Darjeeling Himalayan Railway recently organised a familiarisation tour for travel trade stakeholders, showcasing the heritage railway’s tourism experiences, scenic routes and cultural attractions across the Darjeeling hills.
Among the participants was Maanas Sarover Tours and Travels Private Limited represented by P. Ashok Kumar, who described the journey as a unique blend of heritage, nature and community interaction.
The programme began with an interaction at Victoria Boys’ School in Kurseong, where participants were introduced to the institution’s historical legacy. The itinerary also included a downhill forest trek to the Forest Museum, a traditional local lunch experience, and a visit to Kurseong Railway Station featuring an open train experience and a specially arranged charter ride.
Delegates also visited the residence associated with Subhas Chandra Bose and attended an interactive session at the DHR quarters focused on the railway’s heritage and future tourism potential.
On the second day, participants attended the inauguration of the Sukna Gallery before undertaking a scenic forest-route train journey to Rongtong Station. The itinerary further included a visit to Shivkhola Temple and immersive tea tourism activities such as tea leaf plucking, traditional attire experiences and tea tasting sessions.
Despite rain affecting part of the visit to the historic Tindharia Workshop, delegates appreciated the interaction sessions and hospitality extended during the tour.
Participants suggested that enhanced infrastructure, improved train frequency and wider promotional campaigns could further strengthen DHR’s tourism appeal. Recommendations also included collaborations with public sector undertakings, influencers, travel media and tourism associations to increase awareness of the UNESCO-recognised mountain railway.
According to the participants, the serene beauty of Kurseong and the warm hospitality extended by local communities along the railway route emerged as key highlights of the experience.
Travel trade representatives said they would promote DHR through association networks, digital platforms and tourism marketing initiatives to encourage more domestic and international travellers to explore the heritage railway experience.
