Enjoy the best scenic train rides in India. Get on the best-ever journey via train today and know all about these top 7 routes here.
The huge and magnificent landscapes of India prove to be one of the best-viewing rides on a train in the world. Its panorama extends from the towering Himalayas in the north to the lush greenery of the southern peninsular; its trains become windows to the heart, with a rich heritage, diverse cultures, and beautiful natural landscape. Here are some of the most scenic train rides in India that promise much more than a journey.
1. Darjeeling Toy Train
This toy train with the most mesmerizing view ever. The UNESCO World Heritage that runs in the eastern Himalayas. Additionally, this Darjeeling toy train begins its journey from New Jalpaiguri to the town of Darjeeling. Chugging at a slow pace, the train goes through some of the great sights of the Kanchenjunga peak and the vista of green spreads it bestows upon this region. There is also a good look at the colonial architecture present in Darjeeling, making it a ride back through time along with the ride atop the hills.
2. The Konkan Railway
Konkan Railway is a route for trains connecting Mumbai to Mangalore, traversing the picturesque Konkan coast, touching on cliffs, dense forests, and rivers. During the June to September monsoon, it forms a dramatic vision with numerous waterfalls and streams swollen by rainwater. Interestingly, quite a few thrilling moments are seeded in this scenic train ride by the engineers. Going through the numerous tunnels and high bridges, including the Panvalnadi Bridge, which is one of the highest viaducts in India.
3. The Kalka-Shimla Railway
An inconceivable gem from the times of British India, the Kalka–Shimla Railway. It is a narrow-gauge line that trundles 96 km up into the foothills of the Himalayas. This railway enjoys the status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is supposed to have no less than 102 tunnels and 864 bridges. The whole journey means walking through one of the highest pine woods in the world, and valley after valley of tender rice stalks. Waterfalls volley down the stepped valleys, and Shimla, with its charmingly old-world station, is the scenic end point out of a lithograph from the days of the Raj.
4. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The railway line from Mettupalayam to Ooty in Tamil Nadu allegedly has the sharpest gradients in Asia. It marks the dramatic landscapes of the Nilgiris with mist-covered peaks and tea gardens. This is a rack and pinion line where engines are really specially designed to deal with the steep gradient. Moreover, it travels around curves, through tunnels, and on bridges with a thrilling experience and views to die for.
5. The Kashmir Railway
Connecting Jammu with Baramulla, the Kashmir Railway is flagged as one of the greatest engineering wonders that lie amidst the complex Himalayan terrain, with severe geotechnical challenges. The view of the Himalayas towering over, along with other mountains and valleys while passing by famous bridges over the rivers Chenab and Jhelum, makes this journey unforgettable. But the most beautiful views for this scenic train ride are offered in winter when the landscape is covered by snow, providing a view similar to a winter postcard.
6. The Matheran Hill Railway
This heritage railway takes one on a jolly good journey from Neral to Matheran in Maharashtra through the Western Ghats. The smallest hill railway in India does a 20-kilometre journey. Amidst the forest paths and around mountains, showing a serene view of the lush Matheran hill station. Also, there are no motor vehicles allowed in Matheran, which renders this destination very peaceful and clean.
7. The Mandovi Express
Last on the list of Scenic Train Rides in India is the Mandovi Express service. A journey from Mumbai to Goa. From lush forests and rice fields to sparkling rivers and pristine beaches, passengers will see a variety of landscapes. Also, as the train winds past the majestic Sahyadri mountain range and across the Arabian Sea.
Tips for These Scenic Train Rides in India
If you are travelling by train in India, especially the scenic train rides, then you have to prepare well:
- The best experiences are found in those classes of travel that have comfortable seating and good window views.
- Some items that will help in enhancing the viewing will include snacks, water, a camera, and even binoculars. By seeing things near and far, along with a good book to read while journeying make the most of it.
- Indian railway stations are ever busy. So one has to take care and reach a bit early to get out of the fuss comfortably.
Train journeys across India are not merely for getting from one place to another. They are an experience within themselves that encapsulates the natural beauty and cultural richness of the country. In all of these, train rides ensure one thing that is a different view of India and an experience to carry in the heart. Moreover, be it the historical tracks laid for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the architectural beauty in its tracks for the Kashmir Railway, the rides are sure to be all about timeless travel in India.
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