The Himalayan Queen: Kalka to Shimla
A journey on the Kalka-Shimla Railway is like travelling through a chapter of colonial history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this narrow-gauge toy train slowly snakes its way up the Himalayan foothills. The five-to-six-hour journey is an engineering
marvel, navigating over 800 bridges and through 102 tunnels, the longest being the Barog tunnel. As the train climbs from Kalka to the former summer capital of British India, Shimla, the landscape transforms from dusty plains to cool, dense pine forests. Quaint stations that seem frozen in time dot the route, and with every hairpin curve, the panoramic views of the verdant valleys and distant peaks become increasingly dramatic. In winter, the journey is even more magical, with a blanket of snow transforming the scenery into a winter wonderland.
The Coastal Cruise: Mumbai to Goa on the Konkan Railway
Considered one of the most beautiful train routes in India, the Konkan Railway offers a breathtaking journey along the country's western coastline. Connecting Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, this route is a showcase of the lush, tropical beauty of the Western Ghats. The train weaves through verdant landscapes, past picturesque villages, and offers stunning glimpses of the Arabian Sea. An incredible feat of post-independence engineering, the line features over 2,000 bridges and more than 90 tunnels. During the monsoon months, the scenery is especially spectacular, with countless waterfalls cascading down the hillsides and the entire region cloaked in a vibrant, green blanket. The daytime journey on trains like the Mandovi Express is particularly recommended for those who want to soak in every bit of the magnificent scenery.
The Tea Garden Trail: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or "Toy Train," offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of India's tea country. Operating since 1881, the train chugs along a narrow-gauge track from New Jalpaiguri to the misty hill station of Darjeeling. The slow pace allows you to absorb the stunning scenery, which includes rolling hills covered in manicured tea plantations, dense forests, and bustling hillside bazaars where the track runs right through the market. A highlight of the journey is the Batasia Loop, an ingenious spiral where the train makes a 360-degree turn, offering a panoramic view of Darjeeling town with the majestic Kanchenjunga peak in the background on clear days. The shorter 'Joy Ride' from Darjeeling to Ghum is a popular option for tourists.
The Southern Gem: Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty
Journeying to the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Ooty, is an adventure in itself aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Also part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India, this is the only rack railway in the country, using a unique toothed track system to climb the steepest track in Asia. The journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty takes you through the lush, verdant landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. The train, often pulled by a vintage steam locomotive on certain stretches, passes through dense forests, 16 tunnels, and across 250 bridges, offering mesmerising views of ravines and waterfalls. As you ascend, the air grows cooler and is filled with the fresh scent of eucalyptus from the surrounding plantations.
The Ocean Voyage: Mandapam to Rameswaram
For a truly unique and thrilling experience, the train journey to Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu is unparalleled. The highlight of this route is crossing the Pamban Bridge, India's first sea bridge which opened in 1914. For about 15 minutes, the train travels over the 2.3-kilometre-long bridge, giving passengers the incredible sensation of gliding just above the tranquil blue waters of the Palk Strait. With the sea stretching out to the horizon on both sides, it's a breathtaking and sometimes hair-raising ride. While the original bridge's operations were suspended in late 2022, a new parallel bridge has been constructed to continue this iconic journey, connecting the mainland to the sacred island of Rameswaram.
