Toy Train - The Classic View

Toy train is a very well known attraction for tourists in Darjeeling. Toy train Links the town of New Jalpaiguri with the east Indian hill station of Darjeeling, this famous little trains is drawn on its 86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.To reach Darjeeling by train, you can take the famous Toy Train at New Jalpaiguri, which is running for more than a Century. There is a fantastic history behind the laying of tracks for this rail route.

As per Railway authorities during the British period in India, Darjeeling was their attraction to spend in summers and they decided to lay the railway track from the plains to the hill top. The distance was less and the height disproportionate.

The Engineer behind the construction and planning the rail route lost all hopes of laying the track and frustrated, he sent a telegram to his wife in England. She replied him saying "GO BACK" meaning don't give up. This word struck his mind and he lay the route successfully. That is why when one travels in this train would suddenly find himself or herself going on reverse and then forward again. When the train goes on reverse, it also covers a height of 12-15 feet and then forward again. Hence, he finally succeeded in laying the track and it is being maintained as the most precious piece of engineering.

Well, the train goes slowly along the road and many Hindi movies are picturised for the scenic beauty of the hill and the train and road routes going hand in hand. There are many small stations in between like Kurseong. Until you reach Ghoom (meaning round), once cannot see the city of Darjeeling. After the train takes a 360 degree round, you see the beautiful hill station lit up because the train reaches late evening it appears like lakhs of Fireflies flying in the air.

Obviously, Darjeeling is one of the precious jewel of India, with a touch of the British influence.