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The 9 most scenic train journeys in India

Air travel may seem more convenient and time-effective, but it cannot replace the undeniable charm of travelling by train. One of the most enjoyable parts of train journeys is sitting by the window and taking in the beauty of the landscape while sipping a hot beverage. In those moments, with hills, forests, brooks and villages rolling by your window, the world slips away, and peace reigns for a little while. If you want to experience this kind of serenity, there are many routes you can take, as India boasts of an extensive railway network. Here’s a look at some of the prettiest train journeys in the country:

Himalayan Queen

Also known as the Kalka-Shimla ‘toy train,’ the Himalayan Queen features in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tracks stretch across the steepest altitude. From your vantage point up high, you will get a glimpse of picturesque pine forests, deep valleys and small towns along the way. This seven-coach train covers a distance of 96km, crossing 82 bridges and 102 tunnels. In 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka-Shimla railway line to its Mountain Railways of India World Heritage site.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this train runs from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal. As you travel at an altitude of more than 2000m, you will be treated to stunning views of sprawling tea plantations and the breathtaking Mt. Kanchenjunga. The route is famous for its loops, where the train turns in a full circle and thus climbs 20ft higher.

Kashmir Valley Railway

A train passing by the Pulwama district in Kashmir.

On this trip from Jammu to Baramulla, feast your eyes on the snowy mountainscapes of the region. This is actually one of the most challenging tracks built by the Indian Railways. The train passes through many earthquake zones, high-altitude mountain passes and rocky terrains.

Sethu Express

Pamban Bridge

If you don’t want a mountainous journey, choose this train that goes from Chennai to Rameswaram in less than 12 hours. You will get the opportunity to traverse the sea, as the route includes crossing the Pamban Bridge—the second-longest in India—built over the water.  You may recognise it from the 2013 Bollywood film Chennai Express .

Konkan Railway

This iconic railway line mainly connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Get ready to enjoy the varied sights outside your window: the Sahyadri mountains, the Arabian Sea, lakes and waterfalls. A classic choice for travellers going from Mumbai to Goa is the  Mandovi Express . The train travels through 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges, including the Panvalnadi bridge, which is one of the highest in India. With landscapes covered in lush greenery, a Konkan Railway journey is a treat, especially during the monsoon season.

Goa Express

For an awe-inspiring glimpse of Dudhsagar Falls, take this train from Vasco de Gama in Goa to Londa, Karnataka. It crosses the bridge over that massive waterfall in the early evening, so keep an eye out. The journey is less than 4 hours long and takes you through the charming Western Ghats and serene beaches.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

If you want to travel by the train where the popular song ‘ Chaiya Chaiya’ was filmed,  choose this one from Mettupalayam to Ooty. You will have lots of time to enjoy the gorgeous views of forests and plantations, as this ‘toy’ train takes around 5h to cover 46km. Considered “the  slowest train  in India”, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has the steepest gradient of any railway line in South Asia, climbing from an elevation of 325m to 2,240m along the way.

Kollam-Sengottai Chord Line

For another amazing south Indian experience, take this train from Kollam Junction in Kerala to Sengottai in Tamil Nadu. You will see moss-covered bridges, untouched forests and Kerala’s cardamom hills. The route also takes you over the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge, or the 13 Arch Bridge, which is more than 100 years old.

Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur

Many trains run along this specific route, like the Intercity Express, Prashanti Express, Konark Express and the famous Howrah-Chennai Mail. The most attractive highlight of the journey is Lake Chilika, the second-largest in the country and a popular destination for birdwatchers. As your train passes by, you can often spot different species of birds quenching their thirst in the lake. Don’t forget to sit on the left side of the train going southward to catch the best views.

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10 of the Best Train Journeys in India (and How to Take Them)

One of the quintessential travel experiences in India, you don’t want to miss these: the best train journeys in India from luxury trains, toy trains and “regular” trips, from all around the country!

Choosing the Best Train Journeys in India

We don’t keep it much of a secret that hopping on a train is our favourit-est way to travel, especially in India, where you can be assured of smiles, lots of people, great views, and probably a spot of adventure along the way.

Despite the advent of flying in India, we’d rather take the train any day: It’s much more scenic, fun, is better for the environment, and you’re guaranteed to go home with stories to tell vs sitting in yet another plane.

Choosing this list of our recommended train journeys in India for visitors was not the easiest of tasks – simply because there are so many worthy contenders! And so, we drafted in a little help from other travellers and writers, and asked them to share their best train journeys in India too. We’ve covered toy trains, “regular trains” and luxury trains from all corners of the country to light up your train travel wanderlust.

