Mark Twain described his journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in 1895 as "the most enjoyable day I have spent on earth, mixed ecstasy of deadly fright and unimaginable joy."
Established in 1881, this engineering marvel offers a thrilling ride through picturesque landscapes, gaining elevation through loops, turns, and zigzags. It is recognized as Asia's oldest narrow gauge railway and begins its 88-kilometer journey in New Jalpaiguri at around 100 meters (330 feet). The train then ascends to Ghum at an impressive height of 2,258 meters (7,407 feet) before ultimately arriving in Darjeeling.