There is something so magical about trains, with the steady rhythm of the tracks, the stunning landscapes rolling by, and the stories tucked into every
journey. In India, this magic takes on a whole new level with special train routes, so special that UNESCO declared them World Heritage Sites. These are not just railway tracks; they are living museums where you can literally take a ride through history.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This was built back in the 1880s, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is very famously known as the ‘Toy Train’. Do not be fooled by the name, though; it is small, but its mighty engineering winds its way down steep slopes, sharp curves, and misty tea gardens. The ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling feels almost unreal, especially when you catch glimpses of the surreal Kanchenjunga in the distance. It is slow, charming, and honestly, that is the magic.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Down south in Tamil Nadu, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is in a league of its own. This is India’s only rack-and-pinion railway, which basically means that it can climb crazy steep slopes without slipping. It starts at Mettupalayam and crawls its way up to Ooty, and this train feels like a moving postcard. With dense forests, misty valleys, tunnels, and bridges, it has it all!
Kalka-Shimla Railway
If mountain roads make you dizzy, try the Kalka-Shima Railway instead. Since 1903, this narrow toy train has been carrying passengers through pine forests, over stone bridges, and through more than 100 tunnels. The pace of the train is slow, but that is exactly the point; you sip on your tea, watch the beautiful hills roll by, and feel like you are travelling back in time. The journey itself feels like the main attraction.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
This one is not a railway line, but more of a station, and not just any station. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. It was completed in 1887, and it looks more like a palace than a railway hub with its domes, turrets, and stained-glass windows. But beyond the grand design, it is also one of the busiest stations in India. Stand on its platforms and you will feel like you’re literally in the middle of history and hustle.
