The toy Train – Towering Glory of Darjeeling
If anything on this earth can provide you with mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy, then it is definitely a ride in the toy train at Darjeeling. The Toy train, venerated as the most novel invention, made it maiden trip in September 1881. The construction of the railway began during the British empire in India under the label of “Darjeeling Tramway Co.“. However, the company was renamed later as “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Co.“. From then, it retained this name officially till date. On March 1880, the first 20 miles from Siliguri to Tindharia station was inaugurated and was exclusively named as Viceroy Special Train‘. After the Railway route was connected to Kurseong, it was made available to public. Later, the railway line got extension to Ghoom, Sonada and on the 4th July 1881.
Grasping the sheer panoramic beauty while passing through the alluring hill station is perhaps the most blissful experience you can ever have. As soon as you begin your journey from Siliguri, first it’s the dense jungles, and then the tea plantations , which can arrest your attention to the steep terraced mountains. After arriving at Sukna, the first station , you can find thick foliage of Sal, Toon and teak trees speckled with purple bougainvillea, scarlet poinsettia and exotic mauve of the orchids.
However, the ecstatic adventure of riding the toy train begins at Chunamandi, where it reaches to Z crossing. From here starts the zigzagging or reversing which ends up with attaining higher elevation. After crossing Tindhara, at Gayabari, the train runs on the precipice edge. After crossing a short distance, you will arrive at Paglajhora, where you can experience the madly rumbling cascade of waters. After that, comes the Gladstone Rock – Kurseong, the town of “White Orchids”, which will pass quickly, till you arrive at Bungalow Bazaar. Within a few hours, you will reach Ghoom, the world’s highest railroad station.
After crossing Ghoom, you can experience the train descending gradually, and the evergreen pine forests passing quickly. Now you will reach t Batasia featured with graceful double loop. Here, you can experience a grand view of Darjeeling town intensified by the beauty of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This railroad here is built on the spurs of the Himalayan Hills and the loops, which are known as ‘ sensation corner ‘. This place attracts a chunk of tourists every year due to their imposing scenic charm.
The wistfully sonorous whistle of the train complemented by extraordinary scenery all around will feel your heart with ecstatic joy. The dwellers here called the toy train their dear baby engine. However, the construction of the railway grid through steep gradient, sharp curves and Z- crossings is considered as one of the most extraordinary engineering feats till date.