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The Joy Ride is Darjeeling to Ghum return journey offering a scenic ride through some of the most famous sights and landmarks of the region. As the train tackles steep gradients of 1 in 20 and loops over itself to gain elevation, passengers are treated to breathtaking views. A 10-minute stop at the picturesque Batasia Loop allows travelers to take in the stunning landscape, followed by a 30-minute halt at Ghum, where guests can explore the DHR Railway Museum—entry is included in the ticket price. This is a round-trip ride, returning from Ghum back to Darjeeling, with no additional fare charged for the return journey.

Darjeeling Joy Ride Timing 

1.New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
– Starting point of the DHR and a major railway junction connecting to the Indian Railways network.
2.Siliguri Junction
– An important town and station along the route; the original starting point before the extension to NJP.
3.Sukna
– Marks the beginning of the hill section; the train starts ascending from here.
4.Rongtong
– A scenic station surrounded by forests; located on a steep incline.
5.Tindharia
– Known for its railway workshop, which plays a vital role in maintaining the DHR engines and coaches.
6.Gayabari
– A smaller station, but known for its beautiful surroundings.
7.Mahanadi
– A short stop on the way through hilly terrain.
8.Kurseong
– A bustling town and a popular tourist stop with a DHR station and railway school.
9.Sonada
– A small town with a station offering beautiful views.
10.Ghum
– The highest railway station in India (2,258 meters); famous for the DHR museum and proximity to Batasia Loop.
11.Darjeeling
– The final destination and a famous hill station, offering scenic beauty and colonial charm.

About | Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Diesel Engine Rs 1000/- Per person.

Steam Engine Rs 1500/- Per person.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), also known as the "Toy Train," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Built between 1879 and 1881, it connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Covering a distance of about 88 kilometers, the railway climbs from the plains to an altitude of about 2,200 meters through a series of loops, zigzags, and stunning mountain scenery.The narrow-gauge track (2 feet wide) winds through dense forests, tea plantations, and picturesque hill towns. The most famous stretch includes the Batasia Loop, offering panoramic views of Darjeeling and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. Originally designed to improve access to the hill station during British colonial rule, the DHR has since become an iconic symbol of heritage and tourism. Steam locomotives, some over a century old, still operate on parts of the route, drawing railway enthusiasts from around the world. The DHR showcases the ingenuity required to build railways in steep mountainous terrain and remains a fine example of harmonious integration with the landscape. It not only connects places but also preserves a rich cultural and historical legacy.

Available Train Services 

Popular Darjeeling  Tour

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway | Toy Train

Darjeeling Joy Ride

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), built between 1879 and 1881, is a historic narrow-gauge railway in West Bengal, India. Conceived by Franklin Prestage, an agent of the Eastern Bengal Railway, the DHR was developed to improve access to the hill station of Darjeeling, a popular retreat during British colonial rule. Covering a distance of 88 km from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, the railway rises from the plains to an elevation of over 2,000 meters, using innovative engineering techniques like loops and zigzags to navigate the steep terrain.

The DHR is globally significant as one of the earliest and most outstanding examples of a mountain railway. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, becoming the first railway of its kind to receive this honor. The railway not only represents a technical achievement in overcoming geographical challenges but also symbolizes the integration of colonial infrastructure with the local landscape.

Today, the DHR continues to operate, with both steam and diesel engines, serving as a vital cultural and tourist attraction. Its legacy lies not only in its continued operation but also in its role in shaping the identity and economy of the Darjeeling region for over a century.

Darjeeling Joy Ride Ticket Price 

The Journey |  Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary And Tea Gardens 

Departure From Darjeeling

Diesel Engine - 9.20, 9.35, 11.25, 11.40, 13.25, 13.40, 15.30, 15.45.

Steam Engine - 9.25, 11.30, 13.30, 15.35.

History  and Significance 

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway passes through a region renowned for its lush gardens and scenic surroundings, offering a visual treat throughout the journey. One of the most famous features is the tea gardens that blanket the hillsides. As the train winds through the mountains, it offers panoramic views of iconic estates like Happy Valley Tea Estate, where visitors can learn about tea production and enjoy fresh brews.

Another highlight is the Batasia Loop, located near Ghum. This beautifully landscaped garden features a spiral railway track, manicured lawns, flower beds, and a war memorial dedicated to Gorkha soldiers. It offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

The route is dotted with pine forests, rhododendron groves, and quaint hillside villages that showcase the natural charm of the Eastern Himalayas. The climate, cool and refreshing, supports a wide variety of flora, including orchids and ferns, especially during the spring and monsoon seasons.

Tourist spots like the Lloyd Botanical Garden in Darjeeling town house rare Himalayan plant species and are a serene place for nature lovers. Overall, the gardens and natural surroundings along the DHR route are not just visually stunning but also vital to the region's cultural and ecological identity.

Passenger Train And Chater Services

New Jalpaiguri-Kurseong-Darjeeling

Please Check following link of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways for more details.

Major Stations