Revisit Your Childhood With These 7 Scenic Train Journeys In India

From massive mountains to stunning coasts, you're sure to be enchanted with these seven scenic train journeys across India.

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Published On May 05, 2023 | Updated On Mar 07, 2024

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India is full of some incredible train journeys, which, for a long, have been a vital part of the country’s cultural fabric. Train travel has long been a preferred means of transportation for Indians thanks to the huge network of railways that crisscrosses the whole nation. Train travel in India evokes nostalgia since it is an experience in itself rather than just a source of transportation. In terms of views, noises, and people you encounter, Indian railway rides are unparalleled in terms of piquing a person’s interest.

The joy of packing for a train trip, the commotion at the train station, the eagerness to board the train, and the thrill of watching the scenery pass by from the window all contribute to the nostalgia of train travel. The aroma of fresh chai and pastries being offered by the vendors going through the railway cars adds to the enchantment of the voyage.

In India, the views one experiences while travelling by rail are beautiful. India is full of scenic train journeys. The variety of the Indian scenery is simply breathtaking, ranging from the lush green fields of Punjab to the sandy deserts of Rajasthan, the mountains in the north to the backwaters of Kerala. Train trips provide an opportunity to experience this diversity directly and take in the country's natural splendour.

The sense of community it fosters is another factor in the nostalgia connected to train travel in India. People who are travelling together frequently eat and snack together, converse, and even play games. It is only possible to go by rail, and this means of transportation fosters a certain kind of camaraderie.

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India's railways have a long history, and many of the stations and trains themselves are historical landmarks. Some of the railway stations' architecture, like that of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, is a legacy of India's colonial past. The trains themselves pay homage to India's royal past with names like Palace on Wheels. The nostalgia connected with train journeys in India is also tied to this rich past.

Train travel is still common in India, many people find it to be a practical and affordable method to cross the nation. However, what draws people back to using trains as a method of transportation in India is the nostalgia attached to them. They provide you with a look into the vibrant cultural fabric of the nation through the sights, sounds, and people you encounter. Train travel in India is a truly unforgettable experience because of this sense of community, the chance to see the varied landscapes, and the chance to learn about the rich history.

Travellers can enjoy scenic train journeys and picturesque train excursions on some of the most beautiful train routes in the world in India. The beauty of these scenic train journeys and India's lovely railway routes will be highlighted in this post as we go through the top 7 scenic train journeys in India.

7 most scenic train journeys in India

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The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly referred to as the ‘Toy Train’,  is a narrow-gauge railway that provides a charming train ride through the breathtaking Darjeeling Hills. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers lush tea gardens and breathtaking Himalayan views. This is definitely one of the most beautiful train routes in India. There are multiple toy trains in India you must definitely try and visit at least one!

Located in Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is another beautiful train route in India that provides sweeping views of India's lovely railway lines. You may see tea plantations, thick forests, and tumbling waterfalls as you travel by rail through the captivating Nilgiri Hills. This is an extremely scenic train journey and we recommend that you take it whenever the rush of the city gets to you!

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The Konkan Railway encircles India's stunning west coast for its whole length. The scenic train journey captures views of stunning beaches, tunnels, and verdant forests. It is one of the most beautiful train routes in India, displaying some of the country's scintillating views.

The Kalka-Shimla Railway, located in Himachal Pradesh, is another beautiful train route in India that offers views that are. With stunning views of the Himalayas, pine forests, and apple orchards, this railway will take you through Shimla's lovely slopes. This is our pick for one of the most scenic train journeys in India which captures the beauty of Himachal Pradesh through one of the most beautiful train routes in India.

The Kangra Valley Railway, also located in Himachal Pradesh, offers a spectacular scenic train journey through the Kangra Valley. One of the most beautiful train routes of India, this trip offers gorgeous views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, tea plantations, and the Beas River.

A beautiful train route in India over Maharashtra's breathtaking Matheran Hills is available through the Matheran Hill Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most scenic train journeys in India, this trip offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain range, thick forests, and tumbling waterfalls.

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Travelling by rail through the 120-kilometre-long Kashmir Railway will allow you to see the breathtaking Kashmir Valley. One of the most beautiful train routes in India, this magnificent journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, pine forests, and the Jhelum River. Definitely, a scenic train journey that you should NOT miss!

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Our country is home to some of the world's most amazing and scenic train excursions, with each giving distinctive and breathtaking views of India’s most beautiful train routes. Whether you decide to board the Kashmir Railway or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, every train trip in India is certain to be an amazing experience that will leave you in awe of the nation's breathtaking landscapes.


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