Wes Anderson is a director like no other – he creates dream-like worlds full of color and life, and his style of work is embodied perfectly in his 2007 movie, The Darjeeling Limited, which is about three brothers traveling across India by train. |
While there is no train with that actual name in real life, fans of the movie will be delighted to hear that there’s a real train called the “Darjeeling Himalayan Railway”, which is close enough to the fantastical movie version, and every bit as charming. |
The train runs along a 53-mile-long railway track, which links Siliguri and Darjeeling via West Bengal. Darjeeling was a major station at the center of a flourishing tea-growing district during the late 19th Century. While the area was only previously accessible via horse-drawn cart, the booming tea trade necessitated the creation of a railway, and that’s how the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was born. Construction was completed in 1881. |
Less than 30 years after its completion, the railway carried 174,000 passengers and 52,000 tons of goods annually. The route is now one of India’s most famous mountain railway lines, and it was the very first to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being awarded the status back in 1999. |
The train’s Disney-esque look has given rise to numerous nicknames, such as the “train to the clouds”, and “toy train”. Furthermore, its route along the railway line is truly unique, rising through an elevation change of nearly 7,000ft. When you get to Darjeeling along the railway line, you can go even further should you choose – to India’s highest railway station in a vintage B-class steam locomotive. |
An earthquake, which occurred in 1897, caused some damage to the railway line, and this was the catalyst for various improvements to be made, such as that addition of bogie-equipped carriages in place of basic four-wheel train cars. |
|
In the present day, you can ride in one of the train’s two first-class carriages to make the mountainous trip as comfortable as possible. While the full journey takes about eight hours, the most picturesque part runs between Darjeeling and Ghum, and takes just half an hour. |
The last leg of the trip is also magical, bending and twisting through the city with proximity to its people and their livelihoods that has to be seen to be believed. Further adding to the train and railway’s charm is a train carriage named after author Mark Twain, who spent time traveling through India during the 1890s. His trip is documented in his book, Following the Equator. |
“In other countries a long wait at a train station is a dull thing and tedious, but one has no right to have that feeling in India. You have the monster crowd of bejeweled natives, the stir, the bustle, the confusion, the shifting splendors of the costumes–dear me, the delight of it, the charm of it are beyond speech.” – Mark Twain |
Image Source |
All Other Images and Content Source: The Plaid Zebra |
The Future Will Be Fast With These High-Speed Trains
Take a look at some high-speed trains of the future and imagine what a thrill it would be to ride in them.
Vennbahn: The World’s Weirdest International Border
Explore the curious history of Vennbahn, an old railway track that passes through three different countries.
Let’s Learn a Few Unique and Wonderful Facts About India!
India is a unique place. There are many unusual and fascinating things about the country that you might have never known before...
Perhaps the Most Scenic Train Rides in the World...
Although there are much quicker ways of traveling, using a train is arguably much more picturesque than the others. Here are the 7 most scenic train rides.
Discover the Delights of the Darjeeling Line In India
The intrepid explorer, Mark Twain, took this train journey on his travels through Asia during the late 19th Century. Come and explore this enchanting railway.
This Train Ride Takes You on a Trip Through US History
In this video, you can hop aboard the "Crescent" train that takes you on a fascinating journey through American history.
What 16 Different Countries Consider the BEST Comfort Food
Here is a list of the most indulgent dish from 16 different countries around the world, all of which are widely considered to be comfort foods
These Islands Are Quite Simply the World's Most Magical
The world is home to many beautiful islands, but only some can truly be called magical. Here are 12 of the most magical islands in the entire world.
Cambodia Is an Asian Stunner That's Begging to Be Visited
Cambodia is a lesser-visited country in southeast Asia. It's hard to see why, because it's got a bit of everything. Here are 10 top destinations in Cambodia.
First-Class Travel Looks Very Different on These Airlines
First-class air travel is one of the most luxurious modes of transport you can take, but the experience differs from airline to airline. Take a closer look.
Surprising Facts to Know About the Aztecs and Their Empire
The Aztecs were way ahead of their time!
Caution! 9 Things You Should Never Do When Flying!
Here are nine things that you should definitely avoid while flying.
Discover How Truly Stunning Our Planet Is in 22 Pictures
Our planet is full of wonderful spots. Check out how truly stunning it is in these 22 photos.
Take a Walk Along the Most Amazing Cliff Paths in the World
Come with us on a walk through some of the world's most spectacular cliff paths!
This Fantastic Tour of New York City Will Leave You in Awe
Ever wanted to visit New York City, but haven’t had the chance yet? This great video will whet your appetite until you get a chance to visit yourself!
