15 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In India
Ready to explore India like never before? While India Tour packages often focus on road trips and flights, there’s a magical way to experience this vast country —- by train! The most beautiful train journeys in India offer you the country’s diverse landscapes, from misty mountains to golden deserts. Among the most scenic train rides across India, you will find yourself winding through lush forests, crossing mighty rivers, and climbing to breathtaking heights. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Himalayas or spotting camels in the Thar Desert, the most beautiful train journeys in India transform simple travel into unforgettable adventures. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience India’s most spectacular views!
1. Himalayan Queen (Kalka To Shimla)
One of the most beautiful train journeys in India takes you on a charming ride, what locals lovingly call the “toy train”. Running between Kalka and Shimla since 1903, this 96-kilometre track is truly one of the most beautiful train trips in India and ranks among the most amazing train journeys in India. The mall, cute trains look just like the ones you played with as a kid! During the 5-hour journey, the track winds through 102 tunnels and crosses 82 bridges —– so impressive that it earned a Guinness World Record for climbing the steepest height in just 96 Kilometers.
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Jalpaiguri To Darjeeling)
Among the most scenic train rides across India, the delightful toy train from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling stands out as a true gem. Known as the most famous train journey destination in India, this route takes you on an unforgettable adventure through dramatically changing landscapes. Starting from the flat plains of Jalpaiguri and climbing up to Darjeeling, this journey is counted among the most incredible train journeys in India. You will pass through lush tea gardens, where the sweet aroma of world-famous Darjeeling tea fills the air. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain!
3. Vasco Da Gama To Londa
Among the most beautiful train journeys in India, the route from Vasco Da Gama (Goa) to Londa (Karnataka) offers a magical experience you won’t want to miss. Recognised as one of the most scenic train rides across India, this journey treats you to picture-perfect views of traditional Goan villages as they pass by your window. This trip ranked among the best beautiful train routes in India, takes you through the stunning Western Ghats, where the scenery transforms into a carpet of green forests and mountains. The real treat comes when powerful waterfalls appear. Imagine their spray reaching into train windows……..!
Suggested Read: 8 Best Things to Do in Goa India
4. Mumbai To Goa
Among the most beautiful train journeys in India, the rail route connecting Mumbai and Goa offers a perfect blend of city excitement and beach relaxation. This track, renowned as one of the amazing train journeys in India, treats travellers to stunning views throughout the journey. Every few seconds, you will want to grab your camera as the views keep getting better! The train passes through 92 tunnels and crosses an impressive 2,000 bridges, creating a spectacular journey. Listed among the most scenic train journeys in India, this route offers breathtaking sights with the mighty Sahyadri mountains on one side and the endless Arabian Sea on the other.
5. Kanyakumari To Trivandrum
As one of the Incredible train journeys in India, this route takes you through a charming landscape dotted with tall coconut trees. Among the most beautiful train journeys in India, the route between Tamil Nadu and Kerala might be short, but it’s packed with cultural treasures from Tamil Nadu’s towering gopurams (temple towers) and detailed temple carvings to Kerala’s unique churches and distinctive building styles. It is the most famous train journey destination in India, showcasing the best of South Indian beauty and architecture.
6. Matheran Hill Railway (Matheran-Neral)
Counted as one of the amazing train journeys in India, this historic narrow-gauge train has been impressing visitors since it was built by Akbar Peerbhoy between 1901 and 1907. Whether you’re travelling solo or with loved ones, this short but sweet journey stands out as one of the most scenic train journeys in India. As Mumbai’s favorite weekend getaway, Matheran’s toy train continues to charm visitors with its gentle pace and serene forest views, making it one of the most scenic train rides across India!
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Mumbai In Summers
7. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri- Newmal – Hasimara- Alipurdua)
This stands tall as one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, taking you through an incredible collection of wildlife sanctuaries and forests. The route has become a most famous train journey destination in India, offering passengers a chance to spot diverse wildlife as the train passes through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Topping the list of the most beautiful scenic train rides across India, this newly converted broad-gauge route is quiet relatively, which adds to its charm.
8. Chilika Route (Bhubaneshwar-Brahmapur)
This magical route from Bhubhaneshwar to Brahmapur shines as one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, showcasing Orissa’s natural treasures in just a morning ride. The tracks take you through spectacular landscapes, earning its place in the most scenic train rides across India, with the majestic Eastern Ghats on one side and the expansive Chilika Lake on the other. Bird watchers particularly love this journey, as they can often spot various water birds. This ranks high in incredible train journeys in India list, offering a unique treat!
