LEAD NEWS: DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY CELEBRATES GLOBAL RECOGNITION IN LONELY PLANET’S BEST IN TRAVEL AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2027, BOOSTING REGIONAL TOURISM

LEAD NEWS: DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY CELEBRATES GLOBAL RECOGNITION IN LONELY PLANET’S BEST IN TRAVEL AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2027, BOOSTING REGIONAL TOURISM

TTT NEWS NETWORK

KURSEONG | 24 DECEMBER 2026

In a monumental achievement for Darjeeling, the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) has been named one of the world’s top destinations by Lonely Planet, standing proudly as a premier global travel experience for 2027.

As the world’s leading travel media and guidebook brand, Lonely Planet releases its highly anticipated Best in Travel guide annually, curated by global experts to showcase the unique destinations and experiences defining the year ahead.

This international honour showcases the unmatched cultural and heritage appeal of the iconic “Toy Train” on the world stage.

Crucially, this global acclaim is heavily reinforced by proactive local initiatives that are actively driving and expanding Darjeeling’s tourism sector:

Heritage and Cultural Celebrations: Groundbreaking events like the Ghum Winter Festival, Station Mahatsov and Summer Festival are breathing vibrant new life into historic stations across Darjeeling, Sukna, Rongtong and Mahanadi, drawing culture enthusiasts from around the globe

Community-Led Eco-Tourism: Collaborative green initiatives—such as heritage joy rides paired with environmental awareness programs alongside local forestry and community partners, promote sustainable travel experiences.

Innovative Youth Engagement: Modernized experiential offerings, including digital tech integration and youth-focused educational charters are successfully attracting broader demographics and enriching the overall visitor journey.

By seamlessly blending its timeless colonial-era charm with forward-thinking, community-driven tourism strategies, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway continues to elevate the region’s profile, driving robust economic growth and positioning the Eastern Himalayas as a must-visit global destination.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel