The Indian Railways has a rich history and heritage that dates back to 1853. One of its most striking features is the best train routes in India, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. These amazing train routes offer a unique experience as they rumble through the beautiful landscapes of India. Check out

Best Train Routes In India – India Scenic Trains

The Indian Railways network is the 4th largest rail network in the world. It connects the four corners of the country seamlessly and is in many ways the lifeline of the country. It covers a length of about 68,103 kilometres, connecting the extreme points of North, South, East, and West India.

Most Scenic Train Journeys In India

Here are the 5 best train routes in India that you must travel on at least once in a lifetime.

Best Train Routes In India – Nilgiri Mountain Railways

One of the most popular and best train routes in India is also a World Heritage Site. This is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which was added to the UNESCO list of Mountain Railways of India in the year 2005. The Kalka Shimla Railway and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also figure in this list.

Ooty is famous as a hill station that is much sought after by honeymooners. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways adds to the romance of the place. The train runs between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). The uphill journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty takes about 4.8 hours while the return journey takes about 3.6 hours.  The Nilgiri Mountain Railways began operations in 1899. It can be experienced in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Best Train Routes In India – Kalka Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is part of the UNESCO list of Mountain Railways in India. It is a narrow-gauge train that operates between Kalka and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. This mountain railway line began operations in the year 1904. The Kalka-Shimla railway covers a distance of 96. 60 kilometres.

The narrow-gauge train chugs from an altitude of about 2,152 feet at Kalka to about 6,808 feet at Shimla. There are a total of 18 stations on the Kalka-Shimla railway route.

Best Train Routes In India – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Another iconic heritage railway route in India is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The historic railway was built between 1879 and 1881. The DHR lovingly referred to as, “Toy Train,” connects Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, in West Bengal, India.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway covers a distance of 88 kilometres and there are 14 stations on the route. The railway has figured prominently in Bollywood films, the most notable being a song sequence for the film Aradhana, starring Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore.

Best Train Routes In India – Palace On Wheels

If you want to experience vintage luxury like a royal, you must travel on the Palace of Wheels. This is an ultra-luxury train that pampers you like a Maharajah or Maharani on board. The train is literally a palace on wheels and starts and ends in Delhi. It takes guests on a 7-day sojourn across the regal state of Rajasthan, covering a total of about 3,000 kilometres.

Guests on board the Palace on Wheels are treated to the sights and sounds of Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra.

Best Train Routes In India – Golden Chariot

If the Palace on Wheels takes guests across the regal desert state of Rajasthan, the Golden Chariot with the same benchmark of global luxury takes guests across South India’s mystical land.

The Golden Chariot has three designated itineraries. The Pride of Karnataka is a journey of 6 nights and 7 days covering Bangalore, Bandipur, Halebidu, Mysore, Chikamagalur, Hampi, Pattadakal, and Goa. The second itinerary called Jewels of South travels across Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, and Kochi.

A shorter itinerary of 3 nights and 4 days called Glimpses of Karnataka, covers Bangalore, Mysore, Bandipur, and Hampi.

All the above train routes that we have talked about are studded with unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The routes give a feel of the rich culture and heritage of India. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, and board and experience one of the most scenic train journeys in India.

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