Darjeeling Himalaya Railway

Description

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the DHR or Toy Train, is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway based on zigzag and loop-line technology which runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling of West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, with five loops and six zig-zags, the railway track is about 88 km (55 mi) long. Its elevation differs from about 328 ft at New Jalpaiguri to about 7,218 ft at Darjeeling.The railway's offices are in Kurseong.

History

During 1909–1910, the Darjeeling Himalaya Railway carried 174,000 passengers and 47,000 tons of goods annually. The first bogie wagons entered service, replacing basic four-wheel wagons. Darjeeling Himalaya Railways extension lines were built to Kishanganj in 1914 and Gielkhola in 1915. At Tindharia, the railway works were relocated from behind the locomotive shelter to a larger site.

Full Address

Type of Place

Romantic
Historical

Prefered For

Couples
Family
Friends
Kids
Senior Citizen

Transportation

Bagdogra Airport

Important Information

Entree Fee -- Free

Attraction

The entire circuit is filled with beautiful views and tantalising rail ‘loops’ where the train turns around 360°, offer a pictorial view of the hills, making it one of the best rail trips in India. The train, at some points, while climbing, runs so slowly that one could walk alongside the train and overtake it.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a different piece of architecture having universal appeal and it attracts interested tourists not only from India but around the whole world.

Things to Buy

Tea Handicraft Tibetan Carpet Hand Knitted Items

Things to Eat

Momos Thukpa Alu Dum Traditional Nepali Thali Dalle (Darjeeling Hills Pickles) Kakra ko Achar and Kinema Naga Cuisine Bengali Food Churpee Shaphalay Sael Roti Darjeeling Tea Darjeeling Orange Tongba