Chennai to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Chennai to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built between 1879 and 1881, it is one of the oldest and most iconic mountain railways in the world.

The railway runs from Siliguri to Darjeeling, a hill station in the Himalayas. The journey takes about 8 hours and covers a distance of 88 km (55 mi). The railway passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Himalayas, including tea plantations, forests, and waterfalls.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist attraction, and is often referred to as the "Toy Train".

Language

The official language of West Bengal is Bengali. However, English is also widely spoken in the state. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway staff is fluent in both Bengali and English.

Currency

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway accepts both Indian Rupees and US Dollars.

Distance

The distance from Chennai to Darjeeling is approximately 1,800 km (1,100 mi). The journey by train takes about 36 hours.

How to Reach

The best way to reach Darjeeling from Chennai is by train. There are several direct trains that run between Chennai and Siliguri. From Siliguri, you can take a toy train to Darjeeling.

You can also reach Darjeeling by air. The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB). From Bagdogra Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Darjeeling.

Expenses

The cost of a train ticket from Chennai to Siliguri ranges from INR 500 to INR 2,000. The cost of a toy train ticket from Siliguri to Darjeeling ranges from INR 100 to INR 500.

The cost of accommodation in Darjeeling ranges from INR 500 to INR 2,000 per night. The cost of food in Darjeeling ranges from INR 100 to INR 500 per meal.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant and the views of the Himalayas are clear.

What to Eat

Darjeeling is known for its tea. You can visit one of the many tea plantations in the area and sample some of the local teas.

Darjeeling also has a variety of other cuisines to offer. You can find everything from Indian to Chinese to Tibetan food in Darjeeling.

Where to Go

In addition to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, there are several other things to see and do in Darjeeling. You can visit the Tiger Hill for stunning views of the Himalayas. You can also visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, which is home to a variety of animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, and black bears.

FAQ

What is the cost of a train ticket from Chennai to Darjeeling?

The cost of a train ticket from Chennai to Darjeeling ranges from INR 500 to INR 2,000.

How long does the train journey from Chennai to Darjeeling take?

The train journey from Chennai to Darjeeling takes about 36 hours.

What is the best time to visit Darjeeling?

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).

What are some of the things to do in Darjeeling?

Some of the things to do in Darjeeling include visiting the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tiger Hill, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.