There may be hardly someone who does not have vivid memories of reaching the railway station – procuring eatables, magazines & comics and fighting for the window seat. For the trainspotting enthusiasts, rail journeys in India have always offered a beautiful showcase of India’s landscape, and undoubtedly the Indian railways equates as a lifeline for millions of people across the country.
On an average, the Indian Railways reaches out to as many as 30 million people across the length and breadth of a culturally and topographically diverse subcontinent. As a vast nation, this land boasts several breathtaking train journeys that offer stunning views of its diverse geography.
Some of the most scenic routes include the Kalka-Shimla Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Konkan Railway, Kashmir Valley Railway, Matheran Hill Railway, and the Mumbai to Goa route (part of the Konkan Railway). These journeys take you through mountains, valleys, coastal areas, and lush greenery, providing unforgettable travel experiences. In this article we elucidate on these journey experiences in detail.
Top 7 Most Scenic Train Journey Experiences of India
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Kalka-Shimla Railway: (Himalayan Queen)
Distance: 96 Kms
This railway line is a narrow-gauge railway in North India, connecting the mountainous regions of Kalka and Shimla, offering a picturesque journey through the Shivalik hills. This line passes through 102 tunnels and a whopping 864 bridges. The route is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: (Joy Train)
Distance: 89 Kms
Touted as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this narrow-gauge railway takes you from the eastern areas of New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, passing through gorgeous tea plantations and offering breathtaking views of the Himalaya ranges. The journey is famous for its loop-like tracks and stunning scenery – making the passengers enamoured with nature’s beauty. The DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) offers a ‘Joy Ride’ – steam or diesel train services, primarily operating within Darjeeling town and its surroundings.
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Nilgiri Mountain Railway: (Tea Garden)
Distance: 45 Kms
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also known as the ‘Ooty Toy Train‘, offers a picturesque journey through the Nilgiri Hills – passing by tea gardens and lush landscapes of the southern peninsula. The train ride is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, reputed for its slow, scenic route, particularly between Mettupalayam and Ooty. The 45 km journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty takes approximately 5 hours, passing through 16 tunnels, 250 bridges, with Coonoor as a major stop. This route is one of the most scenic train journey experiences of India.
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Mumbai – Goa (Konkan Railway):
Distance: 600 Kms
This railway line runs along the western coast of India, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, and lush green landscapes. The route includes numerous bridges, tunnels, and waterfalls, making it a truly scenic experience. This route is part of the Konkan Railway and offers a beautiful coastal experience, passing through waterfalls and underground tunnels. You’ll witness the beauty of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea on this long railway route – spreading as long as 600 kms. The iconic Doodhsagar Waterfalls, can be seen on the outskirts of Goa, with Kulem as the main station.
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Matheran Hill Railway:
Distance: 22 Kms
This narrow-gauge line is unique because Matheran is an eco-sensitive zone where no vehicles are allowed. The train’s slow pace allows travelers to enjoy lush green forests, deep ravines, and scenic plateaus. Operating since 1907, the journey offers a peaceful escape from city life. In monsoon, the route becomes even more spectacular with mist-covered landscapes and cascading waterfalls.
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Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (Desert Queen):
Distance: 290 Kms
A journey that kicks off in the Indian desert of Thar, from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan, fights against the entire stereotype that deserts are just barren land. The traveller is welcomed to the sight of the never-ending desert, something that liberates the mind yet frightens it, dotted by the colourful traditional mud huts and oh so many camels grazing around the place.
Sunrises of the desert are something very few get the pleasure to witness, because we always tend to prefer the colder regions, but this is one train route that will challenge your tastes and take you on a ride making you feel like you are on top of the world, a lone ranger, happy and content. This route is one of the most scenic train journey experiences of India.
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Mandapam – Rameshwaram (Pamban Bridge):
Distance: 2.6 Kms
Known as one of the scariest railway routes in India, because it runs on a thin bridge, this route is exciting and a must try for those adventure birds. This bridge is known as the second longest bridge in India. The route connects Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to the religious site of the island of Rameswaram, known for its immense significance from the times of Lord Ram, as a part of his route to modern-day Sri Lanka. This is one scenic journey experience that will make you fall in love with the beauty and landscape instantly.
India, with its vast and varied geography, offers some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. From the towering Himalayas to the unhurried Western Ghats, and from arid deserts to verdant valleys, Indian Railways provides its travelers a front-row seat to experience the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and architectural marvels. The above curated list of the ‘Top 7 Most Scenic Train Journey Experiences in India‘ is one that every traveller should consider.
They offer more than just transport – almost synonymous as immersive travel experiences that let you witness the heart and soul of the country. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a lover of slow travel, these scenic train routes promise unforgettable memories.
