New Delhi: From cloud-kissed hills to roaring waterfalls and emerald valleys, India’s railway network is not just an engineering marvel—it’s a window to the subcontinent’s soul. For many, a train journey in India is more than just transportation—it’s an experience carved into memory. Here’s a look at some of the most breathtaking railway routes in the country, celebrated not just for where they go, but what they show.
1. Konkan Railway (Mumbai to Mangalore/Thiruvananthapuram)
“Traveling during the monsoon is like watching a moving painting,” says Anjali Menon, a frequent Konkan Kanya Express passenger. The route cuts through the heart of the Western Ghats, where dense forests, rivers, cliffs, and more than 2,000 bridges—including the iconic Panvalnadi viaduct—offer an unforgettable view.
Scenic Stars: Dudhsagar Falls, Sharavathi Valley, Arabian Sea vistas.
Best Train: Mandovi Express or Konkan Kanya Express.
Don’t Miss: Tunnel No. 19, known for its eerie darkness and length.
2. Kalka–Shimla Railway (Himachal Pradesh)
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 96-km narrow gauge ride is an engineering wonder. “Crossing the Barog Tunnel as clouds swirl around is surreal,” says Shreya Kohli, a Delhi-based photographer.
Scenic Stars: 864 bridges, colonial-era stations, snow-capped peaks.
Best Train: Shivalik Deluxe Express or Himalayan Queen.
Highlight: The Barog Tunnel—longest on the route at 1.1 km.
3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling)
Known as the ‘Toy Train’, this route winds through tea gardens and the majestic Kanchenjunga. The Batasia Loop, a spiral near Ghum, offers a 360-degree mountain panorama.
“Watching the sunrise over the Himalayas while sipping Darjeeling tea on the train is unmatched,” says Subhasish Banerjee, a retired railways engineer.
Best Train: Darjeeling Toy Train
Key Stops: Ghum—the highest railway station in India at 7,407 ft.
4. Jammu to Baramulla (Jammu & Kashmir)
This modern marvel passes over the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, taller than the Eiffel Tower. Snow-covered ridges, gorges, and valleys make this ride spellbinding.
“There’s no route that brings Kashmir closer to your heart like this one,” says Major Karan Thakur (Retd.), who now resides in Srinagar.
Best Train: Vande Bharat Express
Hotspot: The Banihal tunnel, which brings you into the valley like a portal.
5. Matheran Hill Railway (Neral to Matheran)
Just 21 km long, this quaint ride is best enjoyed slowly. “The toy train gives you time to listen to the birds and smell the forest,” notes travel blogger Rhea D’Souza.
Highlights: Zigzag curves, forest canopies, misty cliffs.
Best Train: Matheran Toy Train
6. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh)
This Eastern Ghats beauty features lush coffee plantations, the Borra Caves, and tribal hamlets. With 58 tunnels and 84 bridges, it’s a dream for those who crave offbeat.
“The Vistadome coach with glass ceilings feels like a moving observatory,” shares Srikar Reddy, a software engineer from Hyderabad.
Best Train: Kirandul Passenger or Vistadome Coach Train
Top Spot: The Araku Valley stretch during early winter mornings.
7. Guwahati to Lumding (Assam)
This underrated gem in the Northeast has dramatic views of the North Cachar Hills and the lush floodplains of Assam.
“You feel like you’re entering a green kingdom,” says Anupama Hazarika, a local schoolteacher. The route is dotted with dense jungles, bamboo groves, and river crossings.
Best Train: Guwahati–Silchar Express
Highlight: Lumding to Haflong, known as the “Queen of Hills”.
Travel Tips for Scenic Seekers
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Best Time to Travel: Monsoons (June–Sept) for verdant landscapes; winters (Oct–Feb) for clearer views.
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Book Early: Hill trains and Vistadome coaches sell out fast.
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Must-Have: Camera, binoculars, and an offline playlist to match the rhythm of the rails.
Final Word
“There’s magic in slow travel,” says Rajeev Mehta, a retired railway guard. “These routes aren’t just about speed. They’re about soul.”
So, next time you plan a trip, consider boarding a train that doesn’t just take you somewhere—it shows you everything in between.
