Himalayan Queen: Kalka to Shimla
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 'toy train' from Kalka to Shimla is a journey back in time. As the narrow-gauge train patiently winds its way up the Shivalik hills, every curve reveals a new vista of pine forests and deep valleys. An early morning departure
from Kalka rewards travellers with a sublime sunrise. The first rays of light cut through the morning mist, illuminating the rugged landscape and quaint colonial-era stations along the way. The five-hour journey involves navigating over 102 tunnels and 800 bridges, making the slow ascent a cinematic experience. Watching the sky change colours over the Himalayan foothills from your window is a core memory in the making.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Toy Train's Kanchenjunga View
Another UNESCO World Heritage treasure, this toy train journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is legendary. The route's highlight is the Batasia Loop, a spiral track that offers a stunning panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the majestic Kanchenjunga in the background. For the ultimate spectacle, time your journey for sunrise. On a clear day, watching the sun's first light hit the snow-capped peaks of the world's third-highest mountain is a spiritual experience. The train chugs through vibrant markets, dense forests, and sprawling tea gardens, making the entire trip a visual delight for photographers and nature lovers.
Konkan Railway: Mumbai to Goa
Stretching along India's western coastline, the Konkan Railway is an engineering marvel that offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. A journey from Mumbai towards Goa is best timed to catch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. The route runs parallel to the coast, offering fleeting but glorious glimpses of the sun sinking into the water. The train passes through the lush Western Ghats, crossing over 2,000 bridges and navigating numerous tunnels. During the monsoon, the landscape is transformed into a vibrant green paradise, with waterfalls cascading near the tracks, making the sunset views even more magical against the rain-washed scenery.
Island Express: Kanyakumari to Trivandrum
Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, is famous for being a place where you can witness both sunrise and sunset over the ocean. A train journey starting from or ending here offers a unique perspective. The ride between Kanyakumari and Trivandrum on the Island Express, for instance, is a short but incredibly scenic one. The landscape is a tapestry of dense coconut groves, serene backwaters, and traditional villages. As the train pulls out of Kanyakumari in the evening, the sky often erupts in fiery colours, a perfect farewell from the land where three seas converge. Conversely, an early morning arrival allows you to see the dawn break over the peninsula.
The Sea Bridge Ride: Mandapam to Rameswaram
This is arguably one of India's most thrilling and unique train journeys. The route connects mainland India to Pamban Island and the holy town of Rameswaram via the Pamban Bridge. For a few incredible minutes, the train travels directly over the sea, with the endless blue ocean stretching out on both sides. This short journey is exceptionally beautiful during sunrise or sunset. Watching the sun rise from the sea or dip below the horizon while you are suspended just above the water is a surreal and unforgettable experience. The play of light on the waves and the feeling of gliding over the ocean make this a must-do for any travel enthusiast.
Desert Queen: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
For a different kind of spectacle, the train journey across the Thar Desert offers a stark and mesmerising beauty. As the train travels from Jodhpur to the golden city of Jaisalmer, the landscape transforms into vast stretches of sand dunes, dotted with resilient shrubs and isolated settlements. The magic happens as the sun begins to set. The desert landscape is bathed in a warm, golden glow, and the long shadows create a dramatic, cinematic effect. The sky, clear and vast, puts on a spectacular display of colours, from deep oranges and purples to soft pinks. It’s a tranquil and deeply moving experience, watching the day end over the quiet, endless desert.