Planning train travel in India is not always straightforward (we’ve written EVERYTHING you need to know about that over here – so make sure you keep it bookmarked). But fortunately, arranging train travel in India is getting easier, with the advent of online agencies that can book tickets for you without you having to sign up for an IRCTC account: We use and recommend 12go.asia for booking train tickets in India as a foreign traveller.

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

Best “Regular” Train Journeys in India

No bells and whistles here, these are some of our favourite “regular” Indian train journeys with great views and more that we recommend taking if you can!

Jan Shatabdi Express from Mumbai to Goa

Does the idea of rolling out of sweaty, busy Mumbai at daybreak and arriving by the sea in Goa in time for your prawn curry for lunch sound appealing? Thought so. Many people fly from Mumbai to Goa, but in our humble opinion they miss the best part.

The train from Mumbai to Goa travels what’s known as the Konkan railway, and it’s actually one of India’s most recent railways. It was thought for decades to be too difficult terrain to build a railway through to connect Mumbai and Panjim, and the British declared it un-feasible and impossible. It was not until 1998 that services fully began, and Mumbai was finally connected to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala on a direct line.

This line winds through the western ghats (hills) in south Maharashtra before entering Goa for the most scenic part of the trip, across rivers and backwaters with glimpses of the ocean.

Many trains ply the route from Mumbai to Madgaon (south central Goa), Thivim (for North Goa) and further south to Canacona. If you travel overnight, you’ll miss the views (the best part of this journey) so we recommend taking the day train if you can, the best of which is the Jan Shatabdi . The Tejas Express is one of the new high-end trains but has sealed windows and automatic sealed doors – so hardly great for photos!

How to take this train: The Jan Shatabdi (12051) leaves Dadar in Mumbai at 05.25 daily, arriving in Madgaon at 13.50. You could also take this journey in reverse from Madgaon to Mumbai which is also beautiful. In winter (Nov-Feb) sit in non-ac chair car class for fresh air and views out of the open windows. At other times, opt for the AC option. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Search and book tickets here for Mumbai – Goa on 12go !

The Deccan Queen from Pune to Mumbai

My first solo train journey in India left quite an imprint on my memory. Clambering on to the Deccan Queen while it was still dark in Pune to begin the 3 hour journey in Mumbai I’d been told that the pantry car (catering) on this train was good, and not to miss the chance to have breakfast.

Happily filled by my masala baked beans on toast (no I didn’t get sick), I happily dozed on the train as the sunlight started to creep in. I woke up to see the train twisting through the dramatic ghats with stunning views out onto the hills of Maharashtra in the morning light. I curse myself to this day for not being quicker with my camera. Just after 10am, the train creeps in to Mumbai’s best known and best-loved railway terminus – CS(M)T (formerly VT), and the heart of south Bombay .

Many trains run the popular route between Pune and Mumbai, but we recommend this one because of a) the morning light against the hills in winter and b) the food. Plus, there’s a certain something about taking a train named after a queen…

How to take this train: The Deccan Queen (12124) leaves Pune at 07.15 and arrives in Mumbai (CST) at 10.25. In winter, you can take non-AC chair car class (2nd Sitting) for mountain air and better views. In hotter months / monsoon we recommend AC. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Search and book tickets here for Pune – Mumbai on 12go!

The Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra

Contributed by Soujanya from thespicyjourney.com

Similar to a shatabdi express , The Gatimaan Express is one of the first high-speed trains in India, and is the currently second fastest train in operation in India. It’s a high speed all air-conditioned train that runs between Delhi and Jhansi, stopping at Agra along the way.

The train originates at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in the south of Delhi, and ends at Jhansi Junction railway station, stopping in-between at the Agra Cantonment Railway Station. It is highly recommended to take this train while going to Agra from New Delhi.

One of the main reasons why the train is preferred is because it’s the fastest train between Delhi and Agra – covering a distance of 188 km in 100 minutes. Secondly, the train is clean, fully air conditioned and there are (free / included) meals served on board by attentive staff, which are fine to eat. There are two classes available for the Gatimaan express which are executive AC tickets priced at INR 1500 and regular AC tickets costing INR 750. The main difference between the two is legspace, and more food in executive class. Regular AC is fine. The train operates on all days, except Fridays (seeing as the Taj is closed on fridays).

How to take this train: The Gatimaan Express (12050) leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi daily except fridays at 08.10, arriving at Agra Cantonment at 09.55. In the reverse direction (train number 12049), the Gatimaan leaves Agra Cantonment at 17.50 and arrives back at Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin at 19.30. Tickets need to be booked in advanced, preferably at least a few days. If this train is fully booked, a good alternative is train #12002 from New Delhi station to Agra.

