India is a country where the journey can be just as memorable as the destination. With its vast landscapes, diverse cultures, and history woven into every corner, train travel in India is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s an adventure. From misty mountains and lush jungles to golden deserts and coastal stretches, India’s railways unlock views you’ll never forget. For travellers planning their trip, booking tickets to India is the first step toward experiencing these unforgettable train journeys.
Let’s dive into some of the most scenic rail routes in India that every traveller should experience at least once.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Toy Train of the Hills
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most iconic train journeys in India. Fondly called the Toy Train, it winds its way up from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, climbing through tea plantations, dense forests, and mountain villages.
What makes this journey special is not just the views of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range but the experience of chugging along narrow tracks on an old steam locomotive. The train loops and zigzags its way up the hills, passing through Ghum, India’s highest railway station.
Travelers describe it as stepping back in time. The pace is slow, the carriages are charming, and the scenery keeps changing around every bend. If you’re dreaming of misty mountains and a nostalgic rail journey, this is the route to take.
The Konkan Railway: A Coastal Masterpiece
Running between Mumbai and Mangalore, the Konkan Railway is one of the most scenic rail routes in India. It hugs the western coastline, cutting through lush green landscapes, waterfalls, tunnels, and countless bridges.
Monsoon season turns this route into a paradise. Rivers swell, waterfalls cascade down hillsides, and the greenery glows brighter than ever. On clear days, you’ll spot the Arabian Sea glimmering alongside the tracks.
The sheer engineering brilliance of this railway—constructed across rugged terrain and dense forests—adds to its appeal. Whether you’re traveling south from Mumbai or making your way north, this route is a feast for the eyes.
Kalka to Shimla: Through the Himalayan Foothills
Another UNESCO-listed railway, the Kalka–Shimla line, is an unforgettable Himalayan journey. This narrow-gauge route winds up the hills through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges.
The train passes oak, pine, and deodar forests, with views of valleys and tiny hillside hamlets. The highlight is the Barog tunnel, which is one of the longest and most famous tunnels on the line.
The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train is a favourite among travellers looking for a blend of history and mountain scenery. Its vintage charm makes the experience even more magical. For anyone booking tickets to India to explore the northern mountains, this route is not to be missed.
The Palace on Wheels: A Journey into Royal India
If you’re looking for luxury with your scenic views, the Palace on Wheels is the ultimate experience. Modeled after the opulent carriages of Indian royalty, this train takes you on a journey through Rajasthan.
The route covers Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and even the Ranthambore National Park. Imagine sipping your morning tea while watching the desert sands stretch endlessly or spotting tigers from your cabin window.
The interiors are lavish, with fine dining, personal attendants, and cultural performances on board. It’s less about speed and more about living like a royal while soaking up some of India’s most dramatic landscapes
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Into the Blue Mountains
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is yet another UNESCO World Heritage gem. Starting from Mettupalayam and climbing up to Ooty in Tamil Nadu, this train climbs steep gradients using a unique rack-and-pinion system.
On the way, you pass tea estates, forested valleys, and mountain streams. The journey is slow and winding, but that only gives you more time to savor the scenery. Ooty itself is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” but many travellers say the train ride is just as memorable as the destination.
The Kangra Valley Railway: A Ride Through Hidden Himachal
For travellers who like offbeat routes, the Kangra Valley Railway offers something unique. Running between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh, this narrow-gauge railway passes through lush valleys, farmlands, and small Himalayan villages.
The Dhauladhar mountain range forms the backdrop for much of the journey, and the relaxed pace lets you soak in the beauty of rural Himachal. Unlike the more famous Shimla route, the Kangra line feels untouched and authentic, offering a slice of India that many tourists never see.
The Desert Queen: Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
From the greenery of Himachal, let’s switch to the golden sands of Rajasthan. The Jodhpur to Jaisalmer train journey, often nicknamed the Desert Queen, takes you through one of India’s most unique landscapes.
As the train rolls deeper into the Thar Desert, you’ll see sand dunes, scattered villages, and camel caravans in the distance. Watching the sunrise or sunset from the train windows is a surreal experience, as the desert changes colours with the light.
Arriving in Jaisalmer, with its golden fort rising out of the sands, feels like stepping into another world.
The Kashmir Railway: Through the Valley of Dreams
One of India’s engineering marvels, the Kashmir Railway connects Banihal to Baramulla. The route passes through snow-clad mountains, apple orchards, pine forests, and charming Kashmiri villages.
What sets it apart is the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas. In winter, the train runs through snow, giving it a fairy-tale quality. In summer, fields of saffron and blooming gardens create an entirely different palette.
It’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, and for travellers booking tickets to India, it’s a journey worth planning into your itinerary.
The Mandovi Express: Mumbai to Goa
If you’re dreaming of beaches, the Mandovi Express is the perfect way to start your Goan adventure. Running from Mumbai to Madgaon in Goa, this train offers stunning views of rivers, mountains, and paddy fields before finally delivering you to Goa’s tropical coastline.
Travelers love this route because it feels like a cinematic introduction to Goa itself. You’ll see fishermen at work, small churches dotting the countryside, and coconut palms swaying in the breeze. By the time you arrive, you’re already in the Goan mood.
Why Train Travel in India is Unforgettable
What ties all these journeys together is not just the landscapes but the sense of connection. Trains in India bring people together—locals, tourists, vendors selling chai and samosas, families sharing stories. The carriages are alive with conversation, laughter, and sometimes even music.
Unlike flights, which blur the journey, trains let you see the country unfold mile by mile. They give you time to pause, breathe, and absorb the beauty around you. For anyone planning their next adventure, securing tickets to India means opening the door to these one-of-a-kind experiences.
Final Thoughts
Train journeys in India are not just about getting somewhere—they’re about what you see, who you meet, and how the journey itself changes you. From the misty hills of Darjeeling to the deserts of Rajasthan, from the lush Konkan coast to the snowy valleys of Kashmir, every route offers a different story.
So if you’re planning a trip, don’t just think about destinations. Think about the journeys that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Because in India, the train window isn’t just a view—it’s a memory in the making.
