There’s something special about train journeys. We’re not declaring it above other travel commutes; they, too, have their positive elements. But, train rides somehow draw you closer to the things around you; it’s an experience altogether. Picture this, you’re with a group of friends traveling to a new city. You know the journey is going to be a long one, so you bring along a pack of cards and maybe a guitar to have sing-song sessions. That, against the backdrop of the train route aesthetics around you, is the perfect recipe for an unforgettable journey.
The beauty of train journeys is that they can be enjoyed by solo travelers too. They have those few hours to themselves, and getting some alone time in this modern world is a luxury. Whether you prefer solo travel or group, here are some of the best train travel routes in India you should check out.
7 Best Train Travel Routes In India
Mandovi Express (Goa – Mumbai)
Estimated Time: 11 hours 40 mins
Mumbai and Goa, are two destinations known for entirely two different lifestyles. One is known for its fast-paced nature and the other known for its laid-back, or susegad, way of life. No points for guessing which destination is known for what! The Mandovi Express takes the Konkan railway route, which is known for its beautiful, lush, landscapes. The route is embedded deep within the Western Ghats on the Sahyadri Hills, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
A 580-km stretch filled with 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges, you can say your journey is going to be a picturesque one. Gliding through paddy fields, coconut trees shading quaint villages, and gushing waterfalls, the experience will be as if you’re placed directly in a documentary about nature!
Island Express (Kanyakumari – Trivandrum)
Estimated Time: 2 hours 17 mins
The southernmost part of India is blessed with lush greenery and ample salinity from the west coast. The Island Express starts from the place where three seas meet, Kanyakumari, and it’s one of the best destinations for a train journey to begin. It takes just a mere two hours to reach Trivandrum, but the amount of sensory overload you’ll get within that short span is immense. If you’re up for a fun adventure, this is one of the best train travel routes in India.
You can view the best of Tamilian and Keralite architecture through the train’s tiny windows. Along with that, you’ll see a bit of local life and how it’s so different from urban living. You’ll see a group of men getting together to enjoy an afternoon drink under the palm tree, locals selling fresh produce from their carts, etc. Just a recommendation: This experience is better enjoyed via open windows, so try booking a general class seat instead.
Sethu Express (Chennai – Rameswaram)
Estimated Time: 10 hours 25 mins
The Chennai – Rameswaram route can be considered unique because of the narrow bridge that connects the two cities. The height of the bridge is just above sea level; you feel more like sailing than traveling on some terrain.
The bridge has some mythical connections as well. It’s said that Lord Rama built this bridge to rescue Sita, so whenever you take this route, remember that you’re passing through a certain timeline.
Jammu Mail (Jammu – Udhampur)
Estimated Time: 3 hours
We’re pretty sure that you must’ve seen trains traversing through the foothills of mountains in movies. But if you want to live out that experience, then you need to take the Jammu – Udhampur route. It’s life-changing and you’ll appreciate the gems India possesses in its land.
This scenic route is around 53 km long from Jammu to Udhampur, which then traverses through the foothills of the Himalayas. That’s not the only star element of this route. The great Shivalik mountain range surrounds you, along with deep valleys consisting of expansive rivers and lakes. It’ll surely make you feel adventurous, and that’s why it’s one of the best train travel routes in India.
On this journey, you’ll be traversing around 20 tunnels and 158 bridges. It’s guaranteed you’re going to catch some majestic views, especially from the Gambhir bridge.
Himalayan Queen (Kalka – Shimla)
Estimated Time: 5 hours 12 mins
Another route that’s full of adventure and among the best train travel routes in India is the Kalka-Shimla route was built in 1903 during the British regime. Consisting of around 102 tunnels, 87 bridges, and 900 bends, this route can be considered an adventurer’s paradise. As you approach Shimla, you’ll find the place littered with orchards and tiny streams of water cascading from rocks. Post monsoon, these tiny streams develop into waterfalls and the chaotic sound of it makes it like a sort of nature ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response).
The train does have a couple of stops here and there en route. So you can easily jump off onto a station and enjoy a nice hot plate of samosas with a warm cup of chai.
Nizamuddin Duronto Express (Pune – Delhi)
Estimated Time: 20 hours
If you had to travel from Pune to Delhi, you’d take approximately 26 hours by any other train. But, with the Nizamuddin Duronto Express, that long journey is cut down by 6 hours. It travels through varied terrain spanning villages, deserts, mountains, rivers, and salt pans.
The train also offers meals, included in the ticket. Plus, the best part is that every berth is clean and has bottle holders and plug points. All these small amenities make the journey less strenuous and it enables you to concentrate on more important things like enjoying the scenery or reading a novel.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam – Ooty)
Estimated Time: 5 hours 10 mins
Looking for a novel way of traveling to one of India’s most prominent hill stations? Then try the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as it is one of the best train travel routes in India. The route itself has 6 tunnels, 250 bridges, and 208 curves, covering an expanse of misty hills, dense thickets, and lush green lands. You know what a hill station looks like, right? Here’s a fun fact for you: the Nilgiri Mountain Railway route is considered to be Asia’s steepest track, with the elevation starting at 326 m and then rising to 2,203 m.
Since you’ll be traveling on such heights, there’s a certain chance of catching panoramic views. And although it takes 5 hours to reach the place, the journey can feel like a vacation itself.
Summing Up
These train journeys in India are simply breathtaking. Be it the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or the Sethu Express, each of these trains pass through gorgeous mountains, plains, lush green forests and valleys, offering stunning views.
FAQs
Which Is The Slowest Train In India?
The Mettupalayam Ooty Nilgiri Passenger train runs at a speed of 10 kmph and covers the 46 km stretch in 5 hours. Compared to the fastest train in India, it’s 16 times slower! The hilly terrain makes the route a longer commute, so nothing much can be done to quicken the pace of the train.
Which Is The Longest Railway Route In India?
The route from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari is the longest railway route in India, covered by one of the Vivek Express trains. Compared to the world, it’s the 24th longest.
Which Is The Longest Non-Stop Train In India?
The Trivandrum-Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express is regarded as India’s longest non-stop train. It covers a distance of 528 km between Vadodara and Kota in approximately 6 hours.
