Planning a vacation rarely encompasses a train expedition nowadays. But if it does, it certainly takes us back to the childhood days when holidaying meant embarking on beautiful train journeys in India. It also meant admiring the changing landscapes as the train passed through towns and villages; playing cards or memory game; chitchatting over warm tea in earthen cups (locally called Kulhad); yummy munchies and lot more! This time round, we take you on some of the most beautiful train routes in India that cover absolutely enthralling and diverse landscapes – steep mountain slopes, narrow valleys, and wide seas.
18 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In India
Go through the list of these most beautiful train rides in India and make sure you head to one of them, the one that you find to be truly out of this world. You will realize the journey is nothing short of a dream. There’s mountains, waterfalls, rivers, plains, deserts and every possible landscape that you can imagine of. They are spread across the northern frontier to the southern frontier. Have a look!
- Jammu – Baramulla
- Pathankot – Jogindernagar
- Kalka – Shimla
- Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
- Mumbai – Goa
- Hubli – Madgaon
- Matheran – Neral
- Karjat – Lonavala
- Ratnagiri – Mangalore
- Mandapam – Rameshwaram
- Mettupalayam – Ooty
- Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley
- Bangalore – Kanyakumari
- Hassan – Mangalore
- Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur
- New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
- Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri
- Guwahati – Silchar
1. Jammu – Baramulla
Kashmir Railway Gifts you Travel Charisma
The railway track connecting Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla is not only picturesque and enthralling but also one the most challenging railway projects. It is located in the high earthquake intensity zone with undulating and rugged terrain, extreme cold temperature, and is the most beautiful railway route in India.
Train Journey Time: 4 hours
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2. Pathankot – Jogindernagar
Mystics of Kangra Valley
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If you want to enjoy the thrills of Kangra Valley, the river bridges, deep gorges and exclusive flora, enjoy the pleasant but quite slow ride of 164 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. It is not only located at a challenging height, but is also one of the most scenic train routes in India.
Train Journey Time: 8 hours
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3. Kalka – Shimla
A Spellbinding Journey to the Summer Capital
If you want to cherish picturesque valleys, steep pathways and foggy meadows, travel to Shimla in the narrow gauge train. This little toy train, now considered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, starts from Kalka and travels 96 km upslope through 102 tunnels: (the longest tunnel located at Barog), 82 bridges, deep valleys, steep curves, rolling bends, forests of deodar and rhododendron, pine and oak.
Few trains like Siwalik, Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor and Siwalik Queen ply on this route. The journey is truly enchanting but at a slow pace as the train ascends the slope rhythmically through stations of Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Barog, Salogra, Totu, and Summerhill to reach the summer capital. It is one of the best in north Indian and most beautiful train journeys in India.
Train Journey Time: 5 hours
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4. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
Xerophytic Route
The Rajasthan trip which is otherwise full of colors, can have an extra bright shade if you travel to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur in Delhi Jaisalmer Express. The travel time in the train called the ‘Desert Queen’ takes close to 6 hours to reach the destination.
The journey is not at all monotonous. In fact you see diversified topography like typical desert landscape with xerophytic vegetation, yellow soil, dunes, grazing camels and scattered settlements of the desert inhabitants. The passengers will surely get a feel of the desert safari before reaching the land of the Golden Fort. This is amongst the most beautiful train journeys in India.
Train Journey Time: 5 hours
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5. Mumbai – Goa
Journey through the Enigmatic Ghats
The journey from Mumbai to Goa intersecting through the gorges of Sahyadari and fringes of Arabian Sea is equally or perhaps the most scenic train rides in India. Mandovi Express, as a part of the Konkan Railway network, travels between Mumbai and Goa.
The route is full of scenic landscapes, ranging from tunnels, bridges, coastal peripheries, steps of Western Ghats (other name for Sahyadari), innumerable small rivers, seasonal streams and lush green meadows. Do not forget to take out your handicam or camera and capture the highlights of one of the stunning and beautiful train journeys in India.
