Darjeeling: Most Beautiful Place in West Bengal | India's Highest Toy Train | Kanchenjunga View

Summary

The video takes viewers on a scenic journey through Darjeeling, known for its unique Himalayan Railway and the iconic 'Toy Train.' It highlights the region’s rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, including views of Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak. The narrator explores the charm of Darjeeling’s tea gardens, the bustling streets, and the tranquil Lepcha Jagat village, showcasing the blend of old and new. The journey emphasizes the serenity, cultural diversity, and natural beauty that make Darjeeling a special place in India, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Takeaways

• 🚂 The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is India's highest railway station, located at 6,700 ft in the Eastern Himalayas.
• 🎺 The Toy Train of Darjeeling operates with a steam engine, passing through narrow streets, markets, and alongside traffic.
• 🚞 The 'Batasia Loop' is a crucial part of the train's route, allowing it to navigate steep gradients between Darjeeling and Ghum Station.
• 🌄 Darjeeling offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak, though visibility depends on weather conditions.
• 🍵 Darjeeling is famous for its tea, particularly the high-quality Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea, which is one of the most expensive teas in India.
• 📜 The British introduced tea production in Darjeeling, and the railway was initially built to transport the tea.
• 🗣 Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in Darjeeling, influenced by its proximity to the Nepal border, though other languages like Bengali and Hindi are also spoken.
• 🏞 Lepcha Jagat, a village near Darjeeling, offers peace, serenity, and beautiful cloud-filled pine forests.
• 🏰 Darjeeling has preserved much of its historical architecture and culture, giving it a timeless charm.
• 🌳 Darjeeling is not just a city but a world of contrasts, blending old and new, with a dynamic mix of languages, weather, and scenery.

Q & A

What makes Darjeeling a unique place to visit?

Darjeeling is unique due to its combination of natural beauty, historic charm, the Himalayan toy train, tea gardens, and diverse cultures, including Nepali and Buddhist influences.

What is the significance of the toy train in Darjeeling?

The toy train, part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is famous for being India's highest railway station. It operates on a steam engine and is known for its scenic route, often passing through the streets of Darjeeling and markets.

Why is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway known as a 'Toy Train'?

The railway is called a 'Toy Train' because of its small track width, only 2 feet, which makes the large steam engine appear like a toy as it runs on such narrow tracks.

How does the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway overcome the steep incline between Darjeeling and Ghum Station?

The railway uses the 'Batasia Loop,' a specially constructed loop that allows the train to gradually ascend the steep incline of around 1000 feet between Darjeeling and Ghum Station.

What role did the British play in the development of Darjeeling's tea industry?

During the British colonial period, the British started producing tea in Darjeeling due to its suitable climate and altitude, which resulted in high-quality tea. To facilitate the export of tea, they established the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

What is the 'Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea,' and why is it special?

The 'Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea' is a high-quality tea known for its unique flavor and aroma. It is one of the most expensive teas in India, with a price of around 1.5 lakh INR per kilogram.

What languages are commonly spoken in Darjeeling, and why?

In Darjeeling, Nepali is the most commonly spoken language due to its proximity to the Nepal border. Other languages spoken include Bengali, Hindi, and sometimes English, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.

What is the significance of Kanchenjunga in Darjeeling?

Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak, can be seen from Darjeeling on clear days. It forms a 'Sleeping Buddha Formation' with other peaks, creating a beautiful and iconic view that attracts many visitors.

What can one expect when visiting Lepcha Jagat, near Darjeeling?

Lepcha Jagat, located 15 km from Darjeeling, offers a serene and peaceful environment, often filled with clouds and mist. It features a dense pine forest, providing a dream-like atmosphere ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude.

Why does the narrator emphasize learning multiple languages while traveling?

The narrator suggests that knowing multiple languages enhances the travel experience, especially in places like Darjeeling, where multiple languages are spoken. They also recommend using the Duolingo app, which offers an easy way to learn over 40 languages, including Hindi, English, and French.

Outlines

00:00

🚂 The Magic of Darjeeling's Toy Train and India's Highest Railway Station

The video opens with the experience of visiting Darjeeling, known for its toy train system that operates at a height of 6,700 ft in the Eastern Himalayas. It highlights the fascinating history of Darjeeling's Himalayan Railway, India's highest railway station. This toy train, which uses a steam engine instead of diesel, runs on a narrow 2-ft track, earning it the nickname 'Toy Train.' The train offers a scenic ride that appeals to both children and adults. Visitors can also enjoy the mix of Nepali and Buddhist culture, with locals speaking Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi. The speaker reflects on the importance of learning multiple languages while traveling, mentioning the 'Duolingo' app as a helpful tool.