Search and book tickets here for Delhi – Agra on 12go!

Bangalore to Goa

Contributed by Madhurima of orangewayfarer.com

Because India is a world in itself, different rail routes will give you a taste of different terrain. From window scene to quick snacks, even the taste of Chai differs on Indian train journey. One of the most scenic Indian train journey is the one from Bangalore to Goa.

With cheap airfares and frequent bus service, many people want to make it quick to Goa. I say, slow down. And make the most of spiraling railroad through the Western Ghats, which will gradually descend to the white sandy beaches kissing Arabian sea.

One of the most rewarding rail journeys to Goa is passing the Dudhsagar falls. Come monsoon, the fall regain all her Vigour and stage a fantastic show. Monsoon also means restricted access to Dudhsagar trek, making the rain journey to be the sole chance to view the falls. The train usually slows down as it approached the fall. You’ll be able to see a lot of people peeping out of the window in awe. Dudhsagar (ocean of milk, literally) appears twice, on both sides of the train. But Dudhsagar is short lived. Beyond that, the 10 hours long journey still proves its worth, when the train enters numerous stone tunnels and gradually ascends to a world of mist and lush green verdant valley of the Western Ghats.

How to take this train: There are several trains running from Bangalore to Vasco da Gama in Goa, but to be able to see the falls at Dudhsagar, you want one that arrives in Goa during daylight hours. (The nearest station to where the train passes by the falls is Kulem). Train #17316 from Chennai does that, or train #17603 depending on the day of the week. The falls and scenery are at the most lush during monsoon (July-September). Tickets must be booked in advance.

Search and book tickets from Bangalore to Goa on 12go here!

Odisha, Kendujhar to Bhubaneswar

Contributed by Renuka from Voyager for Life

My favourite train journey was in Odisha, an eastern state of India – from Kendujhargarh to Bhubaneswar. While Kendujhargarh is a small town known for its many waterfalls, Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. It’s a 5-hour journey in a chair car coach, which is quite comfortable and fun.

The highlight of this train journey is the constant sight of beautiful landscapes that one gets to witness along the way. Although the entire state of Odisha has amazing natural beauty and there are several train routes that you can take to enjoy the scenic landscapes, the Kendujhargarh-Bhubaneswar route is perhaps the most captivating one. There’s a certain mellow quality about the hills and open fields that you pass by. Since the train departs in the afternoon from Kendujhar and reaches Bhubaneswar towards the evening, there’s a prospect of enjoying an evocative sunset, too.

To make the most of your train journey, ensure to book a window seat! It’s a delightful experience to be glued to the outside view until a  chai  or coffee guy sneaks you out of your daydream, which is not a bad deal either. The coffee that you get to have on this route is fantastic.        

How to take this Train . There are four daily trains, the one coinciding with sunset being the 18415 Barbil – Puri Express. Classes are Chair Car (AC) or second sitting. Tickets are available on the IRCTC website or in person at the station, book a few days before if you can.

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Delhi to Kota, Rajasthan

Contributed by Priyanka of On My Canvas .

Delhi to Kota is one of my train journeys in India that has stayed with me for a long time. As the train leaves the chaotic stations of Delhi, it goes through a range of terrains. The life going on around the small stations in between is enough to make any traveler curious. Houses perched on the roadsides are shaken to the core when the train rambles through the town. Children in the streets, waiting for the train to pass over, wave as it does. 

Getting down at the Mathura junction to get some peda (sweets) isn’t more customary than getting off the train at Bharatpur to get some early taste of the lemony poha (beaten rice) that is typical of Rajasthan. Travelers who visit the Pushkar mela would know all about the poha . 

But after the train crosses further into Rajasthan, it crosses a desert landscape. The landscapes become dry, and vegetation is sparse. Dry winds blow in, but one could only experience the change in these if the coach is non-air conditioned, as scrub and bush surprisingly creeps in, as the train heads further south in India’s desert state .

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The journey was my favorite for it took me from the warmth of my house to the strange city of Kota where I studied as a little girl. Between the comfort of home and hard student life, the train journey was a transit that I wished would never end. And then there were the station snacks that would lure any child to keep going back and forth by train.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous railway journey while enjoying some local snacks on the way, Delhi to Kota is a good one. The journey is special for the sharp contrast between the scenery and the culture of Delhi and Rajasthan.