You Better Move Your Shop, the Train is Coming.
This is pretty unbelievable, yet has become routine to these folks..
13 Unmissable Sights in the Exotic City of Baku
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Baku, we have compiled a short guide of 13 must-see attractions.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
The Ashikaga Flower Park is Truly a Sight to Behold
Only the Japanese could make a flower garden this stunning. Check it out!
Welcome to One of the Most Beautiful Isles in the World
This video will take you all around Koh Samui with the help of a drone.
Let's Visit the 10 Most Beautiful Castles in France!
France is renowned for its many castles. With a very long and rich history, there are many structures still left from medieval times throughout this beautiful country, many of them still intact or rebuilt. Here are 10 of these stunning French castle
8 Gorgeous Places Just Outside Rome You Should See...
You shouldn't limit yourself to the regular tourist spots of Rome. Here are 8 destinations close to Rome you'll love to visit.
Take a look At Jordan’s 10 Most Impressive Sites!
While we're all familiar with Egypt's pyramids, not many know about the gems hidden in another Middle-Eastern country, Jordan...
Welcome to the Alluring Ellora Caves, India
Welcome to the biggest cave temple in the world! These caves are more than 1000 years old and are amazing to see.
Mont Saint Michel: A Fairytale Castle Mid-Sea...
No, these aren’t scenes from Lord of the Rings though this castle looks like it was taken straight out of a childhood fairy-tale or a fantasy novel! This is a rocky tidal island Mont Saint Michel located in France.
Traveling to Two Gorgeous Dutch Cities...
Haarlem and Delft in the Netherlands are places where history and beauty come together...
Denmark Has So Much to See, You Won't Know Where to Start
Denmark is a beautiful little country, forming part of the European region known as Scandinavia. Attractions abound in this nation. Here are the top 10 places.
In the Lap of Nature: 8 Historic National Park Hotels
From lovely cabins to sprawling ranch resorts, these national park hotels and lodges are the perfect way to enjoy nature.
These Unusual Beaches Offer a Unique View of Paradise
If you are a beach lover with an eye for the unusual, then you might want to add some of these stunning spots to your bucket list.
A Walk Through Israel and the Palestinian Territories
This visual adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your understanding of this multifaceted and fascinating part of the world.
Tired of Touring the Same Cities? Check Out THESE Pearls!
We always consider major capitals as great destinations to visit, however there are other towns and cities that are wonderful, yet less obvious. Here are 12.
Indonesia: Is This Asia's Most Beautiful Country?
Indonesia is the best place in Asia to visit - and here is the photographic evidence!
Have You Ever Seen Bulgaria's Vast Nature?
Come fly with us over the heartbreaking vistas of Bulgaria.
Big Wheeled Beauties to Make You Want to Live on the Road
These 10 Recreational Vehicles come packed with all the space, comfort and durability needed for the ultimate road trip
Is This the Worst Travel Destination on the Planet?
Many people seem to think that traveling to Africa is a smart move. Well, I have to strongly disagree, since there are loads of negative things about Africa!
18 European Maps That Provide Fun and Fascinating Info
These cool and interesting maps will change your perception of Europe.
This Video of the Norwegian Fjords Will Leave You In Awe
This stunning time-lapse video will take you over three of Norway's mightiest fjords. What's more, it's in full HD!
Learn 42 Different Politeness Rules From Around the World!
Here's everything you need to know about the various principles of politeness that exist in different countries. It's both fascinating and a handy travel tool!
Colorful Travel Photos from Around the World - 13 Pics
Can travel photos be any more colorful?
Garden Envy: Stunning Photos from Fellow Plant Lovers
Soothe your soul with these beautiful gardening pictures shared by people from all over the world.
These Are 7 of the Most Beautiful Gardens in the World
These must-see gardens from all over are among the most beautiful in the world.
10 Stunning Wonders You Need to See Before They Disappear
The Earth is full of amazing places and wonderful species, but soon enough, we may not get the chance to see them ever again.
These Hotels Are SO Cool, No One Wants to Leave!
The problem with these beautiful hotels is that, once you get there, you never want to leave!
10 of the Most Beautiful Places of Worship in the World
Houses of worship are often the most shining example of artistic architecture, and these are the most beautiful examples of that.
A City of Ice: Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival on Camera
15 photos of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture festival in 2020
Are These the 30 Best Places to See Before You Die?
When you look at these 30 photos, you'll realize just how much wonderful stuff in life there is still to do!
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.