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 |
Hop Aboard the LONGEST Train Journeys in the World
Check out this list of the longest train journeys of the world that every travel enthusiast would love to embark on.
The Fascinating Transformation of Trains through the Ages
Learn about the fascinating evolution of trains over the last 200 years - from the first locomotive to the fastest ever train.
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.
You Feel like Royalty Inside These 10 Exotic Trains
Hop aboard some of the most luxurious train rides of the world in this video.
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.
16 Unique Grocery Store Innovations That Will Delight You
These supermarkets are using clever ideas to attract customers!
Have You Ever Seen Bulgaria's Vast Nature?
Come fly with us over the heartbreaking vistas of Bulgaria.
Open Your Eyes to Spain's 15 Most Cherished Hidden Towns
Spain's gorgeous little towns and villages are rendered all the more spectacular thanks to the amazing surrounding countryside...
9 Sites and Sights in the Stunning City of Bratislava
We have listed down nine recommended places to visit in Bratislava, hoping that you get to explore and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
21 Things About Australia that Would Scare Me to Death
These 22 pictures are proof that Australia is a terrifying place to visit
20 Unusual and Intriguing Maps to Trigger Your Curiosity
You won’t view the world the same way after seeing these unusual maps.
Take in China's Spectacular Oriental Beauty - from Above
Get ready to fly high over China's most amazing landscapes.
Indonesia is an Island Paradise With Many Hidden Charms
Explore the culture and natural beauty of Indonesia with this immersive travel guide.
These Rooftop Bars Around the World Have Views to Die For
Rooftop bars are great spots for some rest and relaxation, but the 20 you're about to see offer some of the best views (and drinks) in the world.
10 Beautiful Castles Literally Built For Romance!
Castles seem to be a supreme statement of true love, built with great hardship and expense, to serve as a romantic home taken out of a fairy tale, and to live in it happily ever after...
The World's Most Incredible Toy Train Journeys
Experience the joy of these iconic toy train rides.
The Architectural Wonders of Europe Never Looked Better...
Watch as some of the most stunning structures of Europe come alive in beautiful detail.
This Beautiful Palace Appears to Hover Over the Water
When you see this palace, you'll want to stay there at least once in your life. In addition to its exquisite architecture, it appears to float on water.
The Road to Machu Picchu Makes it Even More Breathtaking
This 5 minute adventure video will make you feel like you're really visiting this amazing Incan temple. The quality is astonishing!
Plitvice Lakes National Park: Croatia's Secret Eden
One of the most incredible nature reserves in the world, Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park is a wondrous place.
Winter is Breathtakingly Beautiful in these Magical Towns
These towns are transformed with the touch of snow.
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...
Wedding Outfits Around the World Are Anything But Boring
Here is a list of 15 of the most grandiose and exotic traditional wedding outfits you will ever see
Thailand Is Home to Some Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit
Thailand is hugely popular with tourists from all over the world, and to be honest, it's not hard to see why. Check out these 12 amazing attractions and places.
These 10 Countries Are Smaller Than Most Cities
Countries can range in size from large and heavily populated places like Russia to microstates that run less than a square mile from end to end. These countries are the smallest in the world.
10 Wonderful River Cruise Experiences We Highly Recommend
Here are the top 10 recommended destinations for river cruising worldwide.
Step Inside This Incredible ROTATING HOUSE
Step inside the world’s ‘most famous’ rotating house in San Diego.
13 Free Attractions to Enjoy in the City of London
Remember that exploring London doesn't have to be an expensive venture - with careful planning and inclusion of free attractions in your itinerary...
Come With Us as We Tour Portugal's Gorgeous Heritage Sites
In this article, we will introduce you to some of Portugal's most renowned and awe-inspiring World Heritage sites. I
Underwhelming Tourist Attractions
A selection of 12 such disappointing sights you may want to avoid on your travels.
10 Majestic Medieval Castles You Have to See
If you ever wanted to know what it feels like to live like royalty, all you need to do is visit one of these amazing places.
10 Awesome Travel Destinations in England’s Lake District
Not everyone is familiar with England's beautiful Lake District, that's why we've gathered for you the 10 most treasured destination on site!
Las Vegas Isn't Just About Gambling as These Places Prove
Planning a visit to Las Vegas? If so, you must really visit these stunning places.
Discovering 10 of the Oldest Nations in the World!
Bet you didn’t know these countries were so old!
19 Timeless Treasures of Our World You Need to See
Uncover the world's most captivating and awe-inspiring creations through the lens of history, archaeology, art, and architecture.
Up Above the World So High - 17 Aerial Photographs
Enjoy this collection of breathtaking aerial photographs taken by British pilot Lee Mumford.
Go On An Unforgettable Trip In the Southern Netherlands!
The Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, get to know the country by taking an 8 day trip in the southern part of it with out guide.
This Man Ran a Marathon Every Single Day of the Year!
Meet Gary McKee, the man who ran 365 marathons in a year!
The Gorgeous City of Turin, Italy Awaits You...
Turin is one of the most beautiful places to visit, and you're about to see it all...
10 Famous, Gorgeous Streets We Should All Stroll Down
If you are also attracted to the 10 streets in front of you, maybe one day you will find yourself there
Lofoten, the Most Gorgeous Place You've Never Heard Of
I thought I knew where Europe's most beautiful places were, but then I saw Lofoten. This is simply the most gorgeous part of the world I never knew about.
18 European Maps That Provide Fun and Fascinating Info
These cool and interesting maps will change your perception of Europe.
WATCH: Visit the Stunning Old Chinese Town of Lijiang
The beautiful Old Town of Lijiang in China's Yunnan province is a truly spectacular place that allows you to step into the past. View it in full high definition
Here Are 8 New Countries That Might Exist by 2030
This video takes a look at some potential new countries that might exist by 2030.
8 Fairytale-Like Castles That You’ve Probably Never Seen
Journey through the globe with us and see these 8 stunning palaces as if you were there right now
7 Amazing Wonders of the World Nobody Told You About
It's not all about the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Giza, here are 7 amazing, ancient buildings that most of us have no idea about.