Staring at the mist, fog around me, after 2 hours ride a couple of days ago on Darjeeling toy train, I would tag this ride as- Most memorable, unforgettable joy ride of my life. My recent travel was to Gangtok and Darjeeling. Spending 3 days in Gangtok, taking four hour ride we reached Darjeeling. Next day the first thing to do in our itinerary was Toy Train ride.
Darjeeling is popularly tagged as Queen of the hills. Located on the east part of Himalayas, which is known as Place of the thunderbolt, it is also known as Land of Dorje meaning weapon of Lord Indra. Their history starts from the 18th century. Ruled by Gorkha dynasty, standing high on the lands of beautiful nature, subtropical climate prevail all over this hill station. Prone to landslides heavy rainfall this town is surrounded by Rangpo river and Brahmaputra which takes after the name Teesta.
Darjeeling Himalayan railway is very popular attraction of this town. Known as toy train ride which runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. A steamed hauled train which operates between Darjeeling and Kurseong. Another route is between Darjeeling and Ghum. Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, history starts from 1878.
From our hotel the railway station was 20mts away. With train ride scheduled at 10am we reached the station at 9am. Checking our booked tickets and scheduled ride with one hour in hand I started exploring the station.
-At the entrance there is a huge board laid explaining the history of the station, track laid and the first ride history.
-Just opposite to the board diagonal to the entrance is- I LOVE DHR photo spot.
-From here you could walk to the track that takes you to Siliguri. The view of the track filled mist is a sight to watch. We were lucky to view, touch and feel the mist which was slowly enveloping the track.
From here you enter the railway station. A small platform covered with tracks on all sides, then on facing the road this station takes minutes to walk around. Trains come and go, many stop for a minute while some stop for 20 minutes or so. Our train was well on time standing clean, ready for its first ride of the day.
A box type coupe, two seats on both sides with glass covering at the top stood in front of me. Though space was congested the 2 hour ride makes you forget the loss of space. From the shed steam engine after few minutes of solo journey, joined our train. With horn and coo, our journey started.
First we got to view was the city where vehicles waited for the train to passby while some vehicles travelled along, with the train. Our train passed by houses, shops, hotels and hospitals that I found many waving, clicking videos and pics of the train. At one point our train stopped by the city wherefrom diesel engine was attached. From then on train picked up speed.
Our first place of halt was BATASIA LOOP. An elevated place where if you are lucky you get to view the ranges all around. Getting down the train you happen to come in contact with a well manicured garden on all sides, where a war memorial is raised. History says Gorkha soldiers sacrificing their lives here, that this cenotaph and statue of solider is laid. With 20 minutes in hand, I got a full view of the ranges, gardens, war memorial and a couple of shops selling chai, momos and popcorn.
After 20 minutes our train cooed. From here we proceeded towards Ghum which is 10 minutes away, our train slowed down and very slowly snailed it’s way towards Ghum station called as highest point of Darjeeling station, though many say Chiclee station is the highest. We had 25 minutes time here and around the station.
First many rushed towards restroom where you have to pay and use. Followed a cup of steaming chai, popcorn and candy are popular here. I saw violet, lavender, yellow and pink color candy. Then you have to cross the track and get into the garden, which has embedded words of Ghum station. On the same premises in a corner is an old track with old steam engine with nearby goods train from ancient days. This premises is termed as “Ghum museum”.
From here you walk towards the end of the platform and see an old post box with DHR written. With time in hand we planned to see the other side of the station which takes you towards Siliguri. Many get down here that, while returning our coupe had very less people. With the given stipulated halting time, engines changed sides. First steam engine disconnected itself and moved towards the front while diesel engine moved backwards practically behind our coupe.
Horning and honking our return journey towards Darjeeling started. All through the journey only honking was heard, for lot of traffic passed via the tracks. After two hours ride, just as the train halted with rejuvenated energy I literally jumped out of the toy train.
I would always tag this journey as Most Memorable Ride Of My Life. During childhood days I would play with trains and remember trying to fit myself inside the train little knowing one day I would ride on it.
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