling is a popular attraction; so, it is advisable to book the tickets in advance through the Indian Railways reservation counters or online.
Darjeeling Tour Packages: It offers various Darjeeling tour packages, including a toy train ride with other major attractions such as Tiger Hill Darjeeling and Darjeeling tea garden visits.
Trip to Darjeeling Tea Garden: A trip to the Darjeeling Tea Garden can give you the experience of the gigahertz in the area. Several Darjeeling tour packages offer guided tours of the tea gardens, learning about the cultivation and processing of tea.
Budgeting for Your Trip
The Darjeeling trip cost depends on your preference for accommodation, transportation, and activities. Toy train joy ride fares for diesel engine trains range ₹800 and for steam engine trains it is ₹1300. The ticket price for the NJP to Darjeeling journey is ₹12852. However, Darjeeling tourism provides a variety of options for tourists to choose from according to their budget.
The Toy Train Journey in Darjeeling is magical and transports you to a bygone era. Be it while exploring the places to visit in Darjeeling, a visit to the Tiger Hill Darjeeling, or the sheer beauty of a Darjeeling tea garden, this charming railway ride just adds to the charm. The toy train in Darjeeling is one of the most cherished attractions as part of Darjeeling tourism, and you will have a visit to this hill station unforgettable.
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