Toy Train to Darjeeling.

The Toy Train to Darjeeling.

Most of India’s rail routes are dominated by giant broad gauge locomotives
and modern high speed passenger trains between the countries mega cities.

The narrow gauge two feet wide tracked toy train Darjeeling railway
zigzagging from the rice bowl of Bihar to the misty tea growing highlands
is the antithesis of the modern lines. This route was completed in the year 1881.
The idea of a toy train to Darjeeling was the brainchild of the then English rulers.

Worthy of a museum, the tiny locomotive labors from low line Siligury
into the hills affording a leisurely way to witness the natural scenery
of Bengal. Puffing uphill, at not much more than a jogging pace,
the toy train covers the distance of 51 miles in eight hours.
The train hits its zenith at Ghom railway station before covering the last
four miles down to Darjeeling which is at an altitude of 6811 feet.

One can only marvel at the determination of the engineers and workers
who carved out the line by blasting the hills in the jungles. Along the
way the scenery changes from green gold of paddy fields to mist shrouded
slopes while the train passes the tea plantations and the villages en route,
where the womenfolk and children dressed in vivid colors and silver jewelry
Of the Bhutia and Lencha hills wave as you pass by.

Reaching Darjeeling, the clouds disappear to reveal the faraway Himalaya.