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Greet rains by taking this train journey from Mumbai to Mangaluru. This Konkan railway route crosses vast rivers, long bridges, green mountains & dark tunnels.
What Is It?
Wake up brightly and early to catch a morning gaadi like the Jan Shatabdi or the Sawantwadi Passenger. You can also choose to take the fully air-conditioned, WiFi-enabled Tejas Express but the essence of this journey is to feel the blast of wind-whipped rain in your face. Who needs an AC when Mother Nature is your cooling system?
Also read: Most Scenic Train Journeys In India
The Route
Mumbai to Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavli or as far as you’d like to go. If you ‘happen’ to end up in Goa, it’s worked out for the best, hasn’t it? You can always get off midway and take the first train back. This Konkan route offers lush green vistas along India’s west coast.
Fun Fact
An unlimited supply of vada pao with fiery red chutney to stave off the chills. Chai, whenever you want some.
Also read: Take The Royal India Tour In A True Maharaja Style For INR 52 Lakhs
What To Expect?
Stand at the door of your compartment and scream into the void of a never-ending line of tunnels. When the train emerges suddenly onto a long bridge, feel your heart pound as the wheels thunder over a wide, roaring river. Lean your head against your window and watch the engine curve sinuously between verdant hills. Feel the spray of hundreds of large and small waterfalls that exist only during the monsoons. Smell the gunpowder-y fragrance of engine smoke. Network is intermittent; forget your phone and play antakshari, or sing to yourself. No one cares.
Also read: A Thrill Ride Over India’s Oldest Most Dangerous Seabridge, Pamban Bridge
Look Out For
This is a single-track route. Rains often delay trains, sometimes by hours. But that’s the point, isn’t it? To stop in the middle of nowhere to give way to snobbish Rajdhanis and stare into an untouched forest. Alight at a wayside station such as Indapur or Aravali Road, walk along the low, empty platform and make small talk with the guard. To nap in the middle of the day, rocked to sleep by the gentle swaying of the train.
Deets
Book your tickets here
Cost to Ratnagiri ranges from Rs. 260 in the Mandovi Express to a princely 85 bucks in the Sawantwadi Passenger.
Pluviophile thirsting for petrichor, what are you waiting for?
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First Published: June 12, 2017 6:22 PM