Latest news with #DarjeelingHimalayanRailway
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
DHR celebrates its 144th birthday as ‘Toy Train Day'
Darjeeling : The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) celebrated its 144th birthday on Friday as the first 'Toy Train Day', marking the occasion with tributes to the rich past of the heritage marvel and promises of a dynamic future. To commemorate the very day its first locomotive ascended the misty hills from Siliguri to Darjeeling in 1881, celebrations were held at Sukna station, about 9 km from Siliguri. DHR director Rishav Choudhary said: "As part of the 144th anniversary, we are not only celebrating the past but preparing for the future, aiming to cater to the growing interest in heritage travel and strengthen Darjeeling's appeal as a year-round destination." You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata To enhance tourist experience and operational capacity, DHR is set to roll out a range of new services — including evening joy rides, on-demand charter services and additional routes from Sukna station. Three new diesel locomotives are also being introduced to the fleet by the end of 2025. Choudhary said DHR had received one loco and it was undergoing trials. Two more are expected later this year, with all three being manufactured by San Engineering in Bengaluru and Hyderabad. "New locomotives will be pressed into service from next month. We will also introduce new services from Sukna soon," he added. On Friday, DHR, in collaboration with North Bengal Painters Association, hosted a variety of art competitions for children, including sit-and-draw, painting and poster-making events. "The goal is to inspire the youth to connect with the Hills and this historic railway through art," Choudhary said. Unesco included DHR on the list of World Heritage Monuments on Dec 5, 1999. DHR covers 87.21 km of journey in 7 hours and 20 minutes, climbing more than 2,000 metres into the mountains covering 12 stations. It also runs 8 km short joy rides between Darjeeling and Ghoom through Batasia Loop.
New Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Darjeeling toy train celebrates 144th birthday
KOLKATA: The iconic toy train of Darjeeling, a timeless favourite among tourists visiting the hill station, celebrated its 144th birthday on July 4 with the first-ever 'Toy Train Day'. Despite a few recent accidents, the train continues to captivate visitors with its slow, scenic journey along the mountain slopes. The celebration, organised jointly by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) and the North Bengal Painters' Association, was held at Sukna Railway Station near Siliguri. The DHR, which holds UNESCO World Heritage status, marked the day with a series of events and competitions themed around the toy train. Activities such as a 'Sit and Draw' competition, poster making, live art, and a picture exhibition were held, with participation from several local kindergarten students. The event aimed to foster a deeper connection between the community and the historic railway, while also boosting tourism in the region.
Time Business News
25-06-2025
- Time Business News
Darjeeling Tour Packages & Tourism Guide 2025 – Toy Train, Tea Gardens & Himalayan Views
Set in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is where colonial charm, tea-scented breezes, and Kanchenjunga sunrises come together. It's a place that blends serenity, culture, and natural beauty — perfect for honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you're sipping tea on a foggy morning or riding the UNESCO-listed Toy Train, Darjeeling tourism offers more than just a trip — it offers timeless memories. And with our expertly curated Darjeeling tour packages, you can experience the very best of this charming hill town without the hassle of planning. 🚞 This is your one-stop guide to Darjeeling tourism and the best-value Darjeeling tour packages ✅ Highlight 💡 What You'll Experience Himalayan Sunrises View of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill Iconic Toy Train Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO) World-Famous Tea Visit and taste at Happy Valley Tea Estate Peaceful Monasteries Ghoom, Dali, and Japanese Peace Pagoda Colonial Heritage British-era schools, churches & architecture Family & Couple Friendly Safe, walkable, and culturally rich Day Experience Day 1 Arrival, stroll along Mall Road & Observatory Hill Day 2 Tiger Hill Sunrise, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Toy Train Ride Day 3 Himalayan Zoo, HMI, Tea Garden Visit, Peace Pagoda Day 4 Local market shopping + departure 🧘 You can add Kalimpong, Mirik, or Lamahatta as optional day trips. Package Name Duration Price (Per Person) Darjeeling Scenic Getaway 3 Days / 2 Nights ₹6,999 Classic Darjeeling Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹9,499 Darjeeling + Kalimpong Combo 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹12,500 Family Holiday in the Hills 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹11,499 Darjeeling Honeymoon Delight 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹13,999 Darjeeling Tea & Heritage Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹14,800 🧾 All packages include hotel stay, breakfast/dinner, sightseeing, permits & private vehicle. ✈️ Flight/train fare can be added on request. If you're visiting Darjeeling and want to add a short Himalayan trek to your trip, the Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a perfect