From Steam Engines to Souvenirs: Discovering the Delights of Ghum DHR Museum

Located in the quaint hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal at the altitude of  2258 metres (7407 Feet) Ghum DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) Museum is a popular tourist attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The museum is housed in the Ghum Railway Station, which is the highest railway station in India and the second-highest in the world. It was established in 1881 and is one of the oldest and most scenic railway routes in the country.

The Ghum DHR Museum was inaugurated in 1998 and has since become a major draw for tourists and railway enthusiasts alike. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. The railway is a narrow-gauge railway that runs for 78 kilometers through the lower Himalayas from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The railway was built between 1879 and 1881 and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes.

Entrance to DHR Ghum Museum

The Ghum DHR Museum was established in 1998 to showcase the history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The museum is located in the town of Ghum, which is one of the highest points on the railway line, at an altitude of 2,258 meters above sea level.

While the museum was established a year before the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, its inclusion in the list was certainly a significant recognition of the railway's cultural and historical significance. The Ghum DHR Museum is a valuable resource for visitors who want to learn more about the history and development of the railway, its technology, and its impact on the local communities.

The museum has a number of exhibits, each showcasing a different aspect of the railway's history. One of the most popular exhibits is the collection of vintage locomotives and coaches that have been preserved and restored to their former glory. Visitors can see how the steam engines were operated and maintained in the early days of the railway.

Another interesting exhibit is the collection of photographs and documents that chronicle the history of the railway, from its construction in the late 19th century to the present day. Visitors can learn about the challenges faced by the builders of the railway and how they overcame them to create one of the most iconic railway routes in the world.

The museum also has a section dedicated to the culture and traditions of the Darjeeling Himalayan region. Visitors can learn about the customs and lifestyle of the local people, as well as the flora and fauna that are native to the area.

In addition to the exhibits, the museum also has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase a range of railway-themed memorabilia, such as books, postcards, and miniature steam engines.

Visiting Time 

Visiting the Ghum DHR Museum is a must for anyone interested in the history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm every day, and admission is free. Visitors can also take a ride on the heritage steam train, which runs from Ghum to Darjeeling and back, to experience the thrill of travelling on one of the world's most scenic railway routes.

September 2017 - Renovation of Ghum DHR Museum 

Over the years, there have been several renovation and modernization efforts at the museum to enhance the visitor experience.

One such renovation project took place in 2017, when the Indian government allocated funds to renovate the museum. The renovation work included upgrading the facilities, adding new exhibits, and improving the overall visitor experience. Some of the specific renovation works that may have taken place in September 2017 or around that time could have included:

1.  Upgrading the museum's infrastructure, including the installation of new lighting, air conditioning, and other modern amenities.
2. Adding new exhibits to the museum to showcase the history and culture of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
3. Renovating the museum's outdoor area, including the garden and seating area, to make it more attractive to visitors.
4. Improving the overall layout and design of the museum to make it more user-friendly and accessible to all visitors.

Overall, the renovation work at the Ghum DHR Museum in 2017 was part of a larger effort to promote tourism in the Darjeeling district and showcase the cultural and historical significance of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

In conclusion, the Ghum DHR Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Darjeeling Himalayan region, as well as for railway enthusiasts. Its collection of vintage locomotives, documents, and photographs provides a unique insight into the history and heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Darjeeling.