Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Revives Royal Legend with Moonlit Rides
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set to enchant visitors with a new premium service that draws inspiration from a century-old royal tale. Building on the local lore of a Cooch Behar princess from the early 1920s, the DHR will launch 'Maharani's Great Escapade', special rides exclusively on full-moon nights, starting with the first full moon of March.
The Legend Behind the Experience
According to preserved stories, the princess of Cooch Behar was invited to a grand ball at the iconic Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling during the early 1920s. Finding the evening rather dull, she cleverly slipped away with assistance from the DHR's then general manager. The princess then hosted her own private moonlit party aboard the train as it gracefully wound down the picturesque hills, creating a memorable escapade that has since become part of regional folklore.
Modern Recreation of a Regal Journey
DHR director Rishab Choudhary explained that this new offering aims to recreate that regal adventure in a meticulously curated modern format. "This is a premium service that will operate exclusively on full-moon nights and accommodate up to three persons per trip," he stated. The journey commences at 5:30 pm with a visit to the historic Tindharia workshop, followed by departure at 6 pm. Onboard, passengers will be served traditional Tibetan tea, enhancing the cultural immersion.
Between 7 pm and 11 pm, the train will travel from Rongtong to Sukna and then proceed to the scenic Gulma Tea Estate. At Gulma, guests will enjoy a vibrant cultural performance and a gourmet dinner. The highlight of the evening will be a moonlit tea-plucking session, offering a rare opportunity to experience a tea garden under the enchanting glow of a full moon—a truly unique and magical experience.
Expanding Heritage Experiences with Bagheera's Trail
In addition to the moonlit rides, the DHR will introduce 'Bagheera's Trail—The Sunset Ride Experience' next month. This initiative blends heritage rail travel with immersive nature exploration, launched in collaboration with the Kurseong forest department to provide curated outdoor adventures in the hills.
This journey begins at 10 am, with participants assembling in Dow Hill, Kurseong. The itinerary includes a supervised trek of approximately two hours under the guidance of forest personnel. Visitors can choose from various routes, including jungle trails, road walks, and uphill or downhill paths. Options also include visiting the local forest museum and a viewpoint known as 'Heaven', along with a stop at an old monastery for a touch of spiritual serenity.
After the trek, participants will be transported to the Kurseong railway station, from where the DHR will depart before dusk towards Mahanadi. The route includes a halt at Giddha Pahar and an optional visit to the Netaji Museum, enriching the historical context of the trip.
A Vision Beyond Conventional Travel
Choudhary emphasized that these curated journeys are designed to allow visitors to experience the hills in ways that go beyond a conventional train ride. "These curated journeys are designed to allow visitors to experience the hills beyond a conventional train ride," he added, highlighting the DHR's commitment to offering innovative and memorable tourism experiences that celebrate both heritage and natural beauty.
With these new offerings, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway continues to innovate while honoring its rich history, promising unforgettable adventures for travelers seeking unique and premium experiences in the heart of the Himalayas.
