India’s extensive and varied landscape makes train travel an excellent way to see the country. From rolling green hills to snow-covered mountains and everything in between, these stunning train journeys provide stunning scenery and memories that will last a lifetime. Here are five of India’s most sought-after train journeys you simply must take.
These scenic train journeys on picturesque tracks provide far more than commuting – they are experiences that provide India’s diverse natural landscape and cultural heritage. Whether the rugged Himalayan terrain or the Konkan coastline route, each journey guarantees memories to last a lifetime.
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the “Toy Train,” operates between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. During the journey up the hills of West Bengal, travelers see sights of tea gardens, valleys shrouded in mist, and the stunning Kanchenjunga mountain. The quaintness of this narrow-gauge train is due to its old steam engines and a leisurely movement, which makes it etched in memory.
2. Konkan Railway
From Mumbai to Goa, the Konkan Railway track is an engineering and natural work of beauty. The travelers are taken through thick forests, serpentine rivers and scenic coastlines. The journey, tunnels, bridges and steep slopes included, greets the eyes to an unparalleled sight of the Western Ghats during monsoon.
3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Operating between Mettupalayam and Ooty, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is another World Heritage Site. The train climbs up the verdant Nilgiri Hills, through dense forests, natural waterfalls and quaint colonial-era stations. The ride is a feast for the eyes, with natural beauty complemented by the vintage charm of steam locomotives.
4. Kalka-Shimla Railway
This mythic narrow-gauge track links Kalka to Shimla and presents a panoramic ride along the foothills of the Himalayas. With 102 tunnels, rock bridges and spiral tracks, the Kalka-Shimla train provides spectacular views of pine groves, rugged hills and postcard-like villages. It’s a fairy-tale ride, particularly during winter when the entire scene is blanketed in snow.
5. The Palace on Wheels
For those who seek luxury and heritage, the Palace on Wheels is an opulent train ride that journeys across the famous places of Rajasthan. The travelers enjoy the luxury experience while watching desert landscapes, historical forts, and cosmopolitan cities like Jaipur and Udaipur.
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