Best Train Journeys in India

Visit to India remains incomplete without the thrilling roller-coaster ride in incredibly third largest railway networks of the world: Indian Railways. A Train journey in India is the best option to explore picturesque landscape of the country as this one is easy for every pocket size. Indian Railway tourism is the best way to get taste of country’s renowned diversities.
Indian railway network is unique in its own way where narrow gauge co-exists with broad and meter gauge tracks. Facilities in the train also vary with different classes ranging from general sleeper class to first class air-conditioned compartments. The network offers wide range from royal luxury trains to legendary heritage ones, from local city trains to mountain trains. Even few of the cross country type of trains offers it passengers the glimpse of entire country in its single journey. Explore below few of the best train journeys to get the flair of real India:

A majestic toy train runs between Kalka and Shimla winding through the hills and rich vegetation of Deodar and Pine trees on the Shimla Kalka track of 96 km. The train journey is through 102 (some 3 minutes long) tunnels and 800 colonial styled bridges take around 5 and half hours. The beautiful track was declared as world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008.

Palace on Wheels

Trip in luxurious Palace on wheels is another major attraction in Indian Railways. The trip takes you to the majestic terrains of Rajasthan as you soak the essence of the royal hospitality of Rajasthan. Journey covers majestic forts, monuments, palaces, lakes, wildlife etc of royal Rajasthan. Coaches of the train resemble the local ornamentation and architecture of the major cities in Rajasthan. Along with wonderful ambience train offers mouth watering Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine with exotic drinks. Palace on wheels run weekly on the route of Delhi – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi.

The credit for the best Railway track in terms of on way scenic landscapes go to Konkan Railways, which connects Mumbai with Kerala. The train passes through the most inaccessible and gorgeous landscapes in the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The 760 km long track covers 92 tunnels and 1,998 bridges. Konkan railway is the best option to witness evergreen charming Kerala state. Trains run twice a week on the route of Mumbai – Ratnagiri – Madgaon – Udupi –Cannanore – Calicut – Trichur – Cochin – Trivandrum.

Mettupalayam – Ooty Railway track of Niligiri Mountain Railways offer its passengers the life time memorable moments of exploring another delightful hill station of the country. The toy train meanders from plains to the upper reaches of the Nilgiri Hills at the turtle’s pace of 33 km / hour in four and half hours. The train passes through lush green forests, dense tea plantations, tunnels and bridges providing cherish moments to its passengers.

Indian railways offer long list of such interesting train journeys, few others in the list are Matheran hill railway, Darjeeling Himalaya Railway, Kottavalasa Kirandul line.