The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the "Toy Train," is a narrow-gauge mountain railway and UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most charming and internationally recognized rail journeys in India.
History
Built between 1879 and 1881 during British colonial rule, the railway was engineered to connect Darjeeling with the plains below, using a narrow 2-foot gauge and looping switchback routes to manage the steep Himalayan terrain — an impressive feat of 19th-century railway engineering that earned it UNESCO recognition in 1999.
The Joy Ride
Most visitors experience the railway via a shorter "joy ride" between Darjeeling and Ghum (India's highest railway station), rather than the full historic route, passing through tea gardens and mountain scenery with steam or diesel locomotives.
Batasia Loop
A highlight of the joy ride is the Batasia Loop, a spiral railway loop with a war memorial at its center and panoramic views of Kanchenjunga on clear days.
Entry Fees
A ticketed fare applies for the joy ride, which can typically be booked at the Darjeeling railway station.
Best Time to Visit
Clear mornings offer the best chance of Kanchenjunga views from the Batasia Loop; October to March is generally the clearest season, as monsoon months bring cloud cover and occasional service disruptions.
How to Reach
Rides depart from Darjeeling railway station, in the center of town.
