Top Best Scenic Train Journeys In India to Explore

In this article, I will discuss the Best Scenic Train Trips in India that showcase the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage.

From misty mountain railways to coastal journeys and lush forest routes, these train rides offer unforgettable views and cultural charm.

Whether you’re a nature lover or a travel enthusiast, these scenic routes promise a magical experience.

Key Points & Best Scenic Train Trips In India

Train Route	Key Highlights
Kalka to Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)	Toy train through 100 tunnels, pine forests, and colonial-era stations
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway	UNESCO heritage ride with views of tea gardens and Kanchenjunga peaks
Nilgiri Mountain Railway	Steep climbs, lush forests, and tunnels en route to Ooty
Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway)	Coastal views, waterfalls, and lush greenery—especially stunning during monsoon
Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir)	Snow-capped mountains, valleys, and river crossings in the Himalayas
Mandovi Express (Mumbai to Goa)	Scenic Western Ghats, rivers, and countryside vistas
Matheran Hill Railway	Narrow-gauge ride through dense forests and hill terrain
Kanyakumari to Trivandrum	Ocean views, coconut groves, and coastal charm of southern India
Dibrugarh to Ledo (Assam)	Lush tea gardens, rainforests, and tribal landscapes of Northeast India
Siliguri to Rangtong (West Bengal)	Short but beautiful ride with views of hills and forests

10 Best Scenic Train Trips In India

1. Kalka to Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)

One of the country’s oldest and most spectacular rail routes, the Kalka to Shimla rail system is over 100 years old. It is a World Heritage site under UNESCO.

The railway works on the Shivalik hills with 96 kilometers of tracks and 102 tunnels. The route has over 864 bridges, 900 curves, and takes you over misty valleys of Shimla, pine forests and colonial stations, and British era dusted snow hills.

The route is a blend of engineering and grandeur with a lot of nostalgia, and is especially beautiful in the monsoons and winters. It was built in 1903.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The 88 km Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is yet another UNESCO World Heritage piece of history. The “Toy Train” is a narrow gauge train that takes passengers from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling.

It scales steep gradients using loops and zigzags. It has panoramas of tea gardens and hills, and if you are fortunate, a glimpse of Kanchenjunga.

It operates during the winter months and its vintage steam engines provide a colonial charm. It is the highest railway station in India. It passes quaint towns, famous hills and is the best option to marvel at the Eastern Himalayas.

3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the only rack railway in South India. It operates between Mettupalayam and Ooty and covers a distance of 46 kms.

The ride is an absolute feast to the senses as the train, in a blend of antique and modern railway systems, passes steep hills, tea plantations, deep ravines and tunnels.

At over 6,000 feet the train passes over 250 bridges, 16 tunnels and the mist covered hills and tea plantations are a sight to behold.

The distance between Mettupalayam and Ooty also called the Queen of Hills is an unforgettable experience, especially when accompanied by the vintage steam locomotive.

4. Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway)

Taking the Konkan Railway from Mumbai to Goa is especially wonderful during the monsoon. Konkan Railway is a masterpiece of construction.

Over a distance of 580 km, covering the Western Ghat, going over bridges, waterfalls and picturesque green valleys.

Over 2000 bridges and 90 tunnels allow the train to passes through. The train passes through and gives a wonderful view of the Sahyadri ranges, and a number of waterfalls, which include the popular Dudhsagar, as well as a number of Goa’s coastal villages.

The train and Goa are a perfect combination for a relaxing time away from the hustle of the city. The train ride is a wonderful alternative for those who want to spend time in nature. The perfect holiday combination for nature lovers is the train going to Goa.

5. Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir)

One of the most beautiful and divided train rides in the country. The Jammu-Baramulla train ride passes through the Kashmir Valley with apple fields, river valleys, and snow capped mountains.

With beautiful surroundings, the train passes over the highest railway bridge in the country and the Chenab river, and tunnels in the Himalayas.

The train passes over and through stations like Anantnag and Srinagar, demostrating the villages and their rich culture.

During the winter, the snow covers the ground and transforms the landscape, showing the beauty of Kashmir and connecting the remote the regions of the country. The train ride through Kashmir is one of the most peaceful rides.

6. Mandovi Express (Mumbai to Goa)

The Mandovi Express is a daytime train that runs between Mumbai and Goa and showcases the beauty of the Konkan coast.

Unlike overnight trains, you can see the landscape, the quiet countryside, and the busy cities as the train moves through the Western Ghats, coconut groves, paddy fields, and rivers.

The train pantry is known for wonderful meals. Travelers who want to enjoy their ride enjoy the large windows and easy pace. The Mandovi Express runs through the coast of India and truly shows the beauty of the country.

7. Matheran Hill Railway

The Matheran Hill Railway is a section of the narrow gauge that climbs from Neral to Matheran, a car-free hill station near Mumbai. Matheran claims no cars, making it the oldest car-free hill station in the country.

The train ride was built in 1907, making it a heritage ride. The ride to Matheran is a wonderful escape, starting from the monkey-filled mid of the forest all the way to the colonial marvels.

Matheran was built to escape the summer and the constant changes of the city. The school holidays and misty winter days brought large numbers of families, as the train ride was perfect for all.

8. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum

This is a pleasant short journey from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum. This journey is one of the most beautiful as this journey runs by the coast. This journey gives a view of the arabian sea and some beautiful coconut palms.

This trip by train also view beautiful fishing villages as this trip also cross the land of fishing villages.

This trip by train also gives a view of temples and churches. South Indian culture and Kanyakumari sunsets are famous.

This trip is also a treat for the people who are interested to visit the southern coast of the country.

This trip is also close to many tourist attractions like Vivekananda Rock and Kovalum Beach.

This trip is also close to Padmanabhapuram Palace. This route is also very calm and peacful.

9. Dibrugarh to Ledo (Assam)

This trip is also very calm and peaceful. The Dibrugarh to Ledo train journey gives you the most beautiful and expansive view of the northeast. This is also a very historic route.

This trip is an old historic route as this was used in World War II and was used to connect to the Stilwell Road.

This trip also gives you the oldest view of the most east railway stations in india as Ledo is the oldest east railway station in india.

This trip is very unique as most of the area is covered by bamboo and densely misty hills and this area is filled with rich culture and also diverse in many way.

This trip is very calm and peaceful. This trip is most ideal for people looking to travel to the northeast as this gives you a very unique travel experience.

10. Siliguri to Rangtong (West Bengal)

The Siliguri-Rangtong route is a very small but very beautiful bit of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Eastern Himalayas come a little into view on the gentle hills.

While crossing the Sukna forest, the train begins to climb slowly towards Rangtong, a serene little village. For those who don’t want to take the full Darjeeling route, this is the ideal experience.

The calm is blissfully interrupted only by the cool winds and the gentle songs of the birds. The ride is perfect for a day of relaxation.

Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts will enjoy this ride more than the average train ride.

Cocnlsuion

To sum up, India’s scenic train rides are truly special for the landscapes, culture, and the spirit of adventure that they encompass.

Each and every railway route, right from the foggy Himalayas to the coast and the verdant tea plantations, and even the southern parts of the country are different and beautiful.

Each journey, whether it is on the toy train and mountain express, becomes extraordinary, for they highlight the unparalleled beauty of the country and the historic legacy of railways.

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