When it comes to taking a little break from the hectic Mumbai lifestyle, Goa, India’s party capital, is the first place that springs to mind. While you can always fly from Mumbai to Goa, taking the train offers a completely different experience. This one-of-a-kind and gorgeous path pass through some incredible natural wonders, like the Sahyadri Ranges, the Arabian Sea, lush green meadows, tunnels, small rivers, bridges, lakes, and waterfalls, among others. The path is so beautiful that you will find yourself marveling at nature’s magnificence the entire time. If you enjoy photography, keep your camera handy because the path provides photo opportunities every few seconds.
From Bangalore to Goa
The scenic path is a must-see for any nature lover, especially during the monsoon season. The spectacular Dudhsagar Falls, which is in full bloom during and after the monsoon, is the highlight of the Bangalore – Goa train route. And, because hiking to the falls might be dangerous at this time of year, boarding the train is the greatest way to see this stunning waterfall up close. The train frequently slows down at the falls, allowing passengers to take in the grandeur of nature’s creation and take some stunning images. The train route from Bangalore to Goa, however, is not only about the waterfall.
Londa to Vasco Da Gama
The train ride from Goa’s Vasco De Gama city to Karnataka’s Londa town is always a delight for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. This scenic road follows the picturesque Konkan Coast and the majestic Western Ghats, providing breathtaking vistas of deep woods, lush green fields, seaside cities, and Goan villages. During the monsoon season, you may witness numerous spectacular waterfalls cascading down with lush green hills as a backdrop, providing some of the most breathtaking panoramas.
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (Desert Queen)
When visiting the lively state of Rajasthan, make a point of taking the Desert Queen train from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. This 6-hour adventure will take you through varied landscapes and will leave you speechless. You may view everything from xerophytic vegetation to golden sands and dunes to grazing camels and deer. On the road, there are a few dispersed communities where you can witness inhabitants dressed in traditional garb. As a result, the train ride from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur feels more like a long desert safari, with some of the best views in the region.
Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen)
You can’t afford to miss out on this magnificent train ride. The Himalayan Queen train, which runs between Kalka and Shimla, resembles a toy train with a tiny gauge. It begins in Kalka and proceeds around 96 kilometers upslope, providing travelers with breathtaking views of dense pine forests, steep mountains, verdant valleys, milky-white waterfalls, lovely flowers, and tranquil hill stations. The railway travels over 864 bridges, through 102 tunnels, and around 919 curves, making for an incredible experience. On the route, you can also view several intriguing vistas and hamlets that you would not be able to see otherwise.
Mountain Railway Nilgiri
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which connects Mettupalayam and Ooty, promises one of the most magnificent train rides in the country. This train is unique in that it runs on steam locomotive engines at speeds ranging from 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. The train ride begins in the plains, with paddy fields on both sides. The train enters the Nilgiri Mountain Range after roughly 7 kilometers. The trip is breathtakingly beautiful, with gorgeous mountains, deep valleys, tea gardens, and an abundance of animals. The route includes over 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, numerous twists, and hairpin turns. As a result, taking a train journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the finest method to get to the magnificent hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor.
Trivandrum to Kanyakumari (Island Express)
Despite being a brief two-hour journey, the train ride from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum is one of the most scenic in the country. This journey will take you through some of the most scenic areas in Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. Along the trip, you can witness villages, intricately built temples, and gorgeous churches in addition to coconut trees, palm trees, rice fields, and forest-like areas with deep foliage. As a result, enjoying this short but exhilarating train journey is one of the greatest ways to experience the true splendor of these renowned destinations in southern India.
Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)
One of the most wonderful train excursions in the country is the toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling. This lovely path takes you through a variety of picturesque views that will captivate you. The toy railway begins in Jalpaiguri and travels via Siliguri, Sukhna, Kurseong, and other locations before reaching the highest point, Ghoom, and then dropping towards Darjeeling. The journey is enhanced by lush forests, tea gardens, cool air, and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, which adds a dreamlike beauty that is worth experiencing. The train also goes by the famed Batasia Loop, which provides amazing panoramic views of the entire town. one from this area
Brahmapur to Bhubaneshwar (Chilka Route)
The gorgeous train track from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur is a treat for nature enthusiasts, with the Eastern Ghats on one side and Chilka Lake on the other. The beautiful green mountains, big tranquil lake, and charming environment will have your gaze fixed on the train window for most of the journey. Chilka Lake, a blackish-water lagoon, is also the Indian subcontinent’s largest wintering habitat for migrating birds. You might even get lucky and see some lovely birds along the route. Photographers must keep cameras on hand to capture the beauty of the lake and shifting scenery.
From Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway)
This 356 km long route from Jammu to Baramulla is one of the most complex and scenic projects of the Indian Rail System, built across major seismic zones and steep terrains. The train travels through several picturesque settlements in the Kashmir Valley, providing a look into the life of Kashmiris. On the journey, you can witness various high-altitude mountain passes, tunnels, snow-capped mountains, the Chenab River, and over 700 bridges. The variety of topography along this 13-hour drive will make the experience entertaining and worthwhile. Bear in mind, however, that the region endures unusually harsh winters with substantial snowfall, so keep this in mind while arranging your vacation.