05:02

🛤️ The Batasia Loop and the Scenic Journey of Darjeeling's Toy Train

The second paragraph describes the Batasia Loop, a unique engineering feature that allows the toy train to navigate steep inclines between Darjeeling and Ghum station, the highest station in India. The train weaves through the streets of Darjeeling, passing just inches away from shops and homes. Despite the close proximity, no accidents have been reported. The speaker emphasizes the historical importance of the train, which was built to transport tea, particularly Darjeeling tea, renowned for its quality. The video also touches on the production and global export of Darjeeling tea, including the luxurious 'Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea,' known for its high price.

10:05

🏔️ Darjeeling's Majestic Kanchenjunga and the Enchanting Lepcha Jagat

In the final paragraph, the speaker shares their experience of trying to catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, India's highest peak. After several attempts, they are rewarded with the breathtaking view of the 'Sleeping Buddha Formation,' a group of peaks resembling a reclining Buddha. The speaker also explores the nearby village of Lepcha Jagat, known for its tranquility, pine forests, and ever-present clouds. The misty forests create a dream-like atmosphere, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. The speaker reflects on Darjeeling as a place where tradition and modernity coexist, with diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes, making it 'a world in itself.'

Keywords

💡Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a scenic town located in the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 6,700 ft, known for its tea plantations and toy train. The video showcases Darjeeling as a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, emphasizing its importance as a tourist destination in West Bengal.

💡Toy Train

The Toy Train refers to the narrow-gauge steam engine train that runs in Darjeeling, known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It is notable for operating at such high altitudes, navigating through narrow tracks, markets, and alongside streets. The Toy Train is a major attraction in Darjeeling, offering picturesque views and a historic experience.

💡Ghum Station

Ghum Station is India's highest railway station, located approximately 1,000 feet higher than Darjeeling. It is a key stop on the Toy Train route and is connected to Darjeeling via the Batasia Loop. The video highlights the station's significance due to its altitude and its role in facilitating the iconic Toy Train journey.

💡Batasia Loop

The Batasia Loop is a spiral track on the Toy Train route that helps the train manage the steep ascent between Darjeeling and Ghum. This engineering marvel allows the train to climb gradually while offering passengers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is a significant feature in the journey, representing the ingenuity of the railway system.

💡Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling Tea is world-famous for its unique flavor and high quality, grown in the ideal climate and altitude of the region. The video explains how British colonists began tea production here and how Darjeeling Tea became a global export. It also mentions the prized 'Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea,' which is one of the most expensive teas in India.

💡Kanchenjunga

Kanchenjunga is India's highest peak, visible from Darjeeling on clear days. The video describes how tourists eagerly wait for a chance to view this majestic mountain, which is part of the 'Sleeping Buddha Formation' due to the way several peaks align to resemble a reclining figure. Kanchenjunga symbolizes the natural beauty that attracts many visitors to Darjeeling.

💡Nepali Language

Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in Darjeeling due to its proximity to Nepal. The video highlights the multicultural aspect of Darjeeling, where multiple languages like Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi are spoken, reflecting the diversity of the region. This linguistic mix enhances the cultural richness of Darjeeling.

💡Lepcha Jagat

Lepcha Jagat is a peaceful village located 15 kilometers from Darjeeling, known for its serene environment, pine forests, and constant presence of clouds. The video contrasts the hustle and bustle of Darjeeling with the tranquility of Lepcha Jagat, presenting it as a retreat for those seeking calm and natural beauty.

💡Steam Engine

The Toy Train in Darjeeling operates on a steam engine, which is a rare and nostalgic feature in modern railways. The video explains how coal is used to generate steam, which powers the train, making it possible for it to traverse the steep inclines of the region. The steam engine is an iconic element of the Toy Train's charm and historic value.

💡British Colonial Era

The British Colonial Era in India is referenced in the video in relation to the establishment of tea plantations in Darjeeling. The British introduced tea cultivation to the region, and Darjeeling's tea industry flourished under their rule. The video discusses how the British laid the foundations for Darjeeling's tea export business and the development of its railway system.

Highlights

Darjeeling is located at a height of 6,700 ft in the Eastern Himalayas and is known for its scenic beauty.

