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Train journeys may not be the first choice when planning a vacation today, but when they do, they bring back cherished childhood memories. Back then, holidays often meant embarking on delightful train trips across India. The excitement of watching the ever-changing landscapes, passing through quaint towns and villages, playing card games and memory games, sipping hot tea in Kulhads, and relishing delicious snacks made these rides truly special.
Let’s explore some of India’s most scenic train routes that offer breathtaking views—from towering mountain slopes and narrow valleys to vast seas.
Embark on these unforgettable train journeys and discover the one that feels like a dream come true. Each route offers a unique experience, leaving you mesmerized with stunning landscapes. From majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls to winding rivers, golden deserts, and lush plains, these train rides showcase India’s incredible diversity. Stretching from the northern peaks to the southern coasts, these journeys promise unparalleled beauty. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of these magical train rides!
- Jammu – Baramulla
- Pathankot – Jogindernagar
- Kalka – Shimla
- Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
- Mumbai – Goa
- Hubli – Madgaon
- Matheran – Neral
- Karjat – Lonavala
- Ratnagiri – Mangalore
- Mandapam – Rameshwaram
1. Jammu – Baramulla
The Kashmir Railway offers a journey filled with charm and beauty, making your travel experience unforgettable.
The railway track linking Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, and Baramulla is both breathtaking and exhilarating. It stands as one of India’s most challenging railway projects, situated in a high seismic zone with rugged, hilly terrain and freezing temperatures. Despite these challenges, it remains India’s most scenic railway route, offering captivating views at every turn.
Train Journey Time: 4 hours
2. Pathankot – Jogindernagar
The Enchanting Mystique of Kangra Valley
To witness the stunning beauty of Kangra Valley, along with river bridges, deep gorges, and unique flora, embark on the 164-km train journey from Pathankot to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. Though the ride is leisurely paced, it offers spectacular views. Nestled at a challenging elevation, this route is truly one of India’s most scenic train journeys.
Train Journey Time: 8 hours
3. Kalka – Shimla
A Mesmerizing Voyage to the Summer Capital
For a breathtaking journey through picturesque valleys, steep trails, and misty meadows, hop aboard the narrow-gauge toy train to Shimla. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming train covers 96 km from Kalka, passing through 102 tunnels (including the longest at Barog), 82 bridges, and stunning landscapes. Along the way, you’ll witness deep valleys, sharp curves, and lush forests filled with deodar, rhododendron, pine, and oak trees.
Several trains operate on this route, including the Siwalik, Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor, and Siwalik Queen. The journey is slow and rhythmic as the train gracefully climbs through stations like Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Barog, Salogra, Totu, and Summerhill before finally arriving at the summer capital, Shimla. This is truly one of North India’s most enchanting and scenic train journeys.
Train Journey Time: 5 hours
4. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
The Arid Trail
A journey to Rajasthan, a land bursting with vibrant colors, becomes even more magical when you travel from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer aboard the Delhi Jaisalmer Express, popularly known as the ‘Desert Queen.’ This scenic train ride takes approximately six hours, adding an extra touch of adventure to your trip.
The experience aboard the Desert Queen is anything but ordinary. As the train glides through the arid landscape, passengers are treated to breathtaking desert views, including dry vegetation, golden sands, rolling dunes, grazing camels, and remote desert settlements. This journey offers a taste of a desert safari long before reaching the magnificent Golden Fort, making it one of India’s most spectacular train rides.
Train Journey Time: 5 hours
5. Mumbai – Goa
Voyage Through the Mysterious Ghats
The journey from Mumbai to Goa, winding through the breathtaking gorges of the Sahyadri Mountains and running parallel to the Arabian Sea, is among India’s most scenic train rides. The Mandovi Express, part of the Konkan Railway network, seamlessly connects these two vibrant destinations, offering stunning views throughout the trip.
This picturesque route is adorned with tunnels, bridges, coastal cliffs, the majestic Western Ghats (Sahyadri), winding rivers, seasonal streams, and lush green meadows. Keep your camera or phone ready to capture the breathtaking landscapes of one of India’s most mesmerizing train journeys.
Train Journey Time: 12 hours
6. Hubli – Madgaon
The Vasco da Gama Trail
Traveling from Hubli to Madgaon offers one of India’s most thrilling and enchanting train journeys. This scenic route takes you past the majestic Dudhsagar Waterfalls, which plunge from a height of 300 meters with breathtaking force.
As the train nears the awe-inspiring falls, you’ll be captivated by its sheer beauty and power. For a closer view, you can disembark at Londa Junction, the nearest station to Dudhsagar Falls. This unforgettable journey is truly one of India’s finest train travel experiences.
Train Journey Time: 10 hours
7. Matheran – Neral
Maharashtra’s Rich Heritage
The narrow-gauge railway between Matheran and Neral is one of India’s most scenic train routes. This heritage railway winds through the rugged terrain of the Ghats, making it a popular tourist attraction. Covering a distance of 20 km, this journey offers a unique experience, immersing travelers in the natural beauty of Maharashtra. It’s a must-try adventure for anyone seeking one of India’s finest train journeys.
Train Journey Time: 2 hours
8. Karjat – Lonavala
Monsoon Getaway
Another breathtaking train route in India is the journey from Karjat to Lonavala, passing through Thakurwadi, Monkey Hills, and Khandala. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this scenic railway is especially magical during the monsoon season, when the landscape transforms into a lush green paradise with mesmerizing rainfall.
This journey is a visual delight, offering a thrilling and adventurous way to travel between these beautiful hill stations. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting escapade, this picturesque route is sure to leave you spellbound.
Train Journey Time: 1 hour
9. Ratnagiri – Mangalore
The Enchanting Konkan Railway
One of India’s most captivating railway routes is the Konkan Railway, stretching from Ratnagiri to Mangalore. This journey is among the most scenic train rides, offering stunning views of dense forests, the majestic Western Ghats, deep tunnels, and spectacular river bridges.
With its sharp bends and countless seasonal streams, the route unfolds into a breathtaking landscape that will leave travelers spellbound. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a nature lover, this unforgettable train journey is an experience like no other.
Train Journey Time: 10 hours
10. Mandapam – Rameshwaram
A Voyage Across the Ocean
The train journey from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameshwaram on Pamban Island is a perfect blend of thrill, adventure, and tranquility. Ranked among India’s top ten train journeys, this route offers a breathtaking experience as it crosses the stunning Palk Strait.
The highlight of this journey is the iconic Pamban Bridge, India’s second-longest sea bridge, which serves as the only link between mainland India and Pamban Island. With picturesque ocean views and a serene ambiance, this remarkable train ride is a must-experience adventure for both train enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Train Journey Time: 1 hour
Conclusion
India is home to some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world, each offering unique landscapes and unforgettable experiences. From the serene routes of the Western Ghats to the vibrant deserts of Rajasthan, these scenic train rides showcase the country’s diverse beauty, all while capturing the timeless charm of rail travel.
Whether you’re gliding through lush green valleys, towering mountains, or stunning coastal vistas, each journey is a feast for the senses and a memorable adventure. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on one of these spectacular train journeys in India in 2024—it’s time to create unforgettable memories on the rails!
