Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Darjeeling Toy Train Featured in Lonely Planet’s 2027 List
Lonely Planet has chosen Darjeeling as one of its special travel recommendations for 2027.
It says Darjeeling is a great place to ride the famous Toy Train.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is not very fast, but the ride itself is the main attraction.
One highlighted journey travels about 14 kilometres and takes around two hours.
The railway was built between 1879 and 1881.
It climbs from the plains to the mountain town of Darjeeling.
Some trains still use old steam engines, while others use diesel engines.
The railway is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage railway.
Lonely Planet named Darjeeling among its 50 Best in Travel 2027 destinations and experiences.
Darjeeling was highlighted as a destination best suited for a Toy Train journey.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway covers about 14 kilometres in roughly two hours on one highlighted route.
The narrow-gauge railway was built between 1879 and 1881 and connects the plains with Darjeeling.
Historic steam locomotives continue operating on some services, while diesel locomotives run most scheduled trains.
- Who
- Lonely Planet highlighted Darjeeling and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- What
- Darjeeling was included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list as a destination for a Toy Train journey.
- When
- The recognition appears in the Best in Travel 2027 list; the articles do not provide a specific publication date.
- Where
- Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
- Why
- Lonely Planet selected it because the heritage railway’s journey itself is the main attraction.
- Recognition
- Included in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list
- Selection
- Best for a Toy Train journey
- Highlighted route
- Approximately 14 kilometres over about two hours
- Railway gauge
- 2-foot (610 mm) narrow gauge
- Construction
- Built between 1879 and 1881
- Full route
- Around 88 kilometres between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling
- Rail operations
- Historic steam locomotives operate on some tourist and heritage services; diesel locomotives operate most scheduled services
- Heritage status
- UNESCO World Heritage railway