One of the world’s most iconic and celebrated train routes is located in India, offering a mixture of breathtaking views and engineering brilliance. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was established in the late 19th century during British colonial rule.

The idea was the brainchild of Franklin Prestage, an agent of the Eastern Bengal Railway, in 1879. His aim was to make it easier to transport people and goods to and from the hilly regions of Darjeeling, which was a popular summer resort for the British. The project was completed in three years, with the official opening taking place in 1881.

Engineers had to overcome challenging terrain and devised a narrow-gauge railway that could navigate the steep hills and sharp curves.

The track is just two feet wide and zigzags its way through the hilly terrain, making numerous loops along the way. One of its most distinctive features is the Batasia Loop, where the train performs a complete circle to gain altitude.

The trip offers stunning views of rolling hills, lush tea gardens, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

The railway line was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, underscoring its significance in the history of rail transport and its contribution to the cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has become an integral part of the local identity and is celebrated in various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Starting in Sukna, the train makes its way to Kurseong, known as the “Land of White Orchids”, before passing through the Batasia Loop and arriving in Darjeeling.

In a review on TripAdvisor, Ronit Gaikwad wrote: “One of the most breathtaking parts about the Darjeeling station is the view it offers.

“One side of the station opens up directly to a sweeping view of the valley. When we visited, the weather turned magical — light rain had filled the entire valley with mist and clouds, and the same mist started gently flowing into the station itself.

“The cold, fresh air and the feeling of literally standing amid the clouds was surreal, making the whole experience unforgettable.”