The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), an iconic heritage railway operated by Northeast Frontier Railway, has received international recognition after Darjeeling was included among 50 destinations in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list. The travel publisher has identified the hill town as a destination for a Toy Train journey, bringing the historic railway and its distinctive mountain experience to wider attention.

Known popularly as the Toy Train, the DHR has been closely associated with Darjeeling’s cultural and tourism identity since it began operations in 1881. It is recognised for pioneering engineering techniques that enabled a railway to be built through challenging mountainous terrain. The railway forms part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1999.

Its historic stations, steam locomotives and distinctive hill journey take visitors through mountains, tea gardens and settlements across the Darjeeling region. The recognition comes as Northeast Frontier Railway continues efforts to promote the DHR as both a living railway heritage asset and a major tourism attraction.

The railway has organised heritage train journeys, steam locomotive rides, cultural events and experiential tourism programmes to give visitors a closer understanding of its history while supporting the wider tourism ecosystem in the Darjeeling hills. Events such as the Ghum Winter Festival, Station Mahotsav and Summer Festival have also aimed to increase engagement with historic stations and the communities associated with the railway.

Tourism initiatives have focused on community participation, environmental awareness and sustainable travel. Heritage joy rides, outreach programmes, digital projects, experiential activities and educational visits are being used to connect younger generations with the railway’s engineering and cultural significance. The latest listing is expected to raise the DHR’s international profile further and provide Northeast Frontier Railway with an opportunity to showcase Darjeeling’s heritage and the wider socio-economic potential of the hills to visitors from India and abroad.