Best Train Rides in India

Presented below is a list of the most scenic train rides in India-

The Kalka to Shimla train route

• It is a narrow gauge toy train, now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other trains that ply on the Kalka-Shimla route are the Himalayan Queen, Siwalik Queen, and Rail Motor, etc. The route is an upslope track of 96 km across 82 bridges and 102 tunnels with several stations in between like Solan, Dharampur, Barog, Kandaghat, Salogra, Tara Devi, Summerhill, and Totu.
• The journey begins at Kalka and takes you across stunning deep valleys, foggy picturesque meadows, rolling bends, sharp pathways, steep curves, and dense jungles of oak, pine, rhododendron, and deodars before arriving at the final destination, i.e., the capital city of Shimla.
• The Jammu to Baramulla train route: The rail track which connects Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Baramulla is both enchanting and gorgeous. It has also been one of the most challenging projects taken up by the Indian railways. The railway corridor is in a high intensity earthquake zone that features intense cold weather and rocky and undulating terrain. The line when fully complete will feature the Chenab Bridge, the tallest railway bridge in India.

The Mumbai to Goa train route

• Goa is one of the main tourist destinations in India. The train route between Mumbai and Goa is really scenic and beautiful. The journey will be delight for all your senses. The train travels across steps and gorges of the mysterious Western Ghats, wide-ranging biodiversity all around, lush greenery and enchanting rains during the monsoon season, picturesque landscapes, bridges, tunnels, streams, small rivers, and peripheries of the coast and waters of the Arabian Sea.

The Jaisalmer to Jodhpur train route

• Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colors and the train trip from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is no different. In fact, it may be a tad brighter hued! You may travel on the Delhi Jaisalmer ‘Desert Queen’ Express or other trains. The journey is fun-filled every moment of the 6 hours that it takes to reach Jodhpur’s Golden Fort from Jaisalmer. It will take you across diverse topography made up of desert landscape, yellow sands and soil, sand dunes, scattered human settlements, camels grazing, and xerophytic eclectic vegetation. Passengers are sure to feel as if the ride was like a desert safari.

The Matheran to Neral train route

• This train journey may be only 20 km long, but it can be a really exhilarating one. It is a Heritage train and the only one in the state of Maharashtra. The track is a narrow gauge which passes across the jagged terrains of the enigmatic Sahyadris and lush green forested views. The rail is very popular with visitors!

The Mandapam to Rameshwaram train route

• It is one of the most serene and scenic train routes in India. Passengers will have the thrill of their lives when the train passes across the second longest sea bridge in India, namely, the Pamban Bridge. The bridge connects mainland India to Rameshwaram located on Pamban Island.

The Ratnagiri to Mangalore train route

• This train route is a part of the Konkan Railway network and is one of the most absorbing and enchanting rail journeys. Passengers will be mesmerized and spellbound by the beauty of the mighty Sahyadris, dense jungles, deep long tunnels, sharp curvy bends, tall bridges across rivers and valleys, waterfalls, and numerous seasonal and small streams during the entire course of this scenic train voyage.

The Bangalore to Kanyakumari train route

• The typical picturesque landscape in southern India is dotted with charming villages, lush meadows, varied plantations, rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies. Passengers on the train journey from Bangalore to Kanyakumari can witness and enjoy all of these and more. And it will surely remind you of the adventures featured in the popular TV show ‘Malgudi Days.’

The New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling train route

• Darjeeling was the Summer Resort of the Imperial Britain in India. The train journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is a ‘heritage voyage’ that is slow but pleasant and leisurely. The 78 km journey passes through varied scenic towns such as Siliguri, Rangtong, Kurseong, Jorebunglow, Sukna, and Tung, etc. before arriving at the gorgeous destination 8 hours later. As you ascend from the foothills in the area and begin the train trip, you will get sucked into the sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape, the valleys, the lush hills, and the charming houses on the hillsides.

The Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley train route

• It is one of the most intriguing train journeys in India. The route was launched as a means of transport of varied minerals like iron ore, etc. from Chhattisgarh to Vishakhapatnam, but now it is used for ferrying passengers as well. The interesting and fascinating trip weaves across numerous tunnels and features sharp loops. The train journey is a delight for all your senses and a treat for your soul.