Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal
Affectionately known as the 'Toy Train', this UNESCO World Heritage railway is a journey back in time. Operating since 1881, the narrow-gauge train pulled by a charming steam or diesel engine travels from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, an 88-kilometre
journey that takes over seven hours. The route is an engineering marvel, ascending through dramatic loops like the famous Batasiya Loop and tight zig-zags. As it slowly climbs, the train offers breathtaking views of rolling tea plantations and, on a clear day, the magnificent Kanchenjunga peak. The most popular option for tourists is the shorter joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum and back, which captures the essence of this historic ride.
Kalka-Shimla Railway, Himachal Pradesh
Another gem on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Kalka-Shimla Railway was built in 1903 to connect the plains with Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. The journey covers 96 kilometres and is a visual treat, passing through an astonishing 103 tunnels and over 800 bridges. The train winds its way through pine forests, verdant valleys, and sleepy hill towns like Barog and Solan. The five-hour journey offers a serene and picturesque ascent into the Himalayas, with each curve revealing a new, postcard-perfect landscape, making it one of the most beautiful train trips in India.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu
The journey to the charming hill station of Ooty is incomplete without a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage line, completed in 1908, is the only rack railway in India, using a special toothed track to climb the steepest slopes in Asia. The train begins its journey in Mettupalayam, ascending from 326 meters to 2,203 meters over a 46-kilometre stretch. The route takes you through 16 tunnels, across 250 bridges, and past lush tea estates and dense forests of the Nilgiri Hills, making for an unforgettable five-hour experience.
Konkan Railway, Maharashtra to Karnataka
While not a toy train, the Konkan Railway is arguably one of the most stunning rail journeys in modern India. Inaugurated in 1998, this 741-kilometre engineering marvel connects Roha (near Mumbai) to Mangaluru, running parallel to the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. The route features over 2,000 bridges and 91 tunnels, slicing through mountains and crossing rivers. The journey is especially magical during the monsoon, when the landscape transforms into a lush paradise with gushing waterfalls and vibrant greenery. From coastal cliffs and sun-drenched beaches to dense forests and quiet villages, the scenery is constantly changing, offering a feast for the eyes.
Sea Bridge Journey to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
For a short but truly thrilling experience, the train ride across the Pamban Bridge is unparalleled. This was India's first sea bridge, opened in 1914, connecting the mainland to the island of Rameswaram. The 2.3-kilometre journey feels like you are gliding over the water, with the blue sea stretching out on both sides as far as the eye can see. The train slows down as it crosses the bridge, giving passengers about 15 minutes to soak in the incredible, hair-raising views. It’s a unique and dramatic ride that combines engineering ingenuity with the raw beauty of the ocean.
