🚆 Top 7 Scenic Train Journeys in India to Experience in 2025
There’s something incredibly calming about watching the world drift by from a train window. In India, some routes offer more than just scenery — they give you stories, small surprises, and a deeper look into the country’s landscape and life. If you’re thinking of hitting the tracks in 2025, here are seven train journeys that are worth planning around.
🌄 1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – West Bengal
This little “toy train” crawls its way up to Darjeeling, through hills covered in tea gardens and sharp curves. It’s not a fast ride — and that’s part of the charm. Most people come for the slow views and old-world feel.
⛰️ 2. Kalka to Shimla – Himachal Pradesh
If you’ve never taken a train through the mountains, this route is a good start. The train snakes through more than a hundred tunnels, offering up green valleys and pine-covered hills between the bends.
🏜️ 3. Palace on Wheels – Rajasthan
This one’s for travelers who want to experience luxury on the go. Think decorated cabins, traditional food, and stops at some of Rajasthan’s biggest cities. The ride is expensive — but if you ever wanted to travel like a royal, this is the way.
🌊 4. Mandovi Express – Mumbai to Goa
This daytime train gives you a window into the Konkan region’s lush landscapes. Waterfalls, tunnels, and the coastline all pass by your seat. It’s a good alternative if you want to skip the flight and enjoy the route instead.
🏞️ 5. Nilgiri Mountain Railway – Tamil Nadu
This train, heading up to Ooty, moves slowly — which gives you time to enjoy the views. You’ll go past thick woods, deep valleys, and tea plantations that seem to stretch forever. Old stations and vintage vibes add to the experience.
🛤️ 6. Matheran Hill Railway – Maharashtra
The hill town of Matheran doesn’t allow cars, so the narrow-gauge train is your way in. It’s quiet, peaceful, and especially scenic during the monsoon when the trees are bright green and the air is fresh.
🌴 7. Konkan Railway – Ratnagiri to Mangalore
This line is known for its bridges and tunnels. You’ll cross rivers, pass coconut trees, and spot fishing villages along the way. If you’re traveling during the rains, expect a stunning (and often misty) journey.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip
Try booking a daytime seat with a window view, especially in second-class AC or first-class. Bring snacks, charge your phone, and don’t be surprised if the views make you forget about your screen for a while.
These scenic train journeys in India aren’t just about getting somewhere — they’re a reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re heading to the hills or following the coast, there’s a train here with your name on it.
📸 Photo by Matt Dany on Unsplash
