Established in mid 19th century,
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the first and the most outstanding example of hill passenger railway in India. Darjeeling is a famous hill station situated at a height of about 7,000 feet on the Himalayas. It offers amazing views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjungha (the highest and the 3rd highest peaks in the world respectively).
The Railway applied bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problems of etablishing an effective rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty. The railway was built to improve the trade and tourism of Darjeeling. The construction of the railway started in 1879, and it was thrown open to public in 1881. This narrow gauge railway covers a distance of 55 miles of which 10 miles are through the plains. The journey uphill takes about 10 hours.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been included on the list of the world heritage sites of UNESCO.