extension. Located just a few hours from Darjeeling town, Sandakphu (11,930 ft) is the highest point in West Bengal and offers panoramic views of four of the five highest peaks in the world — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga — in one stunning frame. EasoTrip specializes in organizing guided Sandakphu treks with comfortable homestay stays, experienced local guides, and optional Land Rover safaris for non-trekkers. Whether you're a first-time trekker or looking for a peaceful mountain experience, EasoTrip's Sandakphu packages provide a seamless and scenic extension to your Darjeeling holiday. Trek along the India–Nepal border ridge ridge Pass through beautiful villages like Tumling and Kalipokhri Stay in warm homestays (no tents needed) (no tents needed) Spot red pandas and blooming rhododendrons in season View the Sleeping Buddha range at sunrise from Sandakphu 🏞️ Perfect for those who want to explore beyond tea gardens and monasteries. This is where Darjeeling meets raw Himalayan adventure. 👉 For detailed Sandakphu trek itinerary, cost, and travel guide, click here. Hotel Name Location Why Stay Here Cedar Inn Near Mall Road Heritage luxury + valley views Mayfair Darjeeling Opp. Governor's House 5-star colonial vibe Hotel Seven Seventeen Gandhi Road Budget + central location Windamere Observatory Hill Classic British-era charm Muscatel Himalayan Resort Near Clock Tower Affordable & modern From Mode Details Bagdogra Airport Flight + Road 3.5 hrs by private cab NJP Railway Station Train + Road 3–4 hrs drive to Darjeeling Siliguri Shared taxi / car Available all day 🚞 Toy Train runs between NJP → Ghoom → Darjeeling (limited tickets). Watch the Kanchenjunga Sunrise from Tiger Hill from Tiger Hill Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train Visit Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery & Ghoom Monastery Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo & Zoo Sip tea at Happy Valley Tea Estate Walk to the Japanese Peace Pagoda Shop for woolens, local art, and Darjeeling tea at Mall Road Day Trip to Lamahatta Eco Park Explore Mirik Lake & Pine Forests Paragliding in Kalimpong Stay at a tea bungalow Sunrise Photography at Tinchuley Hike to Tiger Hill View Point (early morning walk) ✅ Honeymoon Specials – Romantic stays with decorated rooms, private cab, and candlelight dinners ✅ Family Packages – Includes Toy Train ride, Himalayan Zoo visit, and kid-friendly stays ✅ Budget Backpacker Options – Affordable homestays, shared cabs, and local experiences ✅ Senior Citizen Itineraries – Fewer hotel transfers, relaxed sightseeing, and attentive care ✅ Darjeeling + Sikkim Combo Tours – Seamless travel plans connecting both regions Whether you're traveling with your partner, family, or solo — EasoTrip's Darjeeling experts design packages that balance comfort, safety, and local experiences. With verified drivers, handpicked hotels, permit assistance, and 24×7 support, you're in safe hands from pickup to drop. 📞 Ready to plan your Darjeeling escape? Contact EasoTrip now via WhatsApp or call: +91 70017 24300 Or visit: 🎒 Trusted. Transparent. Tailored for You. Q1: Is Darjeeling safe for solo travelers or couples? Yes! It's one of the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming hill stations in India. Q2: Can I visit Darjeeling year-round? Yes. March–May and October–December are ideal. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for clear skies and fewer crowds. Q3: What's the best view spot in Darjeeling? Tiger Hill at sunrise – shows the Sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga range). Q4: Is Darjeeling good for families with kids? Absolutely. Zoo, Toy Train, and gardens keep kids entertained while adults relax. Can I extend to Sikkim or Kalimpong? Yes – we can build combo tours (Darjeeling + Gangtok + Pelling + Kalimpong). Want to visit Sikkim but not sure where to begin? 👉 Click here to explore your perfect Sikkim trip now — plans for every traveler, every season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Retired' DHR coach turns cinema hall
1 2 3 4 Darjeeling: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has converted two of its decommissioned toy train coaches into a cinema hall at Kurseong station, offering film buffs a "heritage experience on the tracks" during the three-day DHRUMA film festival in the Hills. DHR director Rishav Choudhary shared that two decommissioned coaches stationed at Kurseong were repurposed into fully functional cinema spaces to provide an accessible film-viewing experience. A 52-inch TV has been installed inside each coach, which can accommodate 26 seats. The DHRUMA film festival launched its unique 'Screening on Wheels' concept, offering visitors an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy award-winning films inside the iconic toy train coaches. "This is the first time such an initiative was undertaken. It brought cinematic magic to the tracks and allowed both tourists and locals to experience our heritage in an entirely new way. A curated selection of award-winning short films and documentaries were screened inside the retrofitted compartments, completely free and open to all. We also held a blood donation camp on Friday, drawing participation from tourists, locals and railway staff alike," said Choudhary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He added a masterclass on photojournalism and photography was conducted by Padma Shri awardee Sudharak Olwe, engaging aspiring photographers and storytellers from across the region. "The DHRUMA film festival will continue at Kurseong, with parallel screenings at Ramakrishna Siksha Parishad, Darjeeling, till Sunday. A session on filmmaking will be conducted by National Award-winning directors Anirban Datta and Amitabh Singh. The festival will end at Siliguri, where we will award the winners," Choudhary said. DHR officials emphasised that the summer festival aimed at infusing the hill stations with creative energy — providing a fresh attraction for tourists and a platform for local talent. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
