These 10 Train Journeys in India Are Straight Out of a Fairytale

If you’re looking to trade convenience for charm, here are some of India’s most magical train journeys that promise memories far richer than any flight.


A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a part of the Mountain Railways of India, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a journey straight out of a fairytale. The iconic blue-and-cream toy train chugs along at a leisurely pace from Mettupalayam to Ooty, covering a distance of about 46 kilometers. As the train climbs over 2,000 meters through verdant hills, you’re greeted by a dreamy landscape of misty valleys, dense forests, and endless tea plantations. The charm of its vintage carriages, powered by century-old steam engines on certain stretches, takes you back to a simpler time. It’s no wonder this ride, with its 16 tunnels and 250 bridges, feels like stepping into a bygone era.


Another jewel in India’s railway crown, the Kalka-Shimla Railway is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This narrow-gauge railway stretches 96 kilometers, winding through the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh. The journey from Kalka to Shimla is a marvel of engineering, boasting over 100 tunnels and 800 bridges. The toy train’s slow climb offers passengers mesmerizing views of pine-covered hills, deep valleys, and colonial-era stations like Barog and Dharampur. As the train weaves its way through the mountains, the rhythmic clatter of wheels becomes a soothing soundtrack to a landscape straight out of a postcard.



The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, often called the "Toy Train of Darjeeling," is an enchanting journey through the emerald hills of West Bengal. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this narrow-gauge train runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, offering spellbinding views of tea estates, forests, and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga mountain. One of the most unique features of this ride is how the train navigates through bustling marketplaces, where shopkeepers casually continue their trade just inches away from the tracks. Riding on its vintage steam engine feels like taking a step back in time while witnessing the timeless beauty of the region.



For those craving comfort and stunning views, the Vistadome coaches on the Konkan Railway are an absolute treat. These luxury carriages come with glass roofs, wide windows, and 180-degree rotatable seats, designed to offer panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats and the Konkan coast. The journey from Mumbai to Goa, or Mangaluru, is a visual symphony of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and endless tunnels. As the train snakes through the dramatic landscapes, passengers are treated to scenes that look straight out of a nature documentary. It’s one of the most scenic rides you can take in India, and the Vistadome experience makes it even more special.


If luxury and nostalgia are your thing, the Palace on Wheels is the epitome of regal travel in India. Launched to recreate the experience of royal carriages that once transported the Maharajas of Rajasthan, this train is all about opulence and old-world charm. From its lavish interiors to its fine dining restaurants, the Palace on Wheels covers Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and even Ranthambore. Every coach is named after a former Rajput kingdom, and the service is fit for royalty. It’s not just a train ride; it’s a grand tour through India’s princely past.

Running through one of India’s most stunning regions, the Jammu to Baramulla railway line takes passengers on an unforgettable journey through the Kashmir Valley. As the train glides along this picturesque route, you’re treated to views of snow-capped peaks, rolling meadows, and pristine rivers. Often blanketed in snow during winters, the journey feels like entering a postcard from Switzerland, only this time, it’s right here in India. This railway line is an engineering feat, with its tunnels and bridges, but it’s the breathtaking scenery that leaves a lasting impression.


Tucked away in Himachal Pradesh, the Kangra Valley Railway runs from Pathankot to Jogindernagar, offering one of the most underrated train journeys in India. The narrow-gauge train slowly winds through terraced fields, charming villages, and the towering Dhauladhar ranges. With over 900 curves and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, this ride offers unspoiled beauty and tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a paradise for those looking to escape the chaos and reconnect with nature.


The Mumbai to Goa route on the Konkan Railway isn’t just about getting to a party destination—it’s a spectacle in itself. Stretching over 580 kilometers, the journey offers glimpses of the Arabian Sea on one side and lush forests on the other. The train cuts through countless tunnels and crosses over rivers on elegant bridges, all while offering passengers panoramic views of quaint villages, paddy fields, and swaying coconut trees. It’s a ride that builds anticipation for Goa while serving up its own share of magic.


The Matheran Hill Railway, connecting Neral to the car-free hill station of Matheran, is a charming narrow-gauge line that climbs through thick forests and zigzag tracks. The toy train, a legacy of British engineering, gently ascends 21 kilometers through sharp turns and steep gradients, offering serene views of the Western Ghats. The slow, winding journey to this eco-friendly destination is as relaxing as Matheran itself, where life moves at a different pace.


One of the most thrilling train rides in India is the short journey from Mandapam to Rameswaram over the iconic Pamban Bridge. Suspended above the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal, the bridge connects mainland India to Rameswaram Island. As the train slowly traverses this engineering marvel, passengers are treated to panoramic sea views that are both exhilarating and peaceful. It’s a surreal experience, especially when fishing boats float just below, and the sun casts a golden glow on the waves.


The journey from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley on the Eastern Ghats is a feast for the senses. This train ride passes through 58 tunnels and over 84 bridges, revealing spectacular landscapes of coffee plantations, waterfalls, and misty hills. The sight of the majestic Borra Caves and the emerald-green valley below make this one of the most captivating rail journeys in India. For nature lovers, it’s an unmissable experience that’s as relaxing as it is beautiful.

The Desert Queen Express connects Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, cutting through the vast Thar Desert. The landscape, dotted with sand dunes, camels, and remote villages, offers a window into Rajasthan’s rustic life. As the sun sets over the desert, the sands turn golden, making the journey nothing short of magical. It’s a ride that combines history, culture, and natural beauty in a way that’s uniquely Rajasthan.

The train ride from Bangalore to Kanyakumari is a long one, but it’s a journey of contrasts. Starting in the bustling IT hub of Bangalore, the train travels southwards through Tamil Nadu and Kerala before reaching India’s southernmost tip, Kanyakumari. Along the way, passengers witness a changing landscape—from urban sprawls to lush countryside, plantations, rivers, and finally, the endless ocean where three seas meet. It’s a ride that captures India’s diversity in a single trip.

These train journeys are more than just a means of travel—they’re soulful experiences that bring India’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories alive. While flights may save you time, they can never offer the thrill of a toy train climbing misty mountains or the peace of watching a sunset over the Arabian Sea from your window seat. So, the next time you plan to explore India, choose the slower path and let the journey be as unforgettable as the destination itself.


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