25 Most Scenic Train Routes in India
The Kashmir Railway (Jammu – Udhampur)
The Kashmir Railway is one of the most challenging engineering projects in India. The extremes of cold and heat along with the unfavorable terrain and political scenarios make this route one of the most thrilling of all Indian train routes. This route has 20 major tunnels and 158 bridges which offer awe inspiring views of the rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain Ranges.
The Snow Sojourn (Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla)
This is a part of the Kashmir Railway, but currently work is going on the section between Jammu and Qazigund, thus making this another separate leg of the journey. When complete, this will be a part of the greater Kashmir railway which will connect Jammu to Baramulla, or rather the plains to the Valley.
The journey promises a refreshing ride through the Kashmir Valley, weaving through the snow capped peaks at a distance and the Chinar trees all around.
The Kangra Valley Odyssey (Pathankot – Kangra-Palampur-Jogindernagar)
The Kangra Valley Railway belongs to the sub-Himalayan region in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Pathankot in Punjab, it covers 164 kms to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, meandering through numerous passes, rivers and valleys. Even though it’s a laid back option of traveling across the Kangra valley, yet the views it offers compensates the speed. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar hills at a distance after Palampur rewards the tired soul exuberantly.
The Konkan Railway (Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)
This is one of the most magnificent Indian rail journeys that you will never forget! Pristine and unspoiled natural beauty throughout the route leaves you awe-inspired. You shall pass through lush green forests and cross several river-bridges and view many lakes; this Konkan railways experience can be extremely exhilarating.
The Goan Experience (Vasco Da Gama – Londa Jn)
Goa might be known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, but there is another side of Goa which cannot be missed. The lush green villages, thick jungles and the abundant waterfalls constitute a charming world of Goan Rails. A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s highest and most exquisite falls.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam)
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, running for over a 110 years is another train journey, you simply cannot miss.
The steam engine covers the 46 km to Ooty in four and a half hours, twisting and turning through the rocky terrain, before slowly meandering into the sprawling tea estates.
Himalayan Queen (Kalka – Shimla)
Being the only mountain railway in India, to be used by regular commuters, the heritage railway between Kalka and Shimla features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers
Built in 1903, it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, flanked by the picturesque Shivalik Hills on both sides. The train guzzles along the track, built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries of ancient roman architecture.
The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling)
The oldest of all mountain railways in India, the Toy Train is also a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1999.Loops are a special feature of this railway to give it a natural ascent. The most popular being the ‘Batasia Loop’ which offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the snow capped Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
Matheran Hill Railway (Neral-Matheran)
Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the favorite weekend destinations for busy Mumbaikars. It still holds its charm, thanks to no vehicles being allowed in the town. One has to take a pony ride or walk on the dusty and muddy roads to go around Matheran.
Dooars Voyage (Siliguri - New Mal - Hasimara –Alipurduar)
The train route recently converted to broad gauge has minimum traffic but passes through notable wildlife sanctuaries abound in a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. It crosses Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings.
Flavors of Assam (Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar)
The aroma of Assam runs into your senses as the train inches into the lush greenery of the adjoining valleys of Haflong, before joining the banks of River Jatinga and meandering along with it. A few hours later catch the flavor of the tea gardens of Barak valley, before running into the plains. This track now goes south and connects Agartala (the second largest city of North East India) to rest of the country.
Desert Queen ( Jaipur-Jaisalmer)
Jaisalmer is the gateway to all the camel safaris in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. A train journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer can be a great experience of viewing the barren stretches of the Thar Desert. The vibrant settlements of colorful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life.
Arakku Valley Railway ( Vizag – Arakku)
Arakku Valley is a popular hotspot for nature enthusiasts, boasting of thick forests and coffee plantations. Vishakhapatnam, an important port city of East India has a rail link to Arakku, which lies on the Kothavalasa and Kirandul (KK) Line. This is one of rare broad gauge hill railways of India, which was built to transport iron ore from the mines of Chattisgarh to the port city of Vizag, presently known as Vishakhapatnam.
