In India, the train journey is one of the most fascinating things that everybody loves to enjoy here. Indian Train journeys are far more unique than any other country and offer an exciting experience to its visitors. From the fragrance of the fresh air to the smell of wet earth, these train journeys are even more overwhelming during the monsoon.
Also, The Indian Railways reaches out to 30 million people across all nooks and corners of the culturally and topographically diverse subcontinent and forms one of the world’s largest railway networks consisting of freight, passengers, tourist, Suburban rail systems, toy train, and luxury trains.
So, We have done research on railway tracks and made this list of the most beautiful Indian railway tracks in India. If you are taking a train on this route in the near future, do experience these beautiful rail routes in India.
Most beautiful rail routes in India
Here is the list of the best and most beautiful rail routes in India. These railway tracks in India are beautiful in their respective ways.
1. Kashmir Valley Railway: Jammu -Baramulla line
The Jammu-Udhampur-Katra-Quazigund-Baramulla Railway line is the biggest project in the construction of a mountain railway since independence. This section falls in the Kashmir Valley, which is a natural bowl and is one of the most scenic railway lines In India.
Passing through 20 tunnels and 100 bridges over the perennial mountain ranges of the Himalayas, it is also the tallest and the most challenging railway project of the Indian rail system. This route crosses the major earthquake zones, high altitude mountains, and terrains in the extreme temperatures of cold.
2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Udagamandalam (Ooty), via Coonoor, in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Crossing through the rolling hills of Nilgiri ranges, it encompasses majestic and most impressive views of nature around it which makes the journey even more enlightening. It passes through many tunnels, and over hundreds of bridges.
This picturesque railway route is surrounded with rocky terrain, ravines, tea plantations, and thickly forested hills. Furthermore, the most spectacular scenery and best views are situated along the stretch from Mettupalayam to Coonoor and many people prefer to only travel along this part.
3. Blue Sea Ride: Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram
Passing through the 100-year-old railway bridge, Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram rail network is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This railway route is not only known for its most dangerous bridge but is also a major tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu that leaves travelers awestruck with its scenic beauty.
Surrounded by pristine blue waters, it is the most amazing train ride in India connecting Rameswaram on Pamban Island to the rest of India.
4. Kalka–Shimla Toy Train (Kalka–Kandaghat-Shimla)
The 100 years old, Kalka-Shimla rail route, offers the charm of old-world travel amidst lofty pines and lush green, misty mountains. Passing through the 107 tunnels, 864 bridges, picturesque Himalayas and so many curves, this railway route connects the Indian plains to the ‘Queen of Hills,’ Shimla. Designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka Shimla toy train provides one of the most scenic train journeys in India.
5. Konkan Railway (Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)
Passing through beautiful regions full of hills, mountains, rivers, fields, tunnels, bridges, etc, the Konkan Railway offers amazing natural beauty around it. It has got a numerous number of bridges and tunnels, which are much more than any other part of the country. Also, it is one of the most overwhelming journeys for nature lovers as they can find themselves lost in the majestic and magnificent Sahyadri mountain ranges, stunning curves, river bridges, lakes, and other water bodies.
Also, Read Most beautiful canal cities in the world
6. Jewel of Thar Desert (Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer)
The Desert Queen rail route passes through the dry forest and wasteland of Thar Desert of Rajasthan and offers fantastic views of barren desert land, sand dunes, desert wildlife, and tribes. In fact, Rajasthan’s jewel in the crown is its vast and untamed desert and the journey across the gateway towns of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur puts the visitors into the shimmering sands of Thar Desert.
Apart from this, the desert forts, temple ruins, remote villages, colorful markets, countless camels and rare sights of the blackbuck running wild across the barren land of Rajasthan enchants the tourists from all over the world.
7. Coastal Kerala (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum)
Ernakulam–Kayamkulam railway line runs along with the coastal areas of Alappuzha, Ernakulam districts of Kerala. This majestic backwater train journey through the long Arabian Sea coastline of Kerala offers an exotic view of the surrounding area, coconut tree line, green paddy fields, and water channels. Also, the striking landscapes and the waterscapes chugging past, offset by the dense greenery and bathed in the golden sun offer the all-time best experience to its visitors.
8. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (New Jalpaiguri-Ghum-Darjeeling)
Riding the Toy Train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) has always remained a coveted experience to the tourists. This Toy Train has been accorded the UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the five Mountain Railways of India World Heritage Site known for its splendid and amazing journey. It offers a unique ride with picturesque views of mountains, villages, and local shops on the street which makes your journey even more relaxed and charming.
9. Flavors of Assam: Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar
The flavors of Assam offer one of the best train journeys in India. Passing through the lush green forestry areas, pristine river valleys, and tea gardens, it is one of the most scenic railway routes in India. The train also passes through the adjoining valleys of Haflong, before joining the banks of River Jatinga and meandering along with it and a few hours later it takes the visitors amid the wonderful tea plantations of the Barak Valley before finally heading towards Agartala. In fact, It is really a fascinating journey that adds to the joy of your visit by providing such a relaxation in the surrounding nature.
10. Adventures Araku Valley: Visakhapatnam-Shimiliguda-Araku Valley
The train journey from Visakha to Araku through tunnels and bridges is a memorable moment as it offers a glimpse of a number of attractions that overwhelms everybody’s heart. Araku Valley, popularly known as Araku is a scenic hill station situated at a distance of 110 km from Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Adventures train journey to Araku Valley begins with the majestic views of the Eastern Ghats, coffee plantations. Visitors can experience all these enchanting attractions through the highest Broad gauge railway station of Shimiliguda.
11. Orissa Tribal Odyssey: Koraput-Rayagada
Nestled in the tribal heartland of the Eastern Ghats and covering around 173 km, the Koraput to Rayagada railway line passes through the dark and dense forests, meadows, waterfalls, and terraced valleys. This route is extremely astonishing and encompasses majestic green cliffs, horse-shoe curves, emerald forests, and rich farmland that makes the journey even more interesting.
However, the Rayagada region is rich in mineral resources and offers a unique mix of tribal heritage, scenic beauty, and industrial development, and is often regarded as an unexplored paradise of Odhisa.
12. Dooars Express: Siliguri- Newmal – Hasimara- Alipurduar
The train route from Siliguri to Alipurduar is a journey filled with fun and wonder. The Dooars Valley in West Bengal is adorned with the alluring charm of the gurgling Teesta and Sankosh rivers with the Eastern Himalayas serving as the backdrop.
Being one of the best train routes in India, the Dooars express passes through numerous natural wonderlands such as a huge number of forests, wildlife sanctuaries including the Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary, Chapramari forest, Jaldapara Wildlife sanctuary, and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings.
13. Matheran – Neral
Neral Matheran Toy Train in Matheran is a heritage train managed by the Central Railways. This charming hill railway was laid by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy in the early 20th century. Covering a distance of about 20 km, it passes through the beautiful mountains, valleys, that offer tourists fascinating views of dense forests and hills.
For those who prefer some personal space, the train has a deluxe compartment and is well-equipped with modern facilities. Apart from this, it also offers the facility of close observation of the outside scenic beauty while sitting in the compartment on the installed television.
14. Vasco Da Gama to Londa
The scenic journey from the majestic city of Goa i.e. Vasco Da Gama to Londa in Karnataka is really enchanting as it offers a fantastic experience of real natural beauty which is just undefinable. Ranging from watching the pristine Goan villages to experiencing the glimpses of Western Ghats, this beautiful rail journey has it all.
It passes through the lush green forestry areas, perennial mountains, waterfalls, and other natural attractions that add real beauty to your journey. However, The best time to go on this journey is after the monsoon when you can enjoy the vibrant red color of the clay soil.
15. Mumbai to Goa
Mumbai is the city of dreams and Goa is the major and best beach destination in the world. Both cities are visited by a large number of tourists every year. These cities are known across the world mainly for two reasons, one for their glamorous and busy life and the other for the vacation mood that it sets for the visitors.
Running between the Sahyadri hills on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, the train connects to both these special places and gives a stunning experience to its visitors. The train passes through 92 tunnels to and on over 2000 bridges. This route offers endless stretches of water, paddy hues, and villages under shades of coconut trees to make your trip even more beautiful.
Read More, Highest Waterfalls In India
These are the most beautiful rail routes in India. The diversity in climate makes India the most beautiful county to visit and rails are the biggest way to travel in India. So, one can experience the diversity of Indian culture, Indian Climate, and Indian Natural Beauty via train journey.