There always exist a few astonishing things that we enjoy throughout our lives. For us in India, it is the Train Journeys. I am pretty sure that most of us have memories of going to the railway station, buying comics and a dozen packets of edibles, and arguing with one another for the window seat. The sound of a train whistle blowing hauls even now me back to childhood memories of train journeys. So, through this blog of Travliv360, I will bring you in nostalgia and list you some of the most scenic and exciting train journeys in India you should never miss as follows.
DARJEELING TOY TRAIN
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a steam train that moves through the sprawling tea gardens between Darjeeling and Ghum. The toy train drives at – 10-12 kph, moving slowly through sleepy hill towns and villages and curving around hills and plantations. It makes a ten-minute halt and spirals around a gorgeous garden at the Batasia Loop. The Batasia Loop is where you can get a view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Built-in the 19-century, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has acquired UNESCO World Heritage status since then. Why miss out on exciting train journeys in India.
NILGIRI HILL RAILWAYS
Do you remember Shahrukh and Malaika’s movie Dil Se? or Did you watch them dancing on the roof of a train in Chaiyya Chaiyya? The train that created the setting for this fabulous dance number was the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. A steam engine train and a UNESCO World Heritage Site wraps a distance of 46 km in four & a half hours. It runs between Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu and is the most mesmerising way to reach scenic spots such as Ooty and Coonor. While passing, you can weave through forests and fields and put your hand out of the window to feel the hazy clouds. Further, you can breathe in the peaceful views of the valleys.
GOLDEN CHARIOT ROUTE
One of the luxurious trains of India, The Golden Chariot, offers a glance at the southern heritage of India, along with enjoying the luxuries of modern life. The train brings in a scenic seven-day journey passing through tourist favourites such as Mysore, Hampi and Goa. So, if you want to witness a luxurious life during the train journey, then it is for you. The Golden Chariot provides an AC cabin, designed using 12-century temple architecture pre-fit with TV, wardrobes, ensuite hot showers and the works. You can also access their onboard Cigar bar lounge, Spa, Gymnasium, Massage rooms and even guided tours at each destination. They keep you entertained by their gourmet meals and live performances. It is worth travelling if you have spare money with you, LOL! So, let’s try this exciting journey in India.
KASHMIR VALLEY RAILWAY
Kashmir Valley Railway is one of the most challenging railway projects of the Indian Railways. Further, it is picturesque and enthralling, and it crosses the major earthquake zones, high altitude mountain passes and terrains. This train runs in frigid temperatures and makes it worth visiting and witnessing. It is similar to you are travelling on the tracks of Switzerland. Although, little does anyone know about it that provides an experience of all this beauty in its raw form. So why don’t you try this season one of the exciting train journeys in India?
VASCO DA GAMA TO LONDA
This train passes through dense forests, frothy waterfalls, mysterious tunnels and lush green fields. Also, it carries you through the Konkan Coast, the Western Ghats Mountains, and the tallest waterfalls, Dudhsagar at Goa and Karnataka border. If you are in Karnataka and wanna spend your holidays in Goa, this is for you! It is one of the most exciting train journeys in India.
DESERT QUEEN
Desert Queen chugs off in the desert of Thar, from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The visitor is welcomed to the panorama of the never-ending desert, dotted by the colourful mud huts and camels grazing around the place. Through this train route, you can witness the sunrises of the Thar desert and the scenic beauty of the desert. I have never been to Desert Queen but looking forward to adding it to my travel bucket list.
HIMALAYAN QUEEN
If you are a movie lover, this rail journey by the “toy train” is worth witnessing. Himalayan Queen started way back in 1903. It is a 96 km long journey from Kalka to Shimla that passes through 102 tunnels & 82 bridges. The toy train was awarded the Guinness book of world record for the steepest rise in altitude in the span of 96 km. In the 5 hours journey, you will witness the scenic beauty, pine trees, oak trees, Deodar forests, Rhodendron forests and valleys. Further, Shimla will keep you gazing at its beauty. The Toy Train is now a UNESCO world heritage site since 2008.
THE LAST NOTE
So, this is my list of seven exciting train journeys in India. I challenge if you are an enthusiast traveller, these exciting train journeys are for you! Give them a try at least once in your life! Tell me in the comments box about your list of exciting train journeys that I have missed out on in this list. So, plan your trip soon!!!
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Story By: Manshi Gupta
Engaging and informative