Train Journey Time: 12 hours
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6. Hubli – Madgaon
Vasco da Gama Route
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While travelling from Hubli to Madgaon, experience one of the most thrilling and enchanting train journeys in India. The train passes through the gigantic and most magnificent Dudhsagar waterfalls gushing out from a 300 metres in full vigor.
Once the train reaches the waterfall, you will be amazed at the cascading beauty and force on a thrilling and best train journeys in India. If you decide to enjoy it closely, quickly get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar falls.
Train Journey Time: 10 hours
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7. Matheran – Neral
Heritage of Maharashtra
The narrow gauge railway running between Matheran and Neral passes is one of the best train routes in India. It passes through the rugged terrains of the Ghats and gained immense tourist attraction. This only Heritage railway of Maharashtra running a distance of 20 km is surely included in the list of India’s best train journeys. This is one of the best train routes in India.
Train Journey Time: 2 hours
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8. Karjat – Lonavala
Monsoon Trip
Another line that passes through the Western Ghats is the journey from Karjat to Lonavala through Thakurwadi, Monkey Hills and Khandala. It is the very scenic and one of the best train routes in India known for its mystic nature. Monsoon season is recommended because of the lush green views and beautiful rain scenery that it offers. The ride is pure scenery and being hill stations connected by train, it is the most adventurous way to reach the destinations.
Train Journey Time: 1 hour
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9. Ratnagiri – Mangalore
Charming Konkan Railway
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One of the most mesmerizing railway tracks lies in the Konkan Railway network, in the Ratnagiri to Mangalore sector. The is one of the most scenic train journeys in India which is truly absorbing and wherein the dense forests, mighty Western Ghats, deep tunnels, river bridges, sharp bends and innumerable seasonal streams will leave the travelers spellbound and hypnotized.
Train Journey Time: 10 hours
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10. Mandapam – Rameshwaram
Journey Intersecting the Ocean
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Besides thrill and adventure, train travel from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameshwaram on Pamban Island oozes calm and serenity. It is certainly one of the top ten best Indian train journeys. One of the most beautiful train routes in India, it passes over the second longest bridge of India, the Palk Strait, which is the only route that connects mainland India to Pamban Island.
Train Journey Time: 1 hour
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11. Mettupalayam – Ooty
Voyage in Landscapes of Nilgiris
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Running since 1908, ‘Nilgiri Passenger’ still runs on steam engine, going from Mettupalayam to Ooty. As the train ascends the Nilgiri Mountain, thick pine, oak and eucalyptus forests, bends, curves and tunnels, it moves along Asia’s steepest track with maximum gradient of 8.33 percent. Nilgiri Passenger travels 26 km up the slope in almost 5 hours via stations like Kallar, Adderly, Hillgrove, Kateri, Runneymede, Kateri, Coonoor and Lovedale.
Train Journey Time: 5 hours
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12. Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley
The Tunnel Topography
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The journey from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley through innumerable tunnels and sharp loops is quite an interesting one. Started as a mode to transport iron ore and other minerals to Vishakhpatnam from Chhattisgarh, this railway route in India is a treat for the eyes as well as the soul.
Train Journey Time: 3 hours
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13. Bangalore – Kanyakumari
The Malgudi Voyage
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Another scenic journey through the typical landscape of South India – the picturesque villages, plantations, meadows and water bodies is from Bangalore to Kanyakumari. The Island Express travels 944 km in about 19.5 hours and surely take you the land of ‘Malgudi Days’, undoubtedly paving its way to the list of best train journeys in India.
Train Journey Time: 15 hours
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14. Hassan – Mangalore
Magical Malnad
Witness a pleasant train journey through scenic waterfalls, lofty mountains, palm plantations and rice meadows from Hassan to Mangalore. Railway voyage along this stretch of the Malnad region is truly refreshing and perfect delight for travelers.