How to take this train: To get the effect of the changing climate, book a non-ac class such as ‘Sleeper’ or 2S (2nd sitting). The train journey lasts between 6-7 hours, depending on which train you take, and there are many different trains leaving from both New Delhi station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin station in the south of Delhi. For a reliable train with a non-air conditioned option, you can take the Jan Shatabdi train #12060 which leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin daily at 13.15.

Search & book tickets from Delhi to Kota here on 12go!

Best Toy Train Journeys in India

Otherwise known as mountain railways of India, India is home to several toy train journeys that were built on narrow gauge, to transport primarily holiday makers to the country’s hill stations to escape the sweltering summer temperatures.

Two of the most famous are the Kalka-Shimla railway and the Darjeeling Himalay railway. Another mountain railway from Srinagar (Kashmir) to Leh (Ladakh) is planned for the future, making it the highest railway in the world, but construction has yet to begin.

Nilgiri Toy Train

Contributed by Sapna from My Simple Sojourn .

The Nilgiri mountain railway is a UNESCO world heritage site. The train runs with steam locomotive engines and its speed varies between 15 to 30 Km. The Nilgiri mountain railway has the steepest track in Asia with a maximum gradient of 8.33%. This railway track has the Abt rack and pinion system to climb this gradient. 

These trains operate between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam. (Ooty). The initial 7 Km journey is through the plains, where you will see the Paddy fields on both sides. Afterward, the train enters the Nilgiri Mountain range and passes through the mountains.

I love this journey because of the scenic beauty. You will see lush green mountains, deep valleys, cross 250 bridges and pass through 16 tunnels in 46 Km. There are several curves and hairpin bends on the way. As the train crosses Coonoor, you will see the beautiful tea gardens on both sides of the track. The toy train journey is an extremely joyous experience. 

There are general class and First class category in this train. The main difference between the two classes is space. In the first-class, you will get more space to sit and keep the luggage in comparison to the general class. Otherwise, both are more or less similar. It is advisable to book the tickets in advance because the train has limited seats, which get filled very fast. Traveling by this train should be on everyone’s list when in the South of India.

How to take this train: Tickets are bookable via the IRCTC website in advance, or in person at one of the stations at least two hours before. The train does get busy, so advance booking is preferable (you’ll need an IRCTC account). Timetable and more info on the route can be found here .

Kalka Shimla Railway

Contributed by Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers

Train journeys in India can be a bag of mixed feelings. While some train journeys can be a wonderful experience, others can be quite hectic. Nevertheless, I have always loved train journeys. There is a subtle romanticism and charm in train journeys that I cannot find in other modes of transport. One of my favourite train journeys in India happens to be the Kalka Shimla Railways – the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla. I had however taken the journey on the other way from Shimla to Kalka after completing the Rupin Pass Trek.

Kalka Shimla Railways was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 as it is quite an engineering feat, considering the fact that it was opened for public in early 1903. This mountain railway runs on narrow-gauge tracks (2 feet tracks). The railway has 988 bridges, 919 curves and 102 tunnels in the 96 km it runs. 

The train journey is an experience of a lifetime. As the slow train chugs through the mountains bridges manoeuvring the curves, there is a feeling of thrill and excitement. Also, the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh is unmatched. There are 16 stations between Shimla and Kalka. These stations look quaint and like picture postcards, the best one being Barog. The train moves through the forests, villages and some rugged terrain. The railway stations give a feeling of the old colonial days. The six hours train journey through surrounded by pine and forest trees is definitely one of the most pleasant train journeys in India. 

How to take this train : There are several different trains that run from Kalka to Shimla, from regular passenger trains with basic unreserved seating, to tourist trains with vista dome coaches attached. Tickets can be bought up to 120 days in advance via the IRCTC website. This article has a full breakdown of the different trains and comfort levels.

Best Luxury Trains in India

For those looking for the wow factor of life on the rails in India.. the country has some world class luxury trains. If you dream of sipping sweet chai from your full length bed in a private cabin in silk dressing gown… look no further than these!

The Golden Chariot

Contributed by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey

The Golden Chariot stands out among the four luxury trains of India as it’s the only one in its category that operates in the south of the country.

The aptly named Pride of the South and Southern Splendor routes are epic and majestic 8-day journeys that pass through some of southern India’s most beautiful places. They both start and end in Bangalore with the former passing through Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebidu, Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami caves and finally Goa. The latter makes stops at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kerala and so much more.

Rooms are decorated, as well as named, after the different dynasties that ruled Karnataka, for example Ganga, Sangama and so on. Travelers can choose between a twin or double room, which are more suited for couples sharing a single bed. Both have large ensuite bathrooms that are spacious for a train and have enclosed showers. Beds are full length and not the usual fold up types that one finds on other trains in India.

