Planning a Darjeeling getaway around Durga Puja? There’s good news for travellers looking to experience the iconic toy train. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is set to introduce additional joyride services from October 1, giving tourists more opportunities to explore the hills aboard the UNESCO World Heritage railway during the festive season. Scroll on to know more.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway To Offer More Joyrides
According to NDTV, the special services will include four single-trip joyrides between Darjeeling and Ghum and two round-trip services between Kurseong and Mahanadi. The move comes ahead of Durga Puja, when the Darjeeling hills typically see a rise in tourist footfall.
The additional Darjeeling-Ghum services will be diesel-hauled, with each ride priced at ₹800. The short route gives visitors a chance to experience the heritage railway while taking in the scenic landscapes of the Darjeeling hills.
Ghum, located at an elevation of around 2,200 metres, is also known for being one of the highest railway stations in India, making the journey a popular experience among tourists visiting Darjeeling.
Moreover, the railway will also introduce two round-trip joyrides between Kurseong and Mahanadi, including both steam and diesel services. One of these has been named ‘Mukta Dhara’, as a tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and the natural beauty of the Paglajhora stream in the region.
The special services are aimed at giving tourists more ways to experience the heritage railway and the scenic landscapes of the Darjeeling hills during the festive season.
Also Read: Cab Driver Argues Darjeeling Toy Train Was On ‘Wrong Side’ After Video Captures Collision
Here’s All You Need To Know More About It
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Darjeeling Toy Train, is one of India’s most iconic mountain railways. The railway was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, adding to its appeal among both domestic and international travellers.
With Durga Puja bringing in tourists from across the country, the additional joyrides could make it easier for visitors to squeeze a toy train experience into their holiday itinerary without taking the longer journey between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.
So, if a Darjeeling trip during Durga Puja is on your list, the special joyrides could be a fun way to combine the festive break with one of the region’s most-loved experiences. However, travellers should check the latest schedule and ticket availability before planning their journey, as festive-season services are likely to see high demand.
Also Read: This Wood And Stone Cabin Near Darjeeling Can Be Booked At Just ₹1,028 Per Night
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
Which routes will the special Darjeeling Toy Train services cover?
The special services will include four single-trip joyrides between Darjeeling and Ghum and two round-trip services between Kurseong and Mahanadi.
How much will the Darjeeling-Ghum special train cost?
The proposed fare for the diesel-hauled Darjeeling-Ghum special joyride is ₹800 per passenger for a single trip.
What is the ‘Mukta Dhara’ joyride?
‘Mukta Dhara’ is a diesel-operated round-trip between Kurseong and Mahanadi, priced at a proposed ₹1,030 per passenger. The service is named after Rabindranath Tagore’s poem and its association with the Paglajhora stream.
