The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway — the "Toy Train" — is one of the world's great mountain railways. Built in 1879-1881 to link Darjeeling with the plains at Siliguri, it climbs 2,000 metres over 80 kilometres of narrow gauge track using a series of reverse loops, zigzags, and spirals rather than a rack mechanism. The engineering is remarkable: the train essentially spirals up the hillside, occasionally reversing direction to gain altitude. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The most practical option for visitors is the short steam-hauled joyride between Darjeeling station and Ghoom, the highest station on the line at 2,258 metres. This runs daily and takes about two hours return. The full journey from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) takes 7-8 hours, mostly aboard diesel traction, with the steam section limited to the upper reaches. Book at Darjeeling station; the schedule changes seasonally.