The train even includes a sampling of gym facilities. Food is served in two separate restaurants (dining cars) and there are even two kitchens onboard that feed up to 80 guests at a time – one for Indian cuisine and the other for Western-style cooking. And the food is absolutely delicious, both the large Western menu and the local Karnataka cuisine from the south of India are some of the best you will find.

The best part of the Golden Chariot is the fantastic service, where passengers are treated like royalty. While locals can hop on and off at will, foreigners have to book the entire 8-day journey, but riding in luxury in India’s south is a once in a lifetime experience and is absolutely worth it. 

How to take this train : Tickets/tours can be booked on the Golden Chariot’s website or through select travel agencies.

The Palace on Wheels

Contributed by Natalie from Love and Road .

The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train journey through Rajasthan and Agra: It’s a 7 day trip on board a vintage luxury train that whisks you back in history to a grander era of train travel. On board you will find draped curtains, silver cutlery, and butlers that will take care of everything you need during this luxury adventure.

The Palace on Wheels journey starts in Delhi and every day you will wake up in a new place. Most of the traveling is overnight, so you will arrive fresh and ready to explore a new destination. In every destination, guides and transport will take you to the main attractions, including the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Along the way you’ll learn about the culture and food of this beautiful part of India. 

The train crew organizes all the activities and entrance fees; you only need to follow the instructions and have fun. The price of the train trip includes all meals; you’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner served onboard or in a restaurant/hotel in the destination you are visiting. And every time you go back to the train your butler will be waiting for you with fresh tea/coffee and biscuits. 

Every room has an assigned butler that will organize your schedule, maintain your cabin, and help you with everything you might need or want. The train offers luxury double rooms and standard twin rooms. There are two rooms per carriage, and in the cabins you will find a bed, wardrobe, sitting area, and a private bathroom.

My husband and I loved the Palace on Wheels experience. The hassle-free train journey is perfect for travelers that want to see the best of Rajasthan in a short time and without worrying about booking transportation, hotels, and activities by themselves. 

How to take this train : Tickets/tours can be booked through the Palace on Wheels website and through select travel agencies.

In addition to the above luxury trains, there is also the Maharajas Express which covers a range of classic itineraries in northern India, and the Deccan Odyssey which tours beautiful Maharashtra.

Have you travelled by train in India? Which was your favourite journey? Let us know in the comments below!

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• 18 Beautiful Train Journeys In India In 2024 That Will Compel You For A Ride!

Planning a vacation rarely encompasses a train expedition nowadays. But if it does, it certainly takes us back to the childhood days when holidaying meant embarking on beautiful train journeys in India . It also meant admiring the changing landscapes as the train passed through towns and villages; playing cards or memory game; chitchatting over warm tea in earthen cups (locally called Kulhad); yummy munchies and lot more! This time round, we take you on some of the most beautiful train routes in India that cover absolutely enthralling and diverse landscapes – steep mountain slopes, narrow valleys, and wide seas.

18 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In India

Go through the list of these most beautiful train rides in India and make sure you head to one of them, the one that you find to be truly out of this world. You will realize the journey is nothing short of a dream. There’s mountains, waterfalls, rivers, plains, deserts and every possible landscape that you can imagine of. They are spread across the northern frontier to the southern frontier. Have a look!

• Jammu – Baramulla
• Pathankot – Jogindernagar
• Kalka – Shimla
• Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
• Mumbai – Goa
• Hubli – Madgaon
• Matheran – Neral
• Karjat – Lonavala
• Ratnagiri – Mangalore
• Mandapam – Rameshwaram
• Mettupalayam – Ooty
• Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley
• Bangalore – Kanyakumari
• Hassan – Mangalore
• Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur
• New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
• Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri
• Guwahati – Silchar

1. Jammu – Baramulla

Kashmir Railway Gifts you Travel Charisma

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The railway track connecting Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla is not only picturesque and enthralling but also one the most challenging railway projects. It is located in the high earthquake intensity zone with undulating and rugged terrain, extreme cold temperature, and is the most beautiful railway route in India .

Train Journey Time : 4 hours

Must Read: 30 Unbelievably Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One Cannot Miss

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2. Pathankot – Jogindernagar

Mystics of Kangra Valley

Image Source If you want to enjoy the thrills of Kangra Valley, the river bridges, deep gorges and exclusive flora, enjoy the pleasant but quite slow ride of 164 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. It is not only located at a challenging height, but is also one of the most scenic train routes in India .

