Are you in search of the most beautiful train journeys in India? The train journeys are special, giving travelers an ambiance of calm and peace through their journey on the train. Before planning your trip, you can easily check your IRCTC PNR Status to know your seat confirmation details and travel updates. When you are visiting Shimla or wishing to travel to the Himalayas, Indian Railway has all kinds of trains available for you to visit your dream place.
These train journeys are not just a source to your travel but a chance to explore the beautiful sceneries throughout the journey. Once you decide, seize the ticket and board the train to know how travel by train does not just serve as transportation but as an adventure weaving through diverse landscapes and culturally rich regions.
- Kalka to Shimla
The adventure begins at Kalka as one steps down onto the Himalayan toy train. The climb winds higher with misty curves through verdant hills. The wooden carriages usher in an atmosphere of camaraderie as storytellers bond over cups of tea sold at various hours onboard. Each tunnel brings brief time to remember and inside-out sunlight and panoramic vistas await. The hypnotic clickety-clack of the wheels was an ideal calm dispersion: rhythming time to slow down.
Local vendors serve hot samosas and chai at the halts. Authentic refreshments at every stop! With every hairpin bend, Shimla creeps closer while the rocky terrain and forested slopes unroll themselves. A temperature drop ensues, bringing in a pleasant chill-a reward in itself. Gibson upon Shimla, the summer capital, are colonial charms, scenic promenades, bustling bazaars, and of course, the mighty Ridge. But the attraction lies in the go, viewing the hills roll by on one of the country’s major tourist train rides as the best train to travel in India.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Starting from Siliguri is the gradual unfolding of the drama as the narrow gauge climbs 88 kilometers via Ghum till Darjeeling. At times the train reverses direction on switchbacks-wonderful engineering! As you go along these ancient tracks, splendid green tea terraces glide outside, and with the clunking of the steam, one can hear the birds singing. The chipped paint, wooden seats, and steam engine huffing and puffing full of character are nostalgic charms-small but really hearty.
Halfway through, you will find a stop at Ghum, the highest railway station in northeast India, you can take pictures of the prayer flags and big mountains. When arriving at Darjeeling, the scent of lovely tea and pine welcomes and attracts the travelers. The train ride is somewhat more than just scenery: local railway workers, antique charm, and a journey that stays with you for life. It is probably the best train journey in India which is considered as mesmerizing, historic, and soulful.
The opportunity to explore the best train trips in India is truly a great journey. Before you board your train, don’t forget to check the live running status of your train to ensure you reach the station on time.
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam – Ooty)
Board at Mettupalayam and climb slowly as the rack-and-pinion engine hauls you up the Blue Mountains. Steam pulls the train up the incline, with diesel taking over from Coonoor. Every bend unveils sight after sight of tea-laden valleys, slopes carpeted in ferns, and gorges pouring down in waterfalls. You see the very existence of history with every puff of steam and grandeur distracted by an outcry of a time gone by.
Take time to stop at Coonoor and sip some Nilgiri chai while taking a walk amid the tea estates before heading to Ooty: the “Queen of Hill Stations.” Land directly into the crisp mountain air, botanical gardens, and colonial architecture. But, like Shimla and Darjeeling, the climb is the real jewel: one of the most beautiful train journeys in India, and well worth slowing down for.
- Mumbai – Goa Coastal Express
The journey starts amidst the confines of Mumbai’s urban hustle gradually giving way to coconut groves and shifting landscapes. Sometimes, the tracks pass through tunnels carved through hillsides; other times, the side of the mountain opens into spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. Travel by train across monsoon-covered ghats and quaint coastal villages. Vendors come with roasted peanuts and masala snacks, while passengers recite stories about beaches and Goan feni.
The train rhythm mirrors the clashing waves outside: small estuaries and mangroves are passed, along with railway halts where fishermen congregate. By the time the train reaches Goa, the curious traveler will already be steeped with the coastal magic of the place. Long walks along the shore on a nocturnal carnival spirit await—but the soul of Goa has already been welcomed aboard on the train. Such a train journey in India becomes unforgettable; surely one of the best in all of India.
- Matheran – Neral Hill Railway
The tree canopy interspersed with clusters of tall bamboo and wild raspberry gave way to occasional glimpses of the river Neral flowing far below. Starting in Neral, warmed by the tropical heat of the foothills, the train climbs into the land of mist-covered slopes and jungles.
Think of wild monkeys and bulbul’s flitting from tree to tree, peeking into train windows. The slowness lets you breathe—no rush, no horn. The winding past waterfalls and razor-sharp ridge-lines, sprinkling in splashy little tunnels for an adventure.
The forest floor appears inches away, almost reachable. Matheran is really a car-free hilltop plateau where one may walk or horseback ride. One departs the train amidst tranquility. Meanwhile, the line one had traveled upon with one’s heart and mind would continue to be an indelible landmark-an imposing giant bridging forest, hill, and heart. For a short ride, it shall remain among the most serene and beautifully built best train journeys in India.
- Bharat Gaurav & Buddhist Circuit Tourist Trains
The Bharat Gaurav train traverses thematic circuits—religious, heritage, or festival routes—such as Karnataka temples, Golden Temple in Punjab, and southern pilgrimage sites. It combines rail comfort with curated cultural visits, local cuisines, and storytelling onboard. Through your coaches, you can give beautiful art, history, and cultural reference
The Buddhist Circuit train helps travellers to explore cities like Kushinagar, Banaras, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, and also Lumbini in Nepal. The halts and stops are planned keeping in mind that travelers don’t miss out on the important ancient monasteries and teachings shown along the way.
Onboard ambience is spectacular, sometimes with meditation or chanting. It’s less about speed, more about soulful awakening. Combined, both trains offer travellers a chance to uncover India’s spiritual and historical heartbeat—making them unique among the best train journeys in India.
Conclusion: Indian Train Journeys—A Touch of Magic
From mighty steam-powered toy trains to regal glitz along luxury carriages and tour trains of the IRCTC for some cultural immersion-India does have something to offer to each traveler who does cherish a train journey.
- For a misty hill ride with heritage charm: Kalka–Shimla Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Matheran Railway are all serious contenders for your choice.
- For coastal beauty: Mumbai-Goa Coastal Express will send a postcard to your mind’s eye.
- For luxury: Maharaja’s Express and Golden Chariot shall deliver an experience of grand indulgence.
- For spiritual or cultural spinning: Bharat Gaurav and Buddhist Circuit trains shall be peeping through the windows into layers of India beyond the tracks.
Now, you know the Best Train Trips in India. In future if you travel from these trains you should not miss these beautiful views and sceneries all through your journey.
FAQs
How to know about the best train journeys in India?
To know about the best train journeys in India you need to explore routes by the trains like Kalka-Shimla, Nilgiri Mountain, Darjeeling Himalayan Railways and other themed trains such as Bharat Gaurav and the Buddhist Circuit. All of these trains offers your a pleasant experience during your journey
Which is the best train to travel in India?
The best train to travel in India depends on the kind of treatment and experience you’re willing to have. If you can to explore Indian heritage and beautiful mountain views then you must go for Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, Nilgiri Mountain Railways and Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, these are some of the most preferred choices. Each of these trains brings out something magical in the journey.
Which place has the most beautiful train journeys in India?
India is overall a beautiful country be it any place, it has it all from mountains to seas. Trains running through the hill stations and coastal belts stand out rather compared to other train journeys in India. Places like Darjeeling, Shimla, Ooty and Mumbai offer you the mesmerizing view of the amazing mountains, forests and beaches.
