The Best Train Rides That Create Beautiful Travel Memories

By the WFY Bureau Desk | Travel & Leisure | August 2025 Edition

WANDERING ON RAILS: Six Scenic Train Journeys in India Worth Every Mile

Travelling by train in India is more than a means of reaching a destination. It is an immersive experience — a moving canvas that unfolds the subcontinent’s stunning diversity of landscapes, cultures, and atmospheres. From the snow-kissed summits of Himachal to the misty tea valleys of Bengal, the coastal exuberance of Konkan to the hilltop charm of the Nilgiris, Indian railways carry not just people but memories.

In an age where air travel often dominates for speed, train travel still reigns for soul. The romance of locomotives carving through mountains, across bridges, and alongside paddy fields continues to captivate both domestic and international travellers. And with India boasting the world’s fourth-largest railway network — over 67,000 kilometres of operational routes — there is a journey for every kind of explorer.

Below are six of the most iconic and scenic rail journeys that one must experience at least once in a lifetime.

1. Kalka to Shimla: Into the Himalayan Embrace

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train line is often described as an engineering marvel. Built in 1903 to connect the British summer capital with the rest of the plains, this 96-km narrow-gauge line snakes through 102 tunnels, crosses over 800 bridges, and stops at 20 charming stations, including Barog, Solan, and Dharampur.

As the train climbs from the Shivalik foothills to the pine-laced ridges of Shimla, passengers are treated to breathtaking panoramas — terraced fields, cedar forests, colonial-style stations, and mist-wrapped valleys. It’s particularly enchanting in winter when snowfall blankets the landscape.

Tourism statistics reveal that nearly 900,000 passengers ride this route annually, particularly during holiday peaks, with occupancy rates exceeding 90%.

Tip: The Shivalik Deluxe Express offers panoramic windows and a smoother ride, ideal for photographers and comfort-seekers.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Tea Trails and Mountain Whispers

Known affectionately as the “Toy Train to the Queen of the Hills,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is India’s oldest mountain railway and another proud UNESCO heritage line. Running from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, this 88-km journey climbs from 100 metres to 2,200 metres in altitude, weaving through sharp bends, zigzag reverses, and spiral loops.

One of the highlights is the Batasia Loop, a unique spiral track that offers a panoramic view of Darjeeling with the mighty Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. Along the way, the train skirts vibrant markets, colonial cottages, and sweeping tea estates.

The DHR is deeply embedded in Indian cinema and history, often considered a cultural landmark. In 2023, the railway ferried over 120,000 tourists, despite being partially suspended during the monsoons.

Tip: Opt for the steam-hauled Red Panda service for an authentic old-world ride.

3. Konkan Railway: The Monsoon Symphony

Few train rides in the world can rival the visual drama of the Konkan Railway during India’s southwest monsoon. Traversing Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka over a 741-km stretch, the Konkan route runs parallel to the Arabian Sea while cutting through tropical forests, river estuaries, and more than 2,000 bridges.

The journey from Ratnagiri to Mangalore is particularly admired, with cascading waterfalls, paddy fields turning emerald in the rains, and glimpses of the shimmering coast.

Conceived in the 1990s, the Konkan Railway is a marvel of modern Indian engineering, including the Panval Nadi Viaduct and the Karbude Tunnel, once India’s longest rail tunnel.

It carries over 12 million passengers annually and also plays a vital role in transporting perishables like fish, fruits, and spices from coastal towns to mainland India.

Tip: Travel post-June for monsoon magic, but always book early due to heavy demand.

4. Jammu–Baramulla Line: Kashmir’s Window to the World

A triumph of logistics and political will, the Jammu–Baramulla railway is more than just a route — it is a vital connector in a region often marred by conflict and isolation. The 356-km line, expected to be fully completed by 2026, already operates from Banihal to Baramulla, passing through verdant valleys, saffron fields, and snow-capped mountains.

The Qazigund–Baramulla section is among the most scenic in the world, with the train slicing through picture-perfect orchards and rustic Himalayan hamlets. The Chenab Bridge, part of this route, is the world’s highest rail bridge, towering 359 metres above the river.

Ridership has soared since the line’s partial opening, with over 2.3 million local passengers using it each year, many for daily travel — underscoring its socio-economic importance.

Tip: Trains operate on diesel and electric engines here. Always check seasonal disruptions due to snowfall.

5. Matheran Hill Railway: The Car-Free Hill Fantasy

Matheran, just 100 kilometres from Mumbai, is a car-free zone. The only way up is by foot, horseback, or aboard the century-old Matheran Hill Railway. This narrow-gauge train travels 21 km from Neral to Matheran, gaining about 800 metres in altitude via a winding route that clings to the edge of the Western Ghats.

The ride offers a tranquil passage through dense forests and deep ravines, often cloaked in mist during the rainy season. Built in 1907, it still retains its vintage carriages and colonial charm.

Although temporary suspensions due to landslides and safety upgrades have affected service in recent years, it remains a cherished part of Maharashtra’s tourism.

Tip: Avoid weekends if you want to beat the Mumbai crowd. Morning departures offer clearer visibility.

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway: Steep Tracks to the Queen of the Hills

From the plains of Mettupalayam to the tea hills of Ooty, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is both India’s steepest train journey and its most visually mesmerising. The train covers 46 km using a unique rack-and-pinion system, climbing through thick jungles, eucalyptus groves, and flowering meadows.

It includes 208 curves, 250 bridges, and 16 tunnels — with stops at scenic spots like Coonoor and Lovedale. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it holds an iconic status in Tamil Nadu’s tourism profile.

The blue-and-cream carriages, immortalised in films, have witnessed a 30% increase in foreign tourist traffic post-COVID recovery, according to Southern Railway data.

Tip: Tickets sell out months in advance. Book through IRCTC’s portal as early as possible.

More Than Just a Ride: Why Scenic Rail Is India’s Soft Power

These rail journeys do not merely traverse geographical spaces; they connect people with memories, traditions, and the soul of the land. For the Indian diaspora, they are often a reconnection with heritage — a way to share India’s slow travel ethos with children born abroad or to relive stories from childhood holidays.

Moreover, these heritage and scenic railways significantly support rural and small-town economies, boost sustainable tourism, and contribute to India’s growing global cultural appeal. In 2022, the tourism ministry reported that heritage railways like NMR and DHR accounted for a 15% rise in rail-based tourism income.

Making These Journeys Easier: Practical Tips

• Plan early: Scenic trains often have limited runs and high demand.
• Choose the right season: Monsoon and winter are magical but come with disruptions.
• Be camera-ready: Carry extra batteries and memory cards.
• Travel light: Especially for hill trains, where space is limited.
• Mix it with local stays: Combine your train ride with homestays for an authentic experience.

A Timeless Track Forward

In an era of speed, India’s scenic train journeys offer the gift of slowness. They beckon you to sit by the window, sip a cup of chai, and let the landscape tell you a story. For those who long for meaningful travel that is rooted in experience rather than haste, these trains are moving sanctuaries.

Whether you are a diaspora traveller reconnecting with your roots, or a new explorer discovering India for the first time, these six journeys promise to leave an indelible imprint on your heart — one rhythmic mile at a time.

Disclaimer: The above article is written for The WFY magazine’s August 2025 edition. All data presented is sourced from public records, tourism boards, and verified railway reports as of July 2025. This article is original, plagiarism-free, and written for editorial and cultural purposes only.