Darjeeling Toy Train Seating!!

alaskabob

Hi,
There are 2 classes available: FC & 2S

Apart from price (247Rs FC vs 42Rs 2S), is there any difference??!

I guess we want to sit where we're gonna get the best views but are the views great wherever we're going to sit?

Any advice??
Thanks again!
Bob

ddutta

There should be some difference between FC & 2nd Class beside price factor. What I came to know is its first-class coaches are of the corridor type with extra large windows. Seats are more comfortable & will be less crouded.

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Anders

The left side should get you the best views.

TimMakins

Rather depends which direction he's going The above is correct if you are going to Darjeeling. If going from Darjeeling, sit on the right.

By the way, are you intending to take the train all the way from NJP to Darjeeling? Its a very long trip, and diesel-hauled. Far better to take a shared-jeep to Darjeeling, and then go on the special steam-hauled day trips from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back.

Tim in Ireland.

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Judi

OK - it is a long trip ...... but you get far, far better views from the train than from the road, and it really is an unforgettable experience.

Travel 1st Class if you can - there are lovely big windows, better seats and fewer people (so you get to see more). Have a good trip!

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alaskabob

We are kinda hoping to travel by train from NJP to Darjeeling (though back to Baghdogra by car to make flight to Delhi)
I gather the train journey is about 6-7hrs? (& about 88km) so I guess that is kinda slow but I've seen it recommended for the views...
We're intending to travel from Kalkota on the Darjeeling Mail so I guess that means spending at 17-18hrs on trains...

While we're pondering all this, anyone got any views on Windamere Hotel vs Shang-Ri-La Regency Hotel in Darjeeling??

(Thanks for advice so far by the way)
Bob

TimMakins

Well OK, if you don't mind the time it takes, and you don't mind that it is diesel-hauled, then you will enjoy it. Definitely go 1st class, and book the tickets well ahead of time - its only a little train, and gets fully booked some days in advance.

Absoutely no contest. The Windamere

http://www.nivalink.com/windamere/

is over-priced for what you get, but has lovely atmosphere. The Shangri-La Regency

http://www.shangri-la-regency.com/

is just another designer hotel with nothing special apart from the price. You will find similar places all over the world - very nice, of course, but bland also.

There are a number of very nice hotels in Darjeeling. The more expensive ones often have vacancies, though the Windamere, due to its 'name' if often booked in advance. My suggestion, if you are going for a week or so, is to book two nights in the Windamere, then move to one of the others when you have had a chance to look round. DON'T get worried that you won't find space and have to book everything in advance - you will have no problems getting a room if you have 1-2000rs a night to play with.

Tim in Ireland.

Judi

Ooops - another difference in views!

We hated the Windamere ..... very atmospheric and all that, but indifferent service and atrocious food. Great to visit for a pot of tea or a G&T on the terrace, though.

We moved to the New Elgin, which is similarly priced, although they do do b&B rather than insisting on ful board. It's the oldest hotel ion Darjeeling, but beautifully maintained, the food was delicious, the service attentive and the family ( Oberoi - of the famous hotel chain family, although this isn't one of them) are utterly charming.

Sorry, no experience of the Shangri La.

alaskabob

I can see we're gonna have to give this a little more consideration before any decisions...
Thanks for advice so far though,
Bob

J&M

Hello again.

We took the toy train and went FC (the difference seemed to be the state of the carriages and the seating, I think we had more comfy chairs and there seemed less seating so worth the extra few Rs). The FC seating was only 3 seats wide and as the train zig zags up the mountain the view changes from left to right. Being not a lot of seating you didn't have many people to be able to see past. The windows open right up as well so you can get a good view out of them plus from the door. A most fantastic time though, it was a very special trip up and we wouldn't have missed that for the world.

TimMakins

Well no, I'm not disagreeing with you - the Windamere always did have a reputation for poor food. However, the place is so unique that, if you want the ex-Raj experience, you've got to give it a go for a day or so, then move somewhere else. There are very few Raj-style hotels left these days: the Fairlawn in Kolkutta, the SE Railway in Puri - just like English boarding schools you don't go there for the food !