9. Sethu Express (Mandapam-Rameswaram)
This thrilling route from Mandapam to Rameswaram ranks as one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, offering an experience that’s both exciting and unforgettable. The train runs on India’s second-longest bridge, making it one of the amazing train journeys in India that gives passengers an adrenaline rush while offering them spectacular ocean views.
The journey celebrated as one of the most scenic train journeys in India, takes you across a narrow bridge that seems to float right above the sea. As the train glides over the water connecting Tamil Nadu to the holy island of Rameswaram, you will feel like you’re riding on the ocean itself!
Suggested Read: Top Picks: 40 Places to Visit in Pune
10. Mumbai To Pune
This delightful 3-hour trip from Mumbai to Pune stands as one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, packed with tasty treats and stunning views. The journey brings you first to Karjat, famous for serving the tastiest vada pavs you will ever find on a train platform.
This route truly lives up to its reputation as one of the amazing train journeys in India as it winds through charming hill stations like Lonavla and Khandala. Lonavla is a food lover’s paradise, where you can grab the famous chikki and jellied fruits. As one of the most scenic train journeys in India, the route treats you to spectacular waterfalls and the famous Monkey Hill. Just hold your phone tight!
11. Visakhapatnam To Araku Valley
The enchanting trip to Araku Valley stands out as one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, taking you through the magnificent Eastern Ghats. The route passes through fragrant coffee plantations and climbs up to Shimiliguda, which holds the record for being India’s highest broad-gauge railway station. This spectacular journey deserves its place in the most scenic train rides across India. The train passes through tunnels and over bridges, offering breathtaking views that make every turn special. Considered one of the best beautiful train routes in India, this adventure lets you experience the raw beauty of the Eastern Ghats up close.
12. Kashmir Valley Railway (Jammu-Baramulla)
Imagine riding through some of India’s most challenging terrain! The Kashmir Railway isn’t just stunning; it’s an engineering marvel! It is an exciting and one of the most beautiful train journeys in India. The trains wind through towering mountains and freezing temperatures. The tracks pass through earthquake-prone zones and climb to incredible heights.
It stands out as one of the most scenic train rides across India that offers a feeling like you are riding through a picture postcard! Ranking as the most famous train journey destination in India, the ride offers you the best memories.
Suggested Read: 15 Stunning Reasons To Visit Kashmir
13. Desert Queen (Jaisalmer-Jodhpur)
It is one of the most beautiful train trips in India. Forget what you’ve heard about deserts being boring! The train ride from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer shows off the Thar Desert’s hidden charms. Instead of empty dunes, you will see vibrant village life with traditional mud houses and the sunrise over the desert is unforgettable making it one of the amazing train journeys in India.
What makes it one of the most beautiful train journeys in India is the unexpected beauty of the Thar Desert and camel spotting!
14. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam-Ooty)
When it comes to the most beautiful train trips in India, this journey stands out with its timeless appeal! The Ooty train has been enchanting passengers since 1885, creating memories along its historic tracks. As one of the most beautiful scenic train rides across India, its charm was officially recognised when UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 2005. It is surely one of the most amazing train journeys in India whether you are a history lover or a nature admirer!
15. Kollam-Sengottai Chord Line
Want to experience the most beautiful train trips in India? The Kollam-Sengottai Chord Line is one among them. This is one of the most beautiful scenic train rides across India that offers many wonders as the journey carries you across bridges wrapped in soft green moss, creating memories that stick with you forever. As one of the best beautiful train routes in India, it captures the true essence of slow travel.
Suggested Read: 15 Best Places To Visit In Kerala This 2024
Conclusion
From the mist-covered hills of Darjeeling to the shores of Kanyakumari, these most beautiful train journeys in India offer experiences that no other mode of transport can match. Each route tells its own unique story. So next time you plan your Indian adventure, remember these amazing train journeys in India that offer you the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most beautiful railway track in India?
Himalayan Queen (Kalka-Shimla) is one of the most beautiful train journeys in India among others.
What are some of the most scenic train routes in India?
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Vasco Da Gama To Londa route offers some of the most scenic train rides across India.
What is the best time to take these scenic train journeys?
The best time to take a scenic train journey depends on the route and the experience you want to have. For example, the Mumbai to Goa train route is famous during the rainy season! Everything turns magical when the monsoons arrive.