If you’re someone who dreads flying, whether it’s turbulence, take-off, cramped cabins or just the thought of being 35,000 feet in the air, you’re not missing the best parts of travelling. In fact, for a surprising number of destinations across India, the train is where the magic begins. These eight train journeys in India are proof!
8 Scenic Train Journeys In India That Will Make You Forget About Flying
1. Goa Via The Konkan Railway
Ask anyone who’s travelled the Konkan Railway, and they’ll probably spend more time talking about the train than Goa itself. That’s saying something!
Running along India’s western coastline, this railway links Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka through a route that looks dramatically different with every passing hour. One minute you’re gliding past quiet rivers reflecting the morning sun and the next moment, you’re disappearing into one of the many tunnels carved through the Sahyadri hills before emerging into stretches of emerald-green forests. During the monsoon, waterfalls tumble down the hillsides so close to the tracks that passengers instinctively reach for their cameras.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Hundreds of tunnels, monsoon waterfalls, healthy-happy green valleys and sparkling glimpses of the Arabian Sea make every seat feel like a window to a nature documentary.
Also Read: Ride Into A Picture Book: Anand Mahindra Recommends This Rain Train Journey In Siliguri
2. Ooty Via The Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Some journeys deserve to be ASAP: as slow as possible, and Ooty is one of them.
The adventure begins at Mettupalayam, where the charming blue-and-cream Nilgiri Mountain Railway starts its gradual climb into the hills. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic toy train still uses a rack-and-pinion system to tackle the steep slopes. Instead of rushing uphill, it takes its time, passing tea estates that stretch endlessly across the hillsides, eucalyptus forests carrying that beautiful mountain scent, tiny stations where life seems to move at half the usual speed, and stone bridges suspended above deep valleys.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Mist swims here over tea plantations while forests, bridges and blue mountains frame the route like scenes from a classic film.
Also Read: 8 Vande Bharat Train Journeys So Scenic They Outshine Any Road Trip
3. Shimla Via The Kalka-Shimla Railway
More than 120 years after it first began operating, the Kalka-Shimla Railway feels very old-school. And that’s a blessing!
Built in 1903 during the British Raj, this narrow-gauge railway climbs nearly 1,400 metres to reach Shimla, crossing over 800 bridges and weaving through more than 100 tunnels along the way. The little train moves at a slow pace, giving you enough time to notice pine forests carpeting the hills, monkeys waiting near tiny stations, colonial-era buildings and valleys that seem to stretch endlessly. It isn’t difficult to imagine why this railway service continues to find a place on travellers’ bucket lists.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Pine-covered slopes and vintage railway stations make every bend worth waiting for.
4. Darjeeling Via The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
There’s a thing delightfully nostalgic about the Darjeeling Toy Train! It whistles through streets, squeezes past homes and shops, and climbs into the hills with an almost storybook charm.
The heritage railway begins its climb from New Jalpaiguri before winding through colourful hillside settlements and some of the country’s most celebrated tea estates. Depending on the weather, you might even catch Kanchenjunga glowing in the distance.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Emerald tea gardens and colourful hill towns of Kanchenjunga create postcard-worthy moments from start to finish.
Also Read: 5 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In Asia That Also Have The Best Food Spots!
5. Rameswaram Via The Pamban Railway Bridge
As the train leaves mainland Tamil Nadu and begins crossing the legendary Pamban Railway Bridge, the landscape changes its colours and wears charm like couture. Suddenly, there is water everywhere. Looking out either side, you’ll see fishing boats bobbing gently below, waves crashing against the bridge’s pillars and an endless expanse of turquoise stretching towards the horizon.
No aircraft window can offer this POV!
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: A seemingly endless sheet of turquoise sea surrounds the tracks!
6. Srinagar Via Jammu And The Kashmir Railway
For years, flying was the default way to reach Srinagar. Today, the expanding railway network offers a different introduction to Kashmir, and it’s arguably the more gorgeous one.
After arriving in Jammu, the rail journey heads deeper into the Himalayas, cutting through long tunnels, crossing soaring bridges and winding past deep valleys and rushing rivers. One of its biggest highlights is the Chenab Rail Bridge, officially the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Snow-dusted mountains and emerald-tone valleys create views that never sit still.
7. Kerala’s Coastal Railway To Kochi, Alleppey Or Varkala
The coastal railway glides past sparkling, magical backwaters where fishing boats drift lazily, endless coconut palms swaying in the breeze, bright green paddy fields, colourful village homes and occasional stretches where the Arabian Sea appears almost close enough to touch.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Mirror-like backwaters, coconut-lined villages and yummy paddy fields make the journey too calming.
Also Read: 8 Luxury Train Journeys In India That Are Worth Splurging On At Least Once In Life
8. Udaipur By Overnight Train
An overnight train to Udaipur has a certain romance!
You board after dinner, settle into your berth with a book or your favourite playlist, fall asleep somewhere between cities and wake up to Rajasthan unfolding outside your window. The scenery changes gradually and most importantly, magically from busy towns to open countryside and finally to the rugged Aravalli hills that cradle the City of Lakes.
Why it makes for a picture-perfect train journey: Golden fields slowly give way to the rugged Aravalli hills, offering a beautiful first glimpse of Rajasthan.
So, which of these train journeys should leave you more spellbound?
Cover Image Courtesy: nandhukumar/Canva Pro and bhumisingh/Canva Pro
FAQs
Which is the most scenic train journey in India?
The Konkan Railway is often considered India's most scenic train route, thanks to its lush Western Ghats, waterfalls, tunnels and breathtaking Arabian Sea views.
Which train journeys in India are UNESCO World Heritage experiences?
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and Kalka-Shimla Railway are UNESCO World Heritage mountain railways.
Which Indian train crosses the sea?
Trains travelling to Rameswaram cross the iconic Pamban Railway Bridge, offering spectacular views of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Which is the best toy train ride in India?
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are among India's most famous toy train experiences, both offering unforgettable mountain views.