There’s a good old saying that “the journey is better than the destination”. If you’d have to find a perfect example of it, we recommend taking the Indian railways! Yes, India is home to a massive network of rather picturesque train routes that will gift you with views of everything – from snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows to lush green valleys and the azure blue coasts. To narrow down our search for the best train journeys in India to just 7 doesn’t do enough justice, but here are 7 such beautiful train journeys in India that you shouldn’t miss out on!
Top 7 Best Train Journeys In India
These rankings are in no particular order because all of these rides are just too beautiful in their own way to be ranked!
So, sit back and enjoy the journey!
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Mettupalaiyam To Ooty
The south of India is home to verdant green Nilgiri Hills that have a charm that can’t be described in words.
And what better way to experience that charm than to board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway?
If you have a train that was featured in Shah Rukh Khan’s song Chhaiya Chhaiya, how can you miss riding it?
This train was first opened in 1899 and is the only operational rack railway in India. The train covers a distance of about 45 kilometers (km) and takes around 5 hours to reach Ooty from Mettupalaiyam.
You might think that the train takes too much time to cover a distance of just 45 km, however, the slow pace of the train is exactly what sets it apart.
That is what brings people from all over the country to enjoy this train ride. It passes through Coonoor, Wellington, Fern Hill, and Lovedale, promising you breathtaking views throughout the journey.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway passes through some of the most gorgeous valleys of the Nilgiris, deep tunnels, and lush green tea estates.
It was in 2005 that UNESCO took notice of this railway and declared it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as an extension of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that had received this honor already.
These two trains are excellent representatives of the mountain railways in India.
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Jalpaiguri To Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is also known as the ‘Toy Train’ as it literally looks like the toy train of your dreams! It is a narrow-gauge train running between Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.
Construction took place between 1879 and 1881 and soon the train became operational. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a unique train journey in India that covers a distance of 78 km over 8 hours and passes through important destinations like Siliguri, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Ghum, and the Batasia Loop.
The train journey is a visual experience that we simply can’t describe in words. If you love a slow ride through lush green mountains, dewy, misty hilltops, and views that overlook the valleys and mountains around you, this train ride is just for you.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
If you don’t wish to cover the entire distance from Darjeeling to Jalpaiguri, you can take a quick joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum, India’s highest and the world’s 14th highest railway station.
3. Mandovi Express: Mumbai To Goa
If you aren’t much of a mountain person, it’s time to come down to the plains and take a ride through the coastal landscapes of western India.
The Mandovi Express from Mumbai to Goa runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Madgaon. It covers a distance of about 580 km over a duration of roughly 12 to 14 hours.
The train passes through the scenic Sahydaris, where you’ll be mesmerized by the dense forest stretches, clear blue rivers, and the stunning vistas of Konkan.
It is also known to be filled with all kinds of food sellers, meaning you won’t remain hungry during the journey. It passes through several important destinations in the Konkan region, mainly Ratnagiri, Chiplun, Sawantwadi, as well as Thivim and Karmali in Goa.
4. Rameswaram Express: Chennai Egmore To Rameswaram
If you’ve watched the 2013 Hindi movie Chennai Express, you must remember the iconic Pamban Bridge featured in the movie that passed over the Palk Strait.
If you board this train, you’ll get to witness this very bridge and the turquoise ocean beneath it. The Rameswaram Express covers a distance of about 648 km and takes roughly 12 hours for the complete journey.
It passes through important junctions like Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, and Manamadurai, before finally reaching Mandapam.
The Rameswaram Express guarantees panoramic views of the sprawling Indian Ocean, white sand beaches, and landscapes adorned with coconut and palm trees. We recommend taking this trip during the summer or winter months to get the best views.
5. Shimla Kalka Toy Train: Kalka To Shimla
The Shimla Kalka Toy Train is one of the three trains included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of India’s Mountain Railways.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway are the other two trains included in this honor. Speaking of the Shimla Kalka Toy Train, it covers a distance of 96 km over a duration of 5 to 6 hours.
It passes through a whopping 102 tunnels as well as 864 bridges and overlooks the scenic Himalayan vistas, gorgeous valleys, emerald green forests, and misty hilltops.
On your way, you’ll be mesmerized by pine and deodar trees lining up the route as you pass through little hamlets.
Overall, the Shimla Kalka Toy Train is a beautiful train journey in India that should be on top of your bucket list!
6. The Golden Chariot Express: Bangalore To Goa
If you are looking for luxury trains in India offering both mesmerizing views and top-notch services, the Golden Chariot Express is right for you. The train actually offers three different routes that start and end at Bangalore:
- Bangalore – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hampi – Pattadakal & Aihole – Goa – Bangalore: 5 nights/6 days
- Bangalore – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur and Chettinad – Cochin – Kumarakom – Bangalore: 5 nights/6 days
- Bangalore – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bangalore: 3 nights/4 days
The train journey is nothing short of living in your own palace, quite literally! It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including plush cabins, multi-cuisine restaurant, a dedicated spa and mini-gym, elegant drapery and furnishings, as well as a luxurious lounge.
The Golden Chariot Express is perfect for you if you wish to explore South India’s underrated gems without depending on a full-fledged travel plan.
Simply hop onto the train and you’re good to explore some of South India’s best destinations. Be it the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi or the majestic palaces of Thanjavur and Mysore, there is something for everyone.
7. Silchar Agartala Passenger: Silchar To Agartala
The last one on our list of top 7 best train journeys in India is quite an underrated gem, but trust us, this train journey is nothing short of magical.
This train covers a distance of 250 km in about 8 to 9 hours. It halts at about 35 stations before finally reaching Agartala, the capital city of Tripura.
On your way, you’ll be amazed by the views of the dense, verdant green forests, steep mountains, and tribal villages. Plus, don’t miss out on the views when you reach the Barak Valley (you’ll thank us later).
The train journey is a beautiful gateway to Northeast India and promises panoramic views that you will be in awe of long after you’ve deboarded the train.
So, what are you waiting for?
Summing Up
While we’ve mentioned some of the best train journeys in India, there are plenty more train journeys out there that are simply too stunning. All of these train journeys offer a unique, irreplaceable experience.
Be it stunning views of the Nilgiris or the snow-capped Himalayas, these train rides rightly prove that Indian train journeys are a whole different experience, unlike that of any other country in the world!
FAQs
Which Is The Slowest Train Journey In India?
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is considered to be the slowest train journey in India. It covers a distance of 45 km in about 5 hours. This means that the train runs at a speed of only about 9 km per hour.
Which Is The Most Futuristic Train In India?
The Vande Bharat Express trains are considered to be the most futuristic trains in India as of now. These trains can travel at a maximum speed of 180 km per hour and feature air-conditioned chair cars and other modern facilities.
Which Is The Largest Railway Station In India?
The Howrah Junction in West Bengal is considered to be the largest railway station in India. It has 23 platforms and is also the oldest surviving railway complex in the country.
