Once you are airborne, the feeling of freedom and the thrill of unexpected encounters is an unparalleled one. So is it with the heritage train travels in India. Nostalgia attacks you first, till you get lost in the mists of time as the train chugs its way through the hills that once had stood guard against the countless invaders before finally succumbing to the charms of the East India Company.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has earned the status of the first and only World Heritage train in India for its charms and style that date back to 1881. Though the romance of steam drifting past has come to an end with the train running on diesel, the route it follows has many coming back for more. On this 87.5 km of journey, this tiny train cruises through the mint green plains to the cloud-covered tea-gardens on the hills of Darjeeling. The journey leaves you spellbound with Rabindranath Tagore’s words churning in your head.
The Ghum station, the second last stop on the Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling route, is also the second highest train station in the world. From here, you can choose to continue on the diesel train or change to a steam toy train that stops at Batasia Loop for a photo session with the epic Kanchenjunga range.
Whether you are researching for a book on the Indian metropolitan cities or simply holidaying in one of them, a ride on the local transport system will give you a far greater insight into the lives of its people than an up market shopping district is ever likely to give. Try out the newly inaugurated Metro in Delhi, the electric local trains of Mumbai or the classic trams of Calcutta. After all, this is the way the great middle class travels.