A Global Nod for a Heritage Gem
In its much-anticipated annual selection, global travel guide Lonely Planet has named the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) ride one of the world's top 25 travel experiences for 2027. The iconic 14-kilometre joyride was specifically highlighted, cementing
its status as a must-do for global travellers. This recognition places the steam and diesel-hauled icon, which first began operations in 1881, on a prestigious list chosen by a network of travel experts. For a railway that has been a lifeline and a symbol of Darjeeling for over a century, this award is a significant acknowledgment of its timeless appeal and the dedicated efforts to preserve its heritage.
The Magic of the 14-Kilometre Joyride
The award-winning journey is the famed 'Joyride' service, a two-hour round trip from Darjeeling to Ghum and back. Covering a mere 14 kilometres, the leisurely pace is precisely the point. As the narrow-gauge train, just two feet wide, whistles to life, it snakes through bustling town markets, past homes so close you can almost reach out and touch them, and alongside the main Hill Cart Road. Passengers can choose between heritage steam engines for a truly authentic, nostalgic trip or the slightly faster diesel locomotives. Regardless of the engine, the experience is a charming immersion into the rhythm of mountain life, far removed from the rush of a typical commute.
An Engineering Marvel on a Mountainside
The DHR is not just a train; it's a feat of Victorian engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an honour it received in 1999. Built to transport tea from the lush gardens of Darjeeling down to the plains, its creators faced the immense challenge of a steep vertical climb. Their solution was an ingenious system of six zig-zags and several loops that allow the train to gain altitude gradually. The entire 88-kilometre line from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling climbs from about 100 metres to over 2,200 metres. This clever design, still in operation, is a primary reason for its UNESCO recognition, cited as an outstanding example of a hill passenger railway.
Highlights of the Journey
The joyride is punctuated by two memorable stops. The first is the magnificent Batasia Loop, a spiral track constructed in 1919 to ease the gradient on the final ascent. Here, the train completes a full circle, offering a panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the majestic Kanchenjunga peak as a backdrop on clear days. The loop also encircles a beautiful garden and a memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. The journey's destination is Ghum, which holds the distinction of being India's highest railway station at an altitude of 2,258 metres (7,407 feet). The station houses a railway museum, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the history of this remarkable line before the charming return journey to Darjeeling.
Planning Your Trip on the Toy Train
Given its popularity, which this new accolade will surely amplify, booking your toy train ride in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets for the various joyrides, which run multiple times a day depending on demand, can be booked online through Indian Railways' official portal. While the steam engine offers a more historic and sensory experience with its classic whistle and plumes of smoke, the diesel engine provides a smoother and equally scenic ride. The fare for the steam-hauled services is higher, reflecting the cost of maintaining these vintage locomotives. Whichever you choose, the journey offers a priceless window into one of India's most cherished living heritage treasures.
