India is a vast country with a mix of nature, people and technology. And its transportation lifeline, the Indian Railways, being the 4th largest in the world, spans approximately 70,000 kilometers. Being this enormous and broad, the Railways of India manage to let people capture some of the most elegant vistas which the country has to offer.
From the foothills of Himalayas in the North East to the Nilgiri Hills, India’s railway network navigates through numerous naturally iconic landscapes.
As a delightful result, several train rides offer breathtaking views of coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Some of the best train rides which this article will cover are:
- Darjeeling Toy Train,
- Konkan Railway
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
From the foothills of Himalayas in the North East to the Nilgiri Hills, India’s railway network navigates through numerous naturally iconic landscapes.
As a delightful result, several train rides offer breathtaking views of coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Some of the best train rides which this article will cover are:
- Darjeeling Toy Train,
- Konkan Railway
- Nilgiri Mountain Railway
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the “Toy Train”
On a track just 2-feet wide, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known to many as the "Toy Train" starts at the rail hub of New Jalpaiguri and climbs its way through the spectacular landscapes of North West Bengal, to Darjeeling.
The climb to Darjeeling is full of misty waterfalls, tea fields, unique mountainous flower species, little showers and the clouds below.
Additionally, the trains stop at popular tourist spots like Kurseong, Ghum and Darjeeling itself.
The climb to Darjeeling is full of misty waterfalls, tea fields, unique mountainous flower species, little showers and the clouds below.
Additionally, the trains stop at popular tourist spots like Kurseong, Ghum and Darjeeling itself.
1.1 Tickets and Bookings
The tickets for the Darjeeling Toy Train can be booked via the IRCTC website up to 60 days in advance.
Limited services operate on the complete 88-kilometer stretch, with most running all days a week.
Trains leave New Jalpaiguri station at 10:00 hours (times may vary) and take around 7 to 8 hours to reach Darjeeling.
1.2 Fare
A/C Chair: around INR 1,500
Non-A/C Chair: around INR 1,400
If spending 8 hours on a train sounds tiring, you do get another option of a short joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum, onboard a steam engine-hauled train.
The tickets for the steam joyride are booked via Indian Railways PRS counters. Steam joyrides roughly cost INR 1,600 and diesel joyrides cost a roughly INR 1,000.
2. Konkan Railway
Konkan Railway curves along the ethereal landscapes of the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri Hills, connecting Mumbai down to destinations like Goa, Udupi and Mangalore.
Along with its 739-kilometre-long stretch, the railway passes through the picturesque views of numerous rivers, more than 2,000 bridges, hills full of greenery and the Arabian Sea.
Along with its 739-kilometre-long stretch, the railway passes through the picturesque views of numerous rivers, more than 2,000 bridges, hills full of greenery and the Arabian Sea.
2.1 Passenger Rail Services
Many express trains serving this route offer comfort and some well-known and appreciated on-board food facilities accompanied with the joy of riding the Ghats.
The 10104 Mandovi Express and 20646 Madgaon Vande Bharat Express are the best examples. The tickets for these trains can be booked via the IRCTC website in Sleeper (SL), Three Tier A/C (3A), Third A/C Economy (3E), Two Tier A/C (2A), First A/C (1A) and various other chair-car classifications.
The 10104 Mandovi Express and 20646 Madgaon Vande Bharat Express are the best examples. The tickets for these trains can be booked via the IRCTC website in Sleeper (SL), Three Tier A/C (3A), Third A/C Economy (3E), Two Tier A/C (2A), First A/C (1A) and various other chair-car classifications.
3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, India's only cogwheel railway
One of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway links the scenic hill station of Ooty to the nearest train terminus of Mettupalayam. Upon its 46-kilometre-long stretch, the railroad curves along the wild and grassy Nilgiri Hills.
Besides nature and the beauty around, the railway holds a big place in India’s engineering history. The railway navigates its way through a challenging climb from Coonoor to Ooty through cogwheel tracks for a stronger grip– making it the only cogwheel railway in India.
Besides nature and the beauty around, the railway holds a big place in India’s engineering history. The railway navigates its way through a challenging climb from Coonoor to Ooty through cogwheel tracks for a stronger grip– making it the only cogwheel railway in India.
3.1 Service & Route
The 56136 / Mettupalayam-Ooty Passenger departs Mettupalayam at 7:10 hours and reaches Ooty at 11:55. More information is available at the IRCTC website.
4. 13248 Capital Express
Upon its climb to the northbound destination of Guwahati, the Capital Express explores the rich tea gardens and the vibrant forests of Assam. It also delves into the wildlife found in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Similar to the routes mentioned beforehand, this railway service covers the gorgeous landscapes containing rivers, forests and the green ambience of the North East.
Similar to the routes mentioned beforehand, this railway service covers the gorgeous landscapes containing rivers, forests and the green ambience of the North East.
Note: The information provided in this article has links to official sources. To stay more accurately updated, please check the IRCTC website.
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