Train Journey Time : 8 hours

Suggested Read : 43 Famous Historical Places In India To Visit

3. Kalka – Shimla

A Spellbinding Journey to the Summer Capital

If you want to cherish picturesque valleys, steep pathways and foggy meadows, travel to Shimla in the narrow gauge train. This little toy train, now considered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, starts from Kalka and travels 96 km upslope through 102 tunnels: (the longest tunnel located at Barog), 82 bridges, deep valleys, steep curves, rolling bends, forests of deodar and rhododendron, pine and oak.

Few trains like Siwalik, Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor and Siwalik Queen ply on this route. The journey is truly enchanting but at a slow pace as the train ascends the slope rhythmically through stations of Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Barog, Salogra, Totu, and Summerhill to reach the summer capital. It is one of the best in north Indian and most beautiful train journeys in India .

Train Journey Time : 5 hours

Suggested Read: 53 Best Places To Visit In Shimla On Your Soothing Weekend Getaway!

4. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Xerophytic Route

The Rajasthan trip which is otherwise full of colors, can have an extra bright shade if you travel to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur in Delhi Jaisalmer Express. The travel time in the train called the ‘Desert Queen’ takes close to 6 hours to reach the destination.

The journey is not at all monotonous. In fact you see diversified topography like typical desert landscape with xerophytic vegetation, yellow soil, dunes, grazing camels and scattered settlements of the desert inhabitants. The passengers will surely get a feel of the desert safari before reaching the land of the Golden Fort. This is amongst the most beautiful train journeys in India .

Suggested Read : Longest Rivers In India: Know About The Important Water Bodies Of The Country

5. Mumbai – Goa

Journey through the Enigmatic Ghats

The journey from Mumbai to Goa intersecting through the gorges of Sahyadari and fringes of Arabian Sea is equally or perhaps the most scenic train rides in India . Mandovi Express, as a part of the Konkan Railway network, travels between Mumbai and Goa.

The route is full of scenic landscapes, ranging from tunnels, bridges, coastal peripheries, steps of Western Ghats (other name for Sahyadari), innumerable small rivers, seasonal streams and lush green meadows. Do not forget to take out your handicam or camera and capture the highlights of one of the stunning and beautiful train journeys in India .

Train Journey Time : 12 hours

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6. Hubli – Madgaon

Vasco da Gama Route

Image Source While travelling from Hubli to Madgaon, experience one of the most thrilling and enchanting train journeys in India. The train passes through the gigantic and most magnificent Dudhsagar waterfalls gushing out from a 300 metres in full vigor.

Once the train reaches the waterfall, you will be amazed at the cascading beauty and force on a thrilling and best train journeys in India. If you decide to enjoy it closely, quickly get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar falls.

Train Journey Time : 10 hours

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7. Matheran – Neral

Heritage of Maharashtra

The narrow gauge railway running between Matheran and Neral passes is one of the best train routes in India. It passes through the rugged terrains of the Ghats and gained immense tourist attraction. This only Heritage railway of Maharashtra running a distance of 20 km is surely included in the list of India’s best train journeys. This is one of the best train routes in India .

Train Journey Time : 2 hours

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8. Karjat – Lonavala

Monsoon Trip

Another line that passes through the Western Ghats is the journey from Karjat to Lonavala through Thakurwadi, Monkey Hills and Khandala. It is the very scenic and one of the best train routes in India known for its mystic nature. Monsoon season is recommended because of the lush green views and beautiful rain scenery that it offers. The ride is pure scenery and being hill stations connected by train, it is the most adventurous way to reach the destinations.

Train Journey Time : 1 hour

Suggested Read: 21 Hill Stations Near Mumbai To Soothe Your Senses On A Trip

9. Ratnagiri – Mangalore

Charming Konkan Railway

Image Source One of the most mesmerizing railway tracks lies in the Konkan Railway network, in the Ratnagiri to Mangalore sector. The is one of the most scenic train journeys in India which is truly absorbing and wherein the dense forests, mighty Western Ghats, deep tunnels, river bridges, sharp bends and innumerable seasonal streams will leave the travelers spellbound and hypnotized.

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10. Mandapam – Rameshwaram

Journey Intersecting the Ocean

Image Source Besides thrill and adventure, train travel from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameshwaram on Pamban Island oozes calm and serenity. It is certainly one of the top ten best Indian train journeys. One of the most beautiful train routes in India, it passes over the second longest bridge of India, the Palk Strait, which is the only route that connects mainland India to Pamban Island.