India.com
08-06-2025
- India.com
5 Best Hill Stations Near Kolkata For A Refreshing Summer Getaway
The cultural hub of India known as Kolkata maintains a reputation for both bright cultural heritage and lengthy hot seasons. Summer temperatures push people toward nearby hill stations since these destinations provide relief from hot weather conditions. The hill destinations combine their beautiful natural setting of mountains and peaceful landscapes with pleasant temperatures along with active activities and recreational treatments. This article examines the most favorable hill destinations that surround Kolkata which serve as perfect summer getaways. 1. Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills Darjeeling stands as an Indian hill station landmark which is approximately 520 kilometers from Kolkata. Situated in the western part of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2053 meters above sea level this town claims its position as the 'Queen of Hills'. Darjeeling gains fame from tea plantation areas together with colonial buildings and the UNESCO World Heritage-status toy train known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Visitors engage in activities such as trekking plus river rafting or they visit spiritual sites including Ghum Monastery and Bhutia Busty Gompa. The area delivers both a pleasant atmospheric environment alongside captivating natural landscape that functions as an ideally refreshing spot to escape the heat of Kolkata summers. 2. Kalimpong: A Serene Escape As its distance from Kolkata reaches 550 kilometers Kalimpong stands as another brilliant attraction within the Eastern Himalayas. Whose peaceful environment together with superb vistas sets Kalimpong apart from nearby tourist areas and appeals to visitors who seek relaxation. The area contains numerous flower cultivation centers together with Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery and educational institutions built by Christian missionaries. Tourists who love nature should check out Neora Valley National Park in addition to exploring Pine View Nursery. Kalimpong offers visitors relief from the bustling city life because of its tolerable summer weather and lush natural landscapes. 3. Mirik: A Picturesque Lake Town Mirik stands as a little but enchanting hill station which embraces the landscape of orange orchards and cardamom plantations and dense forests at approximately 550 kilometers from Kolkata. Sumendu Lake serves as the main attraction in Mirik because people can ride boats while they gaze upon the beautiful mountain landscapes. Bokar Monastery stands alongside the Tibetan Buddhist center as main attractions in addition to the active local market that sells handmade crafts and souvenirs. The station's position at a lower elevation provides pleasant climatic conditions during summer thus attracting many families as well as couples. 4. Gangtok: Gateway to Sikkim The small city of Gangtok exists in Sikkim although tourists can easily reach it by road or air travel from Kolkata which needs a journey of 600 kilometers. The capital city of Sikkim Gangtok presents visitors with colorful cultural hotspots and magnificent scenery and important spiritual sites. Visitors should explore the popular attractions of Rumtek Monastery combined with Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass which requires proper authorization. The site attracts thrill-seekers who love paragliding along with trekking and taking yak rides as their activities. Gangtok provides an ideal getaway for Kolkata residents because it offers pleasant summers coupled with stunning natural landscapes. 5. Lava and Loleygaon: Offbeat Treasures The townships of Lava and Loleygaon function as truly unconventional mountain towns that exist near Kalimpong. These elevated locations provide visitors with clean forests and opportunities to spot rare wildlife together with breathtaking views of snow-covered summits. Lava protects the famous Neora Valley National Park which hosts both endangered red pandas and clouded leopards together with numerous other endangered species. The main attraction of Loleygaon is its canopy walk alongside its popular Rock Garden. These peaceful places offer visitors cancellation from the busy tourist areas. Final Words The Eastern Himalayan proximity of Kolkata enables its local residents to book simple trips to these attractive hill stations with ease. Every hill station profiled here provides distinct attractions that can fulfill any traveler's desires including adventure experiences, spiritual encounters or relaxing relaxation. The combination of lively Darjeeling charm with the untainted locations in Lava and Loleygaon provides visitors with remarkable mountain experiences surrounded by natural beauty. Take this chance to visit these refreshing retreats during summer since they provide both restful tranquility and exciting experiences just near Kolkata.
