This Children’s Day, the hills of Darjeeling are all set to echo with laughter and joy as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), better known as the Toy Train, plans something truly heartwarming. The world-famous railway will organise a special joy ride for specially-abled and visually-impaired children on November 14.
Darjeeling Toy Train To Celebrate Children’s Day With Specially-Abled Kids
The joy ride will run from Siliguri to Rongtong, a scenic stretch surrounded by lush green hills and cool mountain air. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is teaming up with an NGO to make this celebration possible. Their aim is simple: to let every child, no matter their ability, feel the happiness of train travel and the magic of the hills.
The Week reports that a DHR official stated that the purpose of the event is to enable everyone to experience the joy of the railway and the spirit of Darjeeling. This unique ride truly represents the joy, inclusivity, and unity that define Children’s Day.
The festivities don’t stop there. The DHR is also hosting the ‘Shatabdi March’, an event that marks 100 years since Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in Darjeeling. On Saturday, the penultimate section of the march will proceed from Rongtong to Sukna station. According to The Week, children from Rongtong will also have the chance to ride a heritage train after the march. In keeping with the festive atmosphere, the DHR will also host the final round of the Iron Sherpa competition, which recognises the best all-around student from nearby schools.
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UNESCO-Listed Toy Train To Offer A Scenic Ride
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of India’s most iconic train routes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1879 and 1881, it runs for about 88 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing from just 100 metres to over 2,200 metres above sea level. The slow, chugging pace and nostalgic charm of the Toy Train have captivated travellers for over a century.
On Children’s Day, when this lovely train whistles through the foggy hills, it will be a happy, inclusive, and endearing event. It will be more than just a mountain adventure for the children on board; it will surely be a lifelong memory.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/AROYBARMAN
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