Darjeeling is home to India's highest railway station, where the famous toy train operates on a steam engine.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railways operates using one of the oldest steam engines, some over 100 years old, on a narrow 2 ft track.

The toy train journey offers breathtaking views from its new vista dome coaches, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The Batasia Loop is a unique engineering marvel that allows the toy train to navigate the steep elevation between Darjeeling and Ghum Station.

Despite the proximity of shops and homes to the railway tracks, no accidents have occurred in the over 100 years of the train's operation.

Darjeeling's world-famous tea production, started during the British colonial period, is a major reason for the development of the railway.

Darjeeling produces only 1% of India’s total tea output, but its tea is renowned for its high quality, especially the Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea.

The Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea is one of the most expensive teas in India, with 1 kg costing INR 1.5 lakhs.

The local population predominantly speaks Nepali, reflecting Darjeeling’s proximity to Nepal and its mix of Nepali and Buddhist culture.

Darjeeling is not only known for its tea and railways but also for its cultural diversity, with people speaking multiple languages including Nepali, Bengali, and Hindi.

From Darjeeling, one can see India's highest peak, Kanchenjunga, especially during clear weather, with the 'Sleeping Buddha Formation' of peaks being a sight to behold.

Lepcha Jagat, a village near Darjeeling, offers peace and serenity with dense pine forests often enveloped in fog and clouds.

The forest of Lepcha Jagat is described as dreamlike, with tall trees, fog, and silence that creates a surreal, peaceful experience.

Darjeeling offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, preserving historic buildings and railways while developing as a well-lit, vibrant city.

Transcripts

When you reach this place,

you will get to hear such noises

Train honks

Train honks

Train honks

And you never know the train might

start moving along with you.

Train honks

And somewhere from the far you might see peeking

the highest peak in India.

And if in the midway,

you will smell the aroma of tea

then you should understand that

you are in the most beautiful place of West Bengal

That is "Darjeeling"

Located at a height of 6,700 ft

Darjeeling lies in the beautiful region

of Eastern Himalayas

The most special thing about this place

that even after being at this height

You get to witness a train system over here.

And because of this reason,

It has India's Highest Railway Station.

India's highest railway station.

You won't get any other

railway station at this height in India.

Even after being at this height,

the toy train opeartes on a steam engine.

and not on any diesel engine

It is because of steam engine

the toy train reaches at such height.

Train honks

India's highest railways is

Darjeeling's Himalayan Railways

where you will get to see

the oldest steam engine

moving here and there on road.

Few of such engines are

even 100 years old.

and the track on which they operates,

is too tiny , that it makes you difficult

to understand that how come such a big train

runs on a 2 ft. track

And because of its tiny track

It is known as "Toy Train"

It is one such toy,

that not only fascinates the kids,

but even adults want to sit and enjoy,

the train journey as it is so scenic.

When you are in Darjeeling

you feel like you are at some historic place.

Because they have preserved a lot of historic things,

buildings over a long period of time.

When I explored this nearby area of Darjelling

and had chat with few people.

I found out that most commonly spoken language here is Nepali

And that too for obvious reason

as this place is closer to Nepal Border.

Here, you will find a mixer of both Nepali and Buddhist culture.

I assumed that people will speak Bengali here

but it's the other way around, mostly people speak Nepali here

you can see people speaking 3 to 4 languages

only in Darjeeling,

such as Nepali, Bengali

hindi,

You can find different languages,

in different parts of India.

Be it North India or South India

And that's how while travelling,

I realized,

only one language is not sufficient,

you should atleast know 2 to 3 languages

And that too when it's so easier to learn any language

while sitting at home or even when you are travelling

Because of "Duolingo"

It is world's popular and free language learning app

You can download it for free from any App Store.

And as simple as playing a game

you can easily learn any of 40 plus languages

one such example is Hindi to English

or English to French language.

So which language would you like to learn?

Languages might be different, but whomsever is

travelling to Darjeeling , they only have one wish to fulfill

which is to enjoy the ride of "Toy Train".

So Let's Start the Journey of the "Toy Train".

Before train begins its journey,

the steam is getting ready in the engine.

so you put coal here in this pit and then the steam generates

Do you add water to the front?

Yes, there is a water tank of 5000 litres.

The water gets boiled which results in generating steam

Here it shows the amount of steam generated.

If its down the engine will not operate.

