Darjeeling Toy Train – A Nature Lover’s Delight

Even Mr Franklin Prestage in 1878, the then agent of the Eastern Bengal Railways Company, wouldn’t realize that his proposal could be so fruitful one day. He presented a detailed scheme for laying a train line from Siliguri to Darjeeling to the government of Bengal. A committee was appointed to examine the proposal, and a decision of implementing the plan was taken after a long debate. By July 1881, the line was completed and opened for traffic right through to Darjeeling. It was given the name of ‘Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’.

Image Source: wikipedia

Today, it’s fondly called the ‘Toy Train’ famous for offering one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. The scenery and the rail line that itself is an engineering masterpiece leave everyone spellbound. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the wonders in India, where both nature and man has contributed significantly. This 86km long railway line witnesses the elevation from 100 meters to about 2,200 meters and takes passengers through splendid natural bounty.  The train passes by beautiful forests, deep colorful valleys, cascading waterfalls and gushing rivers.

The railway line basically follows the Hill Cart Road, and the track is on the roadside. On most of the route, buildings surround the track that gives it a look of urban tramway look rather than an overland line.  However, the natural splendors the route passes through are just awesome. This train journey is today a prominent tourist attraction for those on Darjeeling tour.  So next time when you plan a Darjeeling tour, don’t miss to explore this splendid attraction. If you plan your trip during peak season, it’s advised to book Darjeeling Hotels well ahead. Searching online, you can find a number of website offering hotel deal including Kolkata hotels and Darjeeling in varied price ranges. You can choose the one that perfectly matches your requirements and budget.