You don't say if you've much experience of India. All I know is that you liked the look of the Windamere, and that you are prepared to pay the prices. If you are a first timer, you really shouldn't get in a flap about the availability of accomodation in India. There is always something available, especially at the higher rates. The Windamere *does* get booked out, mainly from Japanese or other tour groups, but Darjeeling has many fine hotels, and quite a surprising number of these are not even in the guidebooks! For instance, I was there this last summer, and walked around most of the hotels - found a really nice place outside my budget (but in yours) at the southern end of the Mall - not in the book, but amazing place to stay. Can't remember the name, though, but you'll find it if you wander around in your own time.

Tim in Ireland.

alaskabob

Hmm...
That obvious we're India virgins?!?

Windamere isn't really in our budget but we had seen it recommended in places and thought we'd try pushing the boat out for it...
Now, if it's not worth the money as well as being a bit pricey for us, then we will probably give it a miss... I guess the only way we would know for sure is if we did stay there.... I can see that we're gonna have to consider whether or not we wanna take the (expensive-ish for us) chance...

We have since come across the Dekeling Hotel which works out at around $30 per night... No where near the $155 the Windamere are quoting... I'm presuming that $125 buys alot of food, even in Darjeeling....

Re: accomodation panic- it's more that we want to have somewhere sorted for the first day or two to avoid the initial hassle of arriving in a new place, having to get our bearings and try sort out somewhere to stay before we can sorta relax and have a look around.. I'm not sure if that makes sense?

The Shangri-La Regency had looked a good deal but a few people here have been slightly negative about it and we haven't actually seen anything positive about it on IM or some other sites we've been looking at so I guess we're moving away from that option...

I know there's no need to panic really but I like to have everything arranged and as perfect as possible... (Dunno how I'll cope in India!)

Now, don't get me started on the stress I'm getting trying to book Indian trains online! (Despite fantastic advice on IM!)

steven_ber

I absolutly loved the Fairlawn Hotel (scroll down for my comments) in Calcutta.

Tim, have you stayed at the SE Railway in Puri?

What was it like?

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TimMakins

Thanks for the extra info - it helps to give better advice. Oh well, if that budget is a bit above your means, and you're not bothered about seeing the ex-Raj things (be aware that some people (not me) go to India specially for that) then don't bother at all with the Windamere, apart from an early evening visit for a G&T if you like that kind of thing.

I went to look at the Shangrila - I didn't think it was anything to write home about - nice, but bland.

You should be aware that the prices in DJ vary tremendously according to the time of year. If you arrive at a quiet period, the prices can drop 50% +. It is always worth bargaining in DJ, and do negotiage a discount if you intend to stay a week or so - its usually there just for the asking.

Now I've a better idea of your budget, I would suggest the Hotel Fairmont, 10 Gandhi Road Fax: 0354-2253647 Tel: 2253646(O) 2252699(R) . I stayed there for a week, and spent 1050rs/night for a lovely room, good views, very friendly Tibetan staff. Didn't eat there. That price is normally way out of my budget, but I fancied a treat. They also do a superior deluxe for 1500rs.

That lovely place I mentioned was about twice that price, but have a look whilst you are in the area - its just down the road from there.

Tim in Ireland

PS - Go to Glenarys for breakfast, and Hasty Tasty for excellent evening thalis.

TimMakins

Yes, I stayed at the SE Railway Hotel in 1996. I enjoyed it tremendously, though the price was a bit high for me - had an 'end of trip' treat. Very ex Raj - with billiard room, afternoon tiffin, and an all-inclusive price that gives 3 meals and room. The waiters were a bit greedy for tips - they made you fill in a book of 'gifts' and enter your amount, banking on the assumption that you wouldn't want to look tight - I didn't care, and gave 50rs !! The hotel is well kept, and the rooms are nice - obviously not modern facilities, though.

Last year I stayed at the other remaining railway hotel: the Bengal and Nagpur Railway Hotel at Ranchi - boy has that place gone to seed !!! Its supposed to be done-up shortly, but things move slowly in India, especially amongst government departments!! Will it be started before the place collapses ?!

See some photos here:
http://www.irfca.org/gallery/main.php

search the gallery for 'Ranchi'.

Tim in Ireland.