by Mukesh Khosla

The journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is both breathtaking and spectacular as the toy train chugs along past hills and valleys, at times brushing the gurgling Teesta river, at times  overlooking Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak. Train enthusiasts the world over know about this masterpiece which came into existence in 1881. It is little wonder that the Himalayan train has been enlisted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Built in 1881 on a plan drawn by an Englishman Franklin Prestige, the train is described by many as the ultimate rail wonder of the world that still exists to be enjoyed, the toy train climbs upto Ghum at a height of 2,258 metres (7,408 feet) the highest narrow-gauge railway station in the world. From here it takes a spectacular loop and comes face to face with Kanchenjunga which, at 8,602 metres (28,215 feet), is the third highest peak in the world. Passengers hop off and on the train or simply lean out to buy the odd ornaments or a cup of tea from Bhutia and Lepcha women who line up their wares on the fanciful little stations enroute.

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