Top 10 Train tours of India

10 Most Scenic Train Rides of India

10. Kashmir Valley Railway (Jammu-Baramulla)

This track connecting Jammu and Baramulla through Udhampur and Srinagar is not only a scenic wonder but also a engineering marvel. This is due to the cold weather and the rugged terrain of that area. It passes trough 20 tunnels and runs over hundreds of bridges throughout its course. These tunnels and bridges will leave you awestruck. This trip will be remembered for a lifetime.

9. Blue Sea Bridge (Mandapam-Rameswaram)

It connects Pamban island to Rameswaram trough the second largest bridge in India, the Palk Strait. Its offers you calmness and serenity as you gasp at the never ending ocean. But, at the same time it also gives a sense of adventure as the trip is thrilling and dangerous, given the small size of the bridge.

8. Darjeeling Himalayan Express (New Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling)

It is one of the five mountain railways of India. This route has been declared as a World Heritage Site by  UNESCO in 1999. It passes through dense forests and takes you as close as possible to the tea plantations and allows you to see the tea pickers as close as possible. An interesting fact is that the train runs on meter gauge. In case of a clear sky, you will be able to see the snow capped peak of Kanchenjunga.

7. The Himalayan Queen (Kalka-Shimla)

This is the second toy train that makes to this list. This route is also considered as a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO. It holds the World Record for the highest rise in altitude in 96 km. It is surrounded by picturesque Shivalik mountains and passes through 108 tunnels and 86 bridges. The sweet smell from the pine, deodar and various trees surrounding the winding curves leave an everlasting memory.

6. The Mandovi Express (Mumbai-Goa)

This route is part of the Konkan Railways. It passes through 92 tunnels and a whopping 2000 bridges. It is a heaven for a Snapchat or Instagram addict. It is probably better than your holiday in Goa. It gives you a chance to pass trough small villages, filled with life. It is a combination of the lush green Shyadries and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Innumerable streams and small rivers cross through the path, making the trip that more special.

5. Arakku Valley Railway (Vizag - Arakku)

It is a treat not only to the eye but also to the soul. It passes through numerous tunnels and some beautifully lit up tunnels. This track cuts through the vastly stretched Coffee Plantations. The destination to which this train takes you is also a special one as Arakku valley is famous for its scenic beauty and the tribes which live in this area. The recent addition to this trian are glass compartments which gives a special experience.

4. The Goan Experience (Vasco Da Gama - Londa)

This is one of the most sought after routes in India. it is a very special trip. It takes you through the goan beaches and gives you a glimpse of the goan village life. But, the highlight of this trip is the moment when  the train passes just in front of one of the highest waterfalls in India, Dudhsagar. It is treat to watch when the waterfall is in its prime and is gushing with water.

3. Kangra Valley Odyssey (Pathankot - Jogindernagar)

Starting from Pathankot in Punjab, the train covers 164 km to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, meandering through numerous passes and rivers of the Kangra valley. It is a laid back option for traveling across the Kangra valley. Yet the views it offers compensate for the speed.

2. Golden Chariot (Bengaluru-Goa)

It passes to the state of Karnataka and the route is mostly tourist free. It stops at he Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary before heading to the magnificent ruins of Hampi and Badami. It reaches Goa just at the right time to experience the serene sunset. The facilities on board are top class with well furnished and well maintained rooms.

1. Indian Maharaja Deccan Odyssey (Mumbai-Delhi)

It is not for the regular traveler but for a luxury traveler. It is a vacation in itself. That is because of the fact that it is a 10 day trip. The trip takes you tiger spotting in Ranthambore, a look at the Ajanta and Ellora caves and a visit to Taj Mahal. On board the train, you can expect the top most facilities with a library, ayurvedic massage center, steam rooms and a gymnasium all on offer. So, all this makes this the best trip on tracks.