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11. Mettupalayam – Ooty

Voyage in Landscapes of Nilgiris

Image Source Running since 1908, ‘Nilgiri Passenger’ still runs on steam engine, going from Mettupalayam to Ooty. As the train ascends the Nilgiri Mountain, thick pine, oak and eucalyptus forests, bends, curves and tunnels, it moves along Asia’s steepest track with maximum gradient of 8.33 percent. Nilgiri Passenger travels 26 km up the slope in almost 5 hours via stations like Kallar, Adderly, Hillgrove, Kateri, Runneymede, Kateri, Coonoor and Lovedale.

Suggested Read: 25 Mesmerizing Hill Stations In South India That Are A Must Visit

12. Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley

The Tunnel Topography

Image Source The journey from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley through innumerable tunnels and sharp loops is quite an interesting one. Started as a mode to transport iron ore and other minerals to Vishakhpatnam from Chhattisgarh, this railway route in India is a treat for the eyes as well as the soul.

Train Journey Time : 3 hours

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13. Bangalore – Kanyakumari

The Malgudi Voyage

Image Source Another scenic journey through the typical landscape of South India – the picturesque villages, plantations, meadows and water bodies is from Bangalore to Kanyakumari. The Island Express travels 944 km in about 19.5 hours and surely take you the land of ‘Malgudi Days’, undoubtedly paving its way to the list of best train journeys in India.

Train Journey Time : 15 hours

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14. Hassan – Mangalore

Magical Malnad

Witness a pleasant train journey through scenic waterfalls, lofty mountains, palm plantations and rice meadows from Hassan to Mangalore. Railway voyage along this stretch of the Malnad region is truly refreshing and perfect delight for travelers.

Train Journey Time : 1 and half hours

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15. Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur

The Serene Journey

Image Source Another of most beautiful train journeys in India is from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur, with lush green Malyadri on one side and serene Chilika Lake on the other. You may be lucky enough to see lots of migratory birds, so don’t forget your camera. You can capture the glimpse of the best lakes in Odisha while traveling through this train. 

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16. New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling

The Heritage Voyage to the Summer Resort of British Raj

Image Source How good does it feel to ride through hill stations connected by train? A pleasant upslope journey from the foothill region through loops, turns and bends can be experienced from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The 78 km long quaint journey takes almost 8 hours and passes through Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum, Rongbul, Jorebunglow and Batasia Loop.

Though the journey, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sluggish but certainly leisurely. The surrounding hill-valley topography, especially from Ghum (the highest narrow gauge railway station in India) and Batasia Loop, adds extra flavors of delight to your trip.

Train Journey Time : 7 hours

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17. Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri

Jungle Safari on the Wheels

Want to pass through dense forest and see elephants and rhinos while passing by? Plan a train journey in the foothills region of North Bengal. Travelling to Alipurduar, Jayanti, Moorti, Samsing, Baux and Jalpaiguri will take you through the reserve forests of Gorumara, Jaldapara, Mahananda and Buxa while crossing seasonal streamlets.

Suggested Read : 20 Unbelievable Experiences In India That You Must Add On Your Bucket List To Enjoy An Offbeat Escape

18. Guwahati – Silchar

Awes of Assam

Image Source This journey meanders through river Jatinga, lush green Assam Valley, tea plantations and undulating Haflong valley. The route from Guwahati to Silchar via Lumding and Barak Valley makes it one of the most beautiful train journeys in India. The train makes you witness the beauty of hill stations in Assam .

Train Journey Time : 9 hours

Further Read: 23 Types of People You Meet While Travelling in an Indian Train

Aren’t all these beautiful train journeys in India absolutely stunning? If you have more to the list, share us with them in the comments below, and let the word spread. But for now, plan your holiday in India  with TravelTriangle to experience these wonderful train rides. We have no doubt that these rides will sweep you off your feet and make your heart skip a beat.

Disclaimer : TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Train Journeys In India

Is it safe to travel in Indian trains during COVID times?

You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure your safety. Wear mask while traveling in train or being at the railway station, avoid crowds and maintain social distancing. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly. You can also carry a disinfectant spray to disinfect your seat and surroundings.

Which is the best train in India?

This is no definite answer to this because of the way you define best. It could be in terms of service or the route it runs on. If you have to pick one, Samjhauta Express would be the best train of India as it connects India and Pakistan displaying the amazing coordination between the two countries with communal tensions. It connects Amritsar with Lahore.

Which is the long-distance train in India?

Vivek Express is the longest distance train in India that connects Dibrugarh in Assam with Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The train runs weekly and takes about 79 hours to complete a journey of 4234 km. It has 57 intermediate stoppages. Whoa! Imagine the journey that would be on this train.

Which are the dangerous train routes in India?

