8 Best Routes for the Train Journey in India

Every individual has a memory of hurrying in the train station to get to a window seat before anybody else can. For train enthusiasts, taking a train journey is much more than just traveling to get to a destination. It’s therapeutic to buy almost a dozen magazines, select the snacks, get the favorite drink and settle in their seats before the train starts.

There are always a few things in life that we enjoy, and the joy of those things never fades. Train journey in India is one such thing that will never lose its charm; Indian Railways is accessible to over 30 million people even at the remotest corners of India. It’s inexpensive and one of the most preferred transports to cover long as well as short journeys.

1. Himalayan Queen (Kalka to Shimla)

This route has a long history which dates to 1903. Train journey in India from Kalka to Shimla was made by the British to reach their summer capital easily. This toy train is special for all the right reasons, and one among that reason would be that it’s been awarded with the Guinness Book of World Records for taking the steepest rise in the altitude.

There’s no way anyone would want to curl up and take a nap because, in the span of five hours, you will come across astonishing nature’s beauty. Many even mentions that the journey is more beautiful than the destination ‘Shimla’ itself, and for those who had already taken this route can’t deny.

Curiosity Corner: It runs for 96 kilometers (60 miles) stopping though 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves.

2. Vasco Da Gama to Londa

You can acquire peace and soothe your eyes with some of the prettiest sites through this route. Train journey in India from Vasco Da Gama in Goa to Londa in Karnataka has some of the brilliant views of the Goan villages through the window. Nothing better than changing beauty right in front of your eyes, and that’s what exactly happens in this train journey. The view of the Goan villages change as the train enters the Western Ghats, the lush greenery scene shifts to mountains and finally waterfalls enter the picture. The wind brings along sprinkles of water and that’s when you know that this train journey is totally worth it.

Curiosity Corner: Visit in the monsoon season to enjoy a completely different view of nature.

3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling)

This is the second toy train on this list and it runs on another great location. As the train reaches higher altitude, the climate changes too, keeping with the mood and essence of the journey. Train journey in India from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling won’t leave you bored for a single minute and if the sky is clear, you will be able to spot the Kanchenjunga as well. This train journey will take you through the lush green tea gardens and you will be able to smell the freshness of the leaves.

Curious corner: The circuit which the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs on is also considered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

4. Mumbai to Goa

An extremely busy city and a holiday destination, these two locations, connected via railway route gives a big relief to train enthusiasts. There are over 47 trains that run between these two cities and have some of the brilliant locations through the window. You will witness a close to ‘Oh My God’ moments every few seconds when the train passes through water stretches, paddy fields, coconut trees and other beauty of nature. So, don’t forget to keep your camera handy.

Curiosity Corner: You will experience the thrill of going through 91 tunnels and 2,000 bridges in that mountain terrain.

5. Kanyakumari –Trivandrum

Train journey in India routes has many advantages, and when you are on the route from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum, the possibilities are endless. The journey displays some of the best Keralite and Tamil architecture, green fields, decorated temples, and undeniable beauty of nature. As the journey moves ahead, you will notice the gradual but consistent change of architecture and landscape. The view becomes 10 times more beautiful if you are traveling in the monsoon season.

Curiosity Corner: It’s one of the most picturesque train routes in South India you can travel on.

6. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri- Newmal – Hasimara- Alipurduar)

This train journey is also known to give you the most brilliant scenic sites and an incredible view of the wildlife sanctuary. The train crosses through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary for around 3-4 hours and the sights become unforgettable. If you are lucky, you will witness herds of elephants, deer, monkey, and birds chirping all around the place. This train route summarizes a journey worth taking.

Curiosity Corner: You can see some of the beautiful beasts through the window, along with fascinating flora and fauna.

7. Chilika Route (Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur)

One train ride through the Eastern Ghats and the Chilika Lake will give you an idea of the beauty of Odisha. The trains will take you through the second-largest lagoon that serves as a famous place for the migratory birds. If you are a bird watcher, be ready for a surprising flock to pass by when you expect it the least.

Curiosity Corner: It’s a perfect train route for bird watchers.

8. Mumbai to Pune

This route will take you through some of the famous and very interesting hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala, and others. Each place is famous for something or the other, as far as these hill stations are concerned, you will find chikki, jelly fruits, and many random items to munch on. Keep your cameras ready to capture some of the most beautiful sites of the waterfalls, mountains, and changing scenic beauty.

Curiosity Corner: Beware of the monkeys in the monkey hill when you reach.

These train routes have some of the undeniable scenic beauty and the best convenient ways to reach several parts of the country. For tourists, these routes will showcase half of the Indian subcontinent via train routes. If you are visiting India for the first time and want to experience the railway routes, then take some of these routes under consideration. From deserts to dense forests to lush green, you will be able to get a closer look at the vivid places – all through your train window.