Train Journey Time: 1 and half hours
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15. Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur
The Serene Journey
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Another of most beautiful train journeys in India is from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur, with lush green Malyadri on one side and serene Chilika Lake on the other. You may be lucky enough to see lots of migratory birds, so don’t forget your camera. You can capture the glimpse of the best lakes in Odisha while traveling through this train.
Train Journey Time: 3 hours
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16. New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
The Heritage Voyage to the Summer Resort of British Raj
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How good does it feel to ride through hill stations connected by train? A pleasant upslope journey from the foothill region through loops, turns and bends can be experienced from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The 78 km long quaint journey takes almost 8 hours and passes through Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum, Rongbul, Jorebunglow and Batasia Loop.
Though the journey, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sluggish but certainly leisurely. The surrounding hill-valley topography, especially from Ghum (the highest narrow gauge railway station in India) and Batasia Loop, adds extra flavors of delight to your trip.
Train Journey Time: 7 hours
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17. Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri
Jungle Safari on the Wheels
Want to pass through dense forest and see elephants and rhinos while passing by? Plan a train journey in the foothills region of North Bengal. Travelling to Alipurduar, Jayanti, Moorti, Samsing, Baux and Jalpaiguri will take you through the reserve forests of Gorumara, Jaldapara, Mahananda and Buxa while crossing seasonal streamlets.
Train Journey Time: 3 hours
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18. Guwahati – Silchar
Awes of Assam
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This journey meanders through river Jatinga, lush green Assam Valley, tea plantations and undulating Haflong valley. The route from Guwahati to Silchar via Lumding and Barak Valley makes it one of the most beautiful train journeys in India. The train makes you witness the beauty of hill stations in Assam.
Train Journey Time: 9 hours
Further Read: 23 Types of People You Meet While Travelling in an Indian Train
Aren’t all these beautiful train journeys in India absolutely stunning? If you have more to the list, share us with them in the comments below, and let the word spread. But for now, plan your holiday in India with TravelTriangle to experience these wonderful train rides. We have no doubt that these rides will sweep you off your feet and make your heart skip a beat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Train Journeys In India
Is it safe to travel in Indian trains during COVID times?
You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure your safety. Wear mask while traveling in train or being at the railway station, avoid crowds and maintain social distancing. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly. You can also carry a disinfectant spray to disinfect your seat and surroundings. Which is the best train in India?
This is no definite answer to this because of the way you define best. It could be in terms of service or the route it runs on. If you have to pick one, Samjhauta Express would be the best train of India as it connects India and Pakistan displaying the amazing coordination between the two countries with communal tensions. It connects Amritsar with Lahore. Which is the long-distance train in India?
Vivek Express is the longest distance train in India that connects Dibrugarh in Assam with Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The train runs weekly and takes about 79 hours to complete a journey of 4234 km. It has 57 intermediate stoppages. Whoa! Imagine the journey that would be on this train. Which are the dangerous train routes in India?
Chennai - Rameswaram route is considered to be the most dangerous train route in India. It is ironic because it is also a pilgrimage route. So, your faith in God is put to test when you travel on this train. The 2.3 km long stretch of this train runs over the ocean fighting strong winds and tides that make this journey dangerous and testing. Which are the best train journeys from Bangalore?
The train journey from Bangalore to Kanyakumari is the most scenic one. Ditch the car ride and take the train instead if you want to enjoy the scenery Which is the longest rail bridge in India?
The longest rail bridge in India is the Vembanad Rail Bridge that connects Vallarpadam and Edappally in Kerala’s Kochi. The bridge is 4.62 km long and dedicated only to good trains. Is the Indian railways run by private or public?
The Indian railways is a public railway organization run by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Which is the fastest train in India?
The Vande Bharat Express or Train 18 is currently the fastest train in India with a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h. The average speed of the train is around 102 km/h. Which railway station has the most number of platforms in India?
Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal is one of the largest junctions in the country and a perfect bridge between North, South, East and West India. It has 23 platforms that spread in a huge area.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
