If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, the Joy Ride of Darjeeling Toy Train is the perfect destination for you. It's a journey that will take you back in time, showcasing the beauty and heritage of Darjeeling.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is a narrow-gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal, India. The railway was built in the late 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, the Joy Ride is a short two-hour trip that takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. You'll be transported through lush tea gardens, dense forests, and steep valleys, all while enjoying the cool breeze and stunning views.
The ride begins at Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station in
the foothills of the Himalayas. The train chugs along at a leisurely pace,
allowing you to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and
valleys. As you climb higher, you'll see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas
in the distance.
The train passes through several quaint urban villages and sometime you'll catch a glimpse of the local way of life. You'll see children playing in the fields, local people basking in Sun light, children with colorful school dress walking, porter carrying loads on their heads and cars and motorcycles waiting for the Train to cross the roads! You will also be witnessing many small tiny buildings and houses which are being built delicately dangerously in a very steep places.
If the the day is clear then you will be seeing Mt Kanchenjunga for most of the time. It's mighty presence will satisfy your eyes thoroughly! But if the day is not clear then you will be missing the most of Darjeeling's joy ride fun! But anyway this joy ride offers you the whole journey of seeing local people and Darjeeling by just sitting in your chair. By the end of this journey you will be totally acquainted with the people and Darjeeling Town.
The Main Highlight
The highlight of the Joy Ride is undoubtedly the Batasia Loop,
a unique engineering feat that allows the train to loop around itself. As the
train climbs up the steep hill, it makes a 360-degree turn, giving you a
panoramic view of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.
Also by keeping tourist in mind, Darjeeling Toy Train Halts for 10-20 minutes in Batasia Loop which is also a war memorial place for those brave Indian Gurkha Soldiers who got martyred in serving the nation.
You can also try for Nepali Gurkha Dress by paying minimal price and take instant pictures as well to keep your memory. If you are interested then even you can peek into the Himalayan Range through Binoculars. Owner of these Binoculars will show you the different points of Darjeeling and Himalayas.
Again, there will be some local Tibetian Bhutia shops selling local handmade woolen clothes and shawls which are really beautiful. But do not forget to bargains them to get the items in the right price.
The Joy Ride ends at Ghum, the highest railway station in India. Here, you can visit the Ghum Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and photographs that document the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
How much does it cost for Joy Ride?
The price and time duration for the Joy Ride of Darjeeling Toy Train can vary depending on the class of travel and the season.The basic fare for a standard-class seat is around INR 1,310 (approx. USD 18) per person, while a first-class seat can cost around INR 1,975 (approx. USD 27) per person.
The Joy Ride typically takes around 2 hours to complete, starting from Darjeeling and ending at Ghum. However, it's worth noting that the train's timings can be subject to change, especially during the monsoon season.
To avoid disappointment, it's best to book your tickets in advance, either online or through a travel agent. You can also check the official website of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for the latest information on schedules and fares.
Tips:
There are two types of Engines are available for the joy ride of Darjeeling Toy Train. First one is Coal -completely steam engine from the British Ear. Second one is Diseal Engine. Both of them looks same and runs at the same time - together with the time gap of few minutes. But to sit in such an ancient steam engine is a lifetime opportunity even though you have to pay few extra buck for the older engine.
During tourist season- Joy ride runs for at least three to four times in a day. But do not be slothful to book your ticket in advance as mostly it's booked for many days. So, try to book your ticket at least a week ahead or book the ticket as soon as you reach Darjeeling.
It's important to note that the schedule can be subject to
change, especially during the monsoon season when the railway is often affected
by landslides and other weather-related disruptions. It's always a good idea to
confirm the schedule with the railway authorities or your travel agent before
making your plans.
In conclusion, the joy ride of Darjeeling Toy Train is a must see attraction for anyone visiting Darjeeling. The train ride is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, offering a glimpse into the region's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique engineering feats. So, book your ticket now and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas.
Read Detailed post about Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - NJP Siliguri- Darjeeling
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