Among India's oldest hill railways, the Darjeeling toy train still climbs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling across roughly 88 kilometres, taking passengers from the plains all the way up into the clouds. The journey began in 1881, and 145 years on it remains just as thrilling, with every station along the route carrying its own story.
From New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri Junction, the first climb begins
The journey starts at New Jalpaiguri, where the train leaves the plains behind and slowly begins its climb toward the hills. The changing scenery and cool air make the start of the trip memorable in itself. Next comes Siliguri Junction, the first major station on this historic route. It was from here that the story of the Darjeeling toy train began in 1881, and it is at this point that travellers first sense the real shift from plains to mountains.
Sukna and Rangtong, threading through dense forest
As the train reaches Sukna, it enters a stretch of thick forest and hills, where the real ascent begins and the weather suddenly turns cooler. Passing through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, this stretch offers one of the most thrilling experiences of the whole journey. Next comes Rangtong station, small in size but no less beautiful than a bigger stop. Set among tall trees in a quiet setting, it brings travellers remarkably close to nature, and even a brief halt here becomes memorable.
Tindharia's workshop and the ingenuity of the zig zag track
Tindharia is considered the technical heart of the toy train. Its workshop, running since 1881, is where the engines and coaches are still maintained today. Set among the hills, this station stands as a striking example of the railway's historic legacy and engineering. To cross Darjeeling's steep gradient, the train does not climb in a straight line but moves back and forth instead, a method known as the zig zag track. This unusual 19th century engineering trick still leaves travellers amazed today.
From Agony Point to Gayabari and Mahanadi
Agony Point, which comes along the way, is regarded as the toy train's most thrilling turn, where the train gains height by curving around in a loop. The view is so striking that almost every passenger reaches for a camera. After that, the stretch between Gayabari and Mahanadi is surrounded on all sides by lush green tea gardens. The toy train's slow pace, the whistle of its steam engine and the stunning mountain views make this part of the route especially special.
Kurseong and Sonada, from orchid country to misty valleys
Kurseong is known as the land of the white orchid and also serves as the headquarters of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Here the train passes so close to the market that it feels as though it could brush against the shopfronts. Further along, by the time the train reaches Sonada, the weather changes completely, with mist, clouds and tall deodar trees appearing all around. The toy train moving through this stretch looks like a scene straight out of a film.
Ghum to Batasia Loop, the highest and most memorable stretch of the journey
Ghum station is India's highest railway station. Its museum houses 145 years of the toy train's history, including old engines and rare photographs, making this stop a striking blend of history and adventure. Toward the end of the journey comes Batasia Loop, which offers a stunning view of Kanchenjunga. After that, the toy train finally arrives in Darjeeling, the moment when this historic and beautiful journey settles into memory for good.
