Darjeeling Toy Train
Darjeeling
Toy Train
Remember Bollywood superstar of yesteryears, Rajesh Khanna, in a jeep,
singing the superhit number mere sapno ki rani as Sharmila Tagore watches on
from a train in the 1969 blockbuster Aradhana? Now, try recalling the more
recent song kasto maja from Saif Ali Khan &Vidya Balan starrer Parineeta
which was yet again on a train. What is common between the two songs or rather
two trains is that they were toy trains and that also Darjeeling Toy Trains.
For those who have seen the songs, it is easy to understand why a trip
aboard the Darjeeling toy train should not be missed. However, for those who
have not seen them and are looking for a genuine reason for taking up a journey
on this route, well here it is. The beautiful atmosphere of the hilly terrain
through which the train traverses is extremely refreshing and relaxing. Infact,
it was the bewitching beauty of the place that inspired Mr Franklin Prestage (a
representative of East Bengal Railway Company) to lay down a train line between
Darjeeling and Siliguri back in the mid 19th century.
So, if you are
yearning to slow down the pace of your life and enjoy life at its most relaxed
self, then a trip in the Darjeeling Toy train is your solution. The toy train,
twisting its way up from Siliguri to Darjeeling in the east Indian state of West
Bengal, is meant exactly for souls like you who do not hurry to finish off their
journey. Rather what they want and do is to enjoy the journey itself.
The Splendid Route
A marvellous journey awaits you in the Darjeeling Toy Train which runs on a 2
feet gauge for a distance of 86 km. The entire journey is covered in around 71/2
hours with a maximum of 15 kmph.
The scenery that greets you range from
the dense jungles to tea plantations. Sukna, the first station after the
commencement of the journey, has trees of sal and teak along with purple
bougainvillea, red poinsettia and moderate purple orchids creating a riot of
colours for you. From Sukna, the actual climb begins. Steep gradients and curves
marks the route all through.
After crossing Chunabhati, Tung Chutlinkpur
and Jorebunglow, you reach Ghoom. At a height of 2257.65m, you are now at the
second highest railway station in the world that is accessed by a steam
locomotive. A 6 km downhill journey from here brings you to your final
destination, Darjeeling.
A unique feature about this route is that
wherever there is a lack of clearcut path due to steep gradient, the climb is
proceeded through reverses and loops. Infact, there are as many as six reverses
and 3 loops in the entire journey. Moreover, there are also 5 important and 498
less important bridges along with 177 unmanned level crossing enroute through
which the train traverses.
What will also strike you throughout your
journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling is that the track runs almost on the same
alignment as the Hill Cart road. Infact, they also cross each other a number of
times, 150 times to be a bit more precise. This gives you an opportunity to
enjoy the movement on the road while sitting in the train. It gives you a
feeling as if the whole world is hurrying to complete their job while you are at
leisure to be with yourself and your family and enjoy the beauty of life.
The Toy Train
The train that first ran on the track was way too different from what you
will see today. It was a mini four wheeled trolley with canvas and two wooden
benches. Moreover, at that point of time it was also an important source to
transport both people and cargo. It was only with the development of more
convenient way to reach Darjeeling that the load on this toy train lessened and
it became. As of today, this toy train whistles past its way through scenic
beauty with a grace that is adorable.
Take a trip in this train to enjoy
the beautiful pleasures it has to offer.
