India’s Most Beautiful & Underrated Rail Routes

India's extensive railway network is not only a means of transport; it's an experience that exposes you to the country's breathtaking scenery. Although the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Palace on Wheels are well-known, there are several hundred breathtaking train rides to be explored. This ride provides tourists with an enchanting blend of nature's wonder, cultural inheritance, and timeless beauty. A peek at some of India's most breathtaking but not-so-touristed rail journeys that certainly need to find a place on your travel bucket list.
This narrow-gauge railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a mesmerizing ride through the Shivalik hills. Covering a distance of 96 km, the train passes through 102 tunnels, over 800 bridges, and countless curves. The journey treats passengers to pine forests, quaint hill stations, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The toy train experience is particularly magical in winter when the route is blanketed in snow.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, the Matheran Hill Railway is one of the last remaining toy trains in India. It chugs along a 21 km stretch from Neral to Matheran, a charming hill station free of motor vehicles. The slow, winding journey through dense forests, misty valleys, and deep gorges makes for an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit is during the monsoon when the lush greenery comes alive with waterfalls and mist.
Unlike its more famous counterpart, the Kalka-Shimla route, the Kangra Valley Railway is a lesser-known jewel. Covering a distance of 164 km from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar, this narrow-gauge route offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, tea gardens, and rivers. It is one of the few train journeys in India where you can witness the Himalayan landscape without large crowds.
The Konkan Railway is famous for its coastal beauty, and the stretch between Karwar and Mangalore is one of its most spectacular yet underrated sections. This route runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, passing through golden beaches, coconut groves, and picturesque fishing villages. The sight of the vast ocean on one side and the Western Ghats on the other makes it a dream journey for nature lovers.
One of the least explored train routes in India, the journey from Ledo in Assam to Murkongselek on the Arunachal Pradesh border is a hidden treasure. The route offers breathtaking views of tea plantations, misty mountains, and the mighty Brahmaputra River. This train ride is an immersive experience into the unexplored beauty of Northeast India.
A journey through the lush greenery of Northeast India, this route connects Assam’s Silchar with Tripura’s capital, Agartala. It takes passengers through dense forests, rolling hills, and vibrant tribal villages. The Barak Valley’s scenic beauty, coupled with the region’s rich cultural heritage, makes this a must-visit journey for travelers looking for offbeat experiences.
For those who love desert landscapes, the train journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is a surreal experience. The vast Thar Desert, golden sand dunes, and isolated hamlets create an enchanting atmosphere. The changing hues of the sand under the setting sun make this journey even more magical.
This route, passing through Maharashtra’s rugged Sahyadri hills, is an undiscovered beauty. The train navigates lush green valleys, waterfalls, and the famous Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. During the monsoon, the landscape transforms into a paradise with fog-covered hills and cascading waterfalls.
Known as one of the most scenic rail journeys in South India, this 120 km stretch takes you through the mesmerizing Araku Valley. The train climbs through lush forests, coffee plantations, and numerous tunnels. The highlight of this journey is the breathtaking views of the Eastern Ghats and the meandering Gosthani River.
This short but scenic stretch on the Konkan Railway offers a delightful ride along the Arabian Sea, through pristine beaches, palm-fringed backwaters, and towering cliffs. The route is a paradise for beach lovers and offers spectacular sunset views over the ocean.
India’s train journeys are more than just travel—they are windows into the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. These underrated routes offer a mix of mountains, forests, deserts, and coastlines, making them perfect for travelers looking for unique experiences. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, these dream train journeys promise an unforgettable ride through the heart of India’s natural beauty.