Right now the pressure shows 150,

Is it Perfect for engine to operate? Yes, absolutey

Train honks!

Steam Engine's might be years old

but this train has new vista dome coaches.

You can see the scenic beauty from each side of these coaches

In this journey, Toy train is making a

round trip from Darjeeling to Ghum Station.

Ghum station is approximately

1000 ft higher than the Darjeeling

so to lower the steepness of these two stations,

a loop has been made between the two

known as "Batasia Loop"

By moving into this loop the toy train can

reach at such height with so much ease.

This toy train passes through all the streets of Darjeeling.

Sometimes, it passes through back of a house

or sometimes from the middle of the market

You can see the traffic on side of the road

and train is going alongside ,with the market

along with the track.

and the toy train is passing through the market

with few inches gap or sometimes it is less than few inches.

Brother the train passes through such minute distance from your shop everyday?

Don't you feel worried about it? No.

These shops besides the track are 100 or more years old.

And this railways route is even more older than these shops.

The people says that despite of train passing so closely

through shops for so many years,

there is no such mishap has ever happened.

That's why this train journey is so interesting.

But if you think that there is nothing more older or famous

than this toy train in Darjeeling,

than you are so wrong.

Infact there's a thing because of which

Darjeeling has this toy train.

And that thing is even older than this 100 years old train.

And it is the "Tea "of Darjeeling.

During the British India Period, the Britishers

started to produce tea in Darjeeling

And because of the pleasant climate and altitude of

Darjeeling , The tea produced here is of such good quality.

And became famous all over the world.

They start exporting the tea all over the world.

and to export the tea they have started this

"Darjeeling Himalayan Railways"

At Present in Darjeeling, 70 lakhs of Kilo,

is produced in a year.

which is only 1% of the total tea production of India.

But Darjeeling tea is famous for its Quality over Quantity.

That's why the most of Darjeeling tea is being exported.

And one of them is the Expensive tea of India.

"Darjeeling Silver Tips Tea"

It's 1 Kg pack costs 1.5 Lakhs INR.

So, let's taste Darjeeling tea

The second flush,

What is this first flush, second flush?

First flush is spring, second is summer.

The shorter the leaves, the stronger the tea.

It is absolutely too strong. (Laughs).

I have tasted so many different tea here,

I got habitual of Darjeeling Tea .

Notification sound.

But I guess I'm habitual of another thing

which is good as well.

that's learning language from "Duolingo App".

Even if I forgot but Duolingo keeps remember

You can easily see tea gardens in Darjeeling

But the most beautiful place of Darjeeling,

can not be seen with so much ease.

India's Highest Peak can be seen from this place

"Kanchenjunga"

I'm here in Darjeeling from past one week

and on most of the days, I used to wake up early in the morning

and wait to see the peak.

Not just the Weather needs to be clear,

but there has to be clear visibility to see the peak.

l started feeling that I might not be able to witness that view.

But one such fine day,

when the morning began,

and when I saw it.

I saw the whole "Sleeping Buddha Formation".

where so many peaks altogether making a

"Sleeping Buddha Formation".

It is extremely very beautiful to look at.

Because Railways has been there for so long,

that's why Darjeeling is a well-developed city.

Even the night here is as brighter as a day .

But only 15 kilometers away from this place,

there's a village where you can experience

both "Peace and Serenity' from closer.

This place is "Lepcha Jagat".

No matter how the weather is in Darjeeling,

You will always find this place filled with clouds.

and roaming here and there.

and by the time you will reach

the Pine Forest you feel like

you are living in a dream.

Wow ,What a beautiful forest.

Such long trees, and it's dark here.

and the fog is coming

I guess they are clouds

Clouds are coming down from above

The fog is coming from between the trees is

wow

How Beautiful it is!

So Beautiful this view is!

Wow. Awesome.

The fog keeps coming and filling the forest

and I know I need to trek down and if the fog keeps getting denser

I might not recognise the route but this view is too beautiful to look at

So Beautiful!

There are not so many places ,

which makes you feel alive.

so much silence,

that you can even hear your breath.

This forest of Lepcha Jagat,

is one such place.

Darjeeling is not just a city but a world in itself.

where there is a sparkle of newness,

and the importance of older things as well.

where there is chirpiness,

and the silence as well.

Where there weather changes within few kilometers.

so many different colors, languages

that's why Darjeeling is not just a city,

But a World in itself.