Indian Railways: Journey through the heart of India

Indian Railways is not just a vast network, it is a gateway to the soul of the country, offering travellers a chance to explore its diverse landscapes, cultures, and traditions.

Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse and stunning landscapes of the Indian subcontinent at a leisurely pace. 

From the lofty heights of the Himalayas to the coastal charm of the Konkan, these iconic train journeys provide a truly immersive experience. 

Many of these routes have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list for their engineering brilliance, historical significance and breath-taking natural beauty. So scenic are these journeys that many of them have also attracted film makers who have weaved their stories around these trains. 

The Himalayan Queen 

The Himalayan Queen is one of India’s most iconic and charming Toy Trains, offering a mesmerising journey through the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. 

This historic train, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed, Kalka-Shimla Railway, travels through 100 tunnels and crosses over 800 bridges, offering passengers a glimpse of the rugged beauty of the Himalayan foothills. 

Covering a distance of 96 km, the train provides enchanting views of the picturesque pine forests, deep valleys, and small mountain towns along the way. The Himalayan Queen begins its journey at Kalka, winding its way through 18 stations, including Taksal, Gumman, Koti, Sonwara, Dharampur, amongst others before finally reaching the hill station of Shimla. The halts allow passengers time to stretch their legs and enjoy the local dishes and street food.

The train provides a slow-paced, nostalgic ride through some of the most enchanting landscapes in the region. 

Konkan Railway

The Konkan railway line runs along the Konkan coast from Maharashtra to Kerala, passing through Goa and Karnataka, passing through the serene and lush green landscapes. Stretching for over 740 km, the route connects bustling cities and tranquil villages while providing breath-taking views of the Arabian Sea, dense forests, and rolling hills. 

One of the most popular trains amongst travellers on this route is the Mandovi Express which travels through 92 tunnels and about 2,000 bridges throughout its journey, which also includes the Panvalnadi Bridge, which is 424 m long, with its tallest pier standing 64 m above bed level making it one of the highest bridges in India.

The best time to travel on this route is during the monsoon when the rain brings out the serene beauty of the lush green Western Ghats. 

The Konkan Railway is a marvel of engineering, offering one of India’s most scenic and picturesque train journeys. 

In addition to the natural beauty, travellers are treated to glimpses of rural life, small villages, and temples tucked away in the hills, adding a cultural richness to the experience. 

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway offers more than just stunning views, it provides a rare and nostalgic journey back in time. Operating on steam locomotives, this historic train chugs along at a leisurely pace of 15-30 km per hour, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the experience. 

The journey begins in the plains, where lush paddy fields stretch out on both sides, creating a peaceful and picturesque start to the ride. After about 7 km, the train begins its ascent on the Nilgiri Mountain Range, where the landscape transforms dramatically. 

Passengers are treated to breath-taking views of towering mountains, deep valleys, beautiful tea gardens, and a rich diversity of wildlife of the region. 

The route is an engineering marvel in itself, featuring over 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, and a series of sharp curves and bends, which add to the thrill of the ride. This railway boasts the steepest track in Asia.

Starting in Mettupalayam, the journey culminates at the hill station of Ooty, famous for its cool climate and scenic charm. Since 2005, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Vivek Express 

The longest train journey of India offers an unparalleled adventure, taking travellers on a remarkable 4,200 km cross-country adventure from the north-eastern state of Assam to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. 

Spanning across multiple states, the route covers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and climates, with over 50 stops along the way. This epic journey traverses the lush, green forests of Assam, the rolling hills of Nagaland, the vast plains of Bihar, and the sandy beaches of the south, offering a vivid snapshot of India’s geographical and cultural diversity.

As the train passes through states like West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, travellers are immersed in a kaleidoscope of regional cuisines, languages, customs, and attire, showcasing the rich tapestry of India’s heritage. 

It is an experience that truly captures the essence of Incredible India in all its glory.

Kashmir Valley Railway 

A train journey through one of India’s most scenic and awe-inspiring regions promises an experience like no other, especially along the route connecting Jammu to Baramulla in Kashmir. This 338 km stretch, which was once considered a distant dream, has now become a reality after the construction of the Chenab Bridge, completed in 2022.

Standing at a jaw-dropping height of 359 m, the Chenab Bridge is not just a key part of this railway route but also holds the title of the world’s tallest railway bridge. The journey itself is a feast for the eyes, winding through the rugged and spectacular landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Passengers are treated to breath-taking views of snow-capped mountains, glistening rivers, and quaint towns nestled in the valleys.

The route is dotted with numerous tunnels that cut through the majestic mountains, offering an adventurous passage through the heart of the region’s terrain. 

However, it is not just the views that captivate, the train ride provides a glimpse into the simple, culturally rich life of the people of Kashmir. The towns and villages that the train passes through offer a window into the daily lives of the Kashmiris, with their traditional wooden houses, terraced fields, and vibrant culture. 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway 

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train is a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way through the lush green hills and tea plantations of Darjeeling. 

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this scenic train journey offers stunning glimpses of both the natural beauty and colonial heritage of the region. 

Travelling at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, passengers are treated to breath-taking panoramic views, including the majestic Kanchenjunga peak, the third-highest mountain in the world. 

The 88 km route begins at New Jalpaiguri and traverses through the charming towns of Siliguri, Kurseong, and Ghoom before reaching its final destination at Darjeeling. 

The railway is known for its distinctive engineering, particularly its loops and zigzags, where the train turns a full circle to climb up to 8 m. These turns, along with the picturesque landscapes, make the journey a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Ghoom, situated at an elevation of 2,258 metres, is the highest point on the route and holds the title of being the highest railway station in Asia, and the second-highest in the world. The station offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a popular stop for travellers seeking to capture the essence of this Himalayan journey.