One can get a view of the height above mean sea level , precarious gradients, move through long tunnels through solid rocks and above the scenery along the route of magnificent character. Flanked by the towering hills, these narrow gauge tracks clings to the sides of steep cliffs.Then venture gracefully over the quaint arched bridges at hundreds of feet below the mountain streams and get a magnificent view of the turbulent rivers gushing and sparkle in the sunlight. Alongwith serving the basic purpose of transportation ,these trains are a treat for the passengers as they pass through the wonderful scenic terrain. Riding through the 'Himalayan ranges' is a good experience as one can enjoy the sport alongwith moving through the nature's natural beauty .The Indian railways have made a remarkable contribution by bringing the mountain ranges closer to mankind. So step aboard the 'Toy Trains' and witness the beauty of the 'Himalayas'.
a) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
b) Nilgiri Mountain Railway
c) Shimla – Kalka Toy Train
d) Neral - Matheran Toy train
e) Kangra Valley Railway
a) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The first hill railway, DHR’s tracks were laid in 1881. The route extends from New Jalpaiguri, in the plains to hills of Darjeeling, covering a distance of 87.48 km. The entire Narrow Gauge train runs on a 2 feet track covering the delightful journey in 8 hours. In 1941 the train was fitted with the first indigenously manufactured diesel locomotive and in 1999 UNESCO bestowed the World Heritage Site status to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.
Day 01
Morning:- Arrive Kolkata. Transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon:- Tour of “Victoria Memorial”, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Raj Bhawan, Town Hall, Marble House, Indian Museum.
Evening:- Transfer to Sealdah Railway station to board train for New Jal Paiguri. Overnight on board.
Day 02
Morning:- Arrive “New Jalpaiguri” connect Darjeeling Himalayan railway. This fascinating “Toy Train” will travel pine, Oak, Magnotia and rhododendron forests with the “Kanchendzonga mountain ranges” at the track drop. You will pass through the bustling “Siliguri” town. From Sukhana , the steep mountain climb begins till it reaches Kurseong. At Ghoom 8000 ft. altitude, is the high railway station in the world. Thereafter you descend to Darjeeling town through the “Batasia” loop, steaming into Darjeeling you will feel the exhilaration similar to that of a voyager after a long odyssey. At leisure. At the hotel.
Day 03
Morning:- drive to Tiger Hill to watch the Sunrise over the “Kanchendzonga range”. On return visit “Ghoom Tibetan Monastery” and “Batasia War Memorial”. Late morning visit “Chowrasta” with its conglomerations of handicraft shops, restaurants, bakeries, observatory hill with Mahakal Temple of Lord Shiva and Buddhist shrine, Bhutia Busti Monastery, Victoria falls, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute , Zoo.
Day 04
Drive to Gangtok visit “Rumtek Monastery”.
Day 05
Visit Institute of Tibetology, Orchid Sanctuary, Phurba Chorten, “Enchay Monastery”.
Day 06
Drive to the Hill resort of “Kalimpong”
Day 07
Drive to Bagdogara airport for onward flight to Kolkatta or Delhi.