Malnad Magic (Hassan – Mangalore)
The picturesque green paddy fields and Areca nut palm trees of the Malnad region encompasses this route. The best stretch is the one between Sakleshpur and Subramanya stations, where the train chugs through 57 tunnels offering a stunning view of the misty mountains and the sparkling waterfalls all around.
The Sea Bridge Ride(Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram)
It is one of the journeys that will remain etched in your memories. Crossing the second largest sea bridge in India, this journey offers galore of splendid views and sights. The train starts from Mandapam and traverses through the bridge to reach Pamban Island in the Gulf of Mannar.
The Western Ghat Saunter( Karjat - Lonavala)
As the train passes Karjat in Maharashtra, it enters the hinterland of the Western Ghats, not the mightiest in terms of height but extremely rich in biodiversity. During monsoons, this journey comes alive with numerous streams and cascading waterfalls on its way. The dense foliage with the backdrop of the hills will make you move out of your seat and enjoy the scenery at the door.
Chambal Express (Agra to Gwalior)
The infamous Chambal region has been in the news for decades, thanks to the dacoits who might have created a record for the maximum number of extortions, robberies and murders in the region. But there is something about the ravines of Chambal that impresses the eye. The terrain has been supporting the sons of her soil since ages, with its unique diversity of undulations that makes it easier for the villains to rob and escape. A train ride through the Chambal ravines can bring a rush of adrenaline to the adventurous and a sense of curiosity to the landscape lover.
The Kerala Anubhavam (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum)
It is undoubtedly a holiday in itself. You will get an opportunity to peek into the rural life of Kerala, witness the stunning backwaters and sparkling lakes as you pass through Ernakulam to reach Trivandrum via Kollam. This indeed is one of the best train journeys in India that will remain engraved in your memories forever!
The Travancore Railway (Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai)
Mesmerized is how you will feel after completing the train journey between Kollam and Sengottai. The lush green forests accompanied by cardamom hills are a sight to capture here. Also, the excitement of crossing the famous 13 arched bridge adds to the exhilaration of this incredible train journey in India. At the moment only a passenger train is available on this route that runs at night; however in years to come there will be more trains operating on this route in the daytime.
Guntakal to Guntur
The section between Dhone and Cumbum on the Guntakal – Guntur boasts of a scenic journey through the Eastern Ghats. Most of the express trains pass this stretch at night, but there are a few passenger trains that can be taken to experience the scenic beauty of this unexplored part of Andhra Pradesh.
Tribal Orissa Odyssey( Koraput – Rayagada)
Taking you to the tribal Odisha, this train journey has a charming feel to it. Along with scenic beauty, witness the inhabiting tribes in Odisha from the windows of the train. The journey is an awe-inspiring experience down the hill. The lush green forests and the horse-shoe curves are the highlights of this fascinating train journey.
Lake View Chilika (Bhubaneswar- Brahmapur )
Take a morning ride from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur in Orissa to experience the grandeur of the Chilika Lake on your left and the Eastern Ghats on your right. Chilika is the second largest lagoon on earth and a haven for migratory birds. If you are into bird watching, make sure you sit on the train window with a binocular.
Aravalli Adventure(Himmatnagar – Udaipur/Mavli – Marwar)
The Aravalli range runs across the state of Rajasthan from north to south. These old mountains consist of steep rocky ridges, formed due to erosion of an ancient folded mountain. They are rich in the history of Rajasthan which unfolds when a journey is taken to the interiors meeting the locals, listening to the folklores.
Gir Safari (Junagarh-Delvada)
The Metre gauge railway from Junagadh to Delvada in Gujarat is an interesting journey through the wooded hills of Gir National Park. It is an extremely slow journey but for the laid back traveler planning for a stopover at Gir and looking to soak in the culture of Saurashtra (western region of Gujarat), this is a journey to look for. The train stops at Sasan Gir station, which leads to start of the National Park.
Shindavane and Ambale (Pune-Satara)
The ghats of Shindavane are known for the barren and lofty Sahyadri Mountains. The railway cuts deep through the mountains and passes through loose rocks on all sides. This lies in the Pune-Satara section of the Central Railways.