Chennai - Rameswaram route is considered to be the most dangerous train route in India. It is ironic because it is also a pilgrimage route. So, your faith in God is put to test when you travel on this train. The 2.3 km long stretch of this train runs over the ocean fighting strong winds and tides that make this journey dangerous and testing.

Which are the best train journeys from Bangalore?

The train journey from Bangalore to Kanyakumari is the most scenic one. Ditch the car ride and take the train instead if you want to enjoy the scenery

Which is the longest rail bridge in India?

The longest rail bridge in India is the Vembanad Rail Bridge that connects Vallarpadam and Edappally in Kerala’s Kochi. The bridge is 4.62 km long and dedicated only to good trains.

Is the Indian railways run by private or public?

The Indian railways is a public railway organization run by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

Which is the fastest train in India?

The Vande Bharat Express or Train 18 is currently the fastest train in India with a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h. The average speed of the train is around 102 km/h.

Which railway station has the most number of platforms in India?

Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal is one of the largest junctions in the country and a perfect bridge between North, South, East and West India. It has 23 platforms that spread in a huge area.

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Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.

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8 incredible train journeys in South India

Jul 31, 2023 • 8 min read

The slow, marvelous trains that crisscross South India offer a wonderful way to discover this vast region © MTD_myTravelDiaries / Shutterstock

Trains pass through jade-green forests, misty mountains and gorgeous coastal stretches in lush South India.

Riding the rails is one of the greatest joys of any India adventure, whether you’re trundling high up into the hills aboard a UNESCO-listed miniature train or clattering along the sun-drenched, coast-hugging Konkan Railway.

Down south, landscapes spin from honey-gold beaches and palm-shaded backwaters to jungle-covered hills, gushing waterfalls and sprawling megacities. And there’s no finer way to soak it all up than from the window seat of a clanking train, over a white-paper cup of steaming sweet chai.

Fabulous food is often part of the picture, too, thanks to vendors deftly making their way through carriages at stations, and top-tier tickets that include on-board meals. As you roll across wildly beautiful South India , you’ll see local staples such as potato-stuffed dosas (crispy, thin lentil-and-rice-flour crepes), crispy vadas (fried savory dough) and coconut-rich Keralite stews pop up, while soothing chai and filter coffee inevitably always appear at just the right moment. Certain stations are famous for selling particular regional specialities, and some trains are known for serving superb food. 

Here are eight terrific train journeys that offer a taste of India’s sultry south. 

Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

46km (29 miles), 3.5–4.75 hours

South Indian rail thrills don’t get more classic than catching the famous, Unesco-listed “toy train” into northern Tamil Nadu ’s misty Western Ghats . Jade-green tea plantations, lush jungle, rushing waterfalls and far-reaching panoramas jostle for attention as the narrow-gauge, rack-and-pinion steam train rattles up into the Nilgiri Hills from tiny Mettupalayam, zipping through 16 tunnels and across 250 bridges. Eventually, it reaches the hugely popular hill station of Ooty , at 2240m (7350ft). There’s also a stop along the way at Coonoor, the Nilgiris’ second hill station, resting at 1720m (5643ft). First opened in 1899 (and extended to Ooty in 1908), the NMR pulls in an often-lively domestic crowd, with people cheering as tunnels plunge you into darkness. 

The blue-and-cream miniature train leaves for Ooty every day at 7:10am and takes 4.75 hours on the way up; it makes its way back down to Mettupalayam at 2pm, a 3.5-hour journey. The best way to get to Mettupalayam is aboard the nine-hour overnight Nilgiri Express from Chennai Central (or hop on it at Coimbatore , which has an airport), arriving just in time at 6:15am.

Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Gokarna on the Karwar Express

711km (442 miles), 14 hours

Flights link Karnataka ’s lively capital of Bengaluru with the coast in an hour or so – but then you’d be missing out on a spectacular slow-travel jaunt through the lush, biodiverse and unbelievably beautiful Western Ghats en route to Gokarna ’s blissful beaches. Leaving Bengaluru’s Yesvantpur Junction station three days a week at 7am, the Karwar Express follows inland Karnataka’s so-called Green Route, which is known for its wild green forests, dense coffee crops and over 100 bridges. After reaching the low-key coastal town of Mangaluru (Mangalore) , the train follows the coast north to Gokarna Road station, where some of South India’s most magical and relaxed beaches await on the doorstep. 

If you’d prefer an overnight train to the beach, catch the daily Panchaganga Express at 6:50pm from Bengaluru City station, which drops you at Gokarna Road 12 hours later. 

Mumbai to Margao (Madgaon) on the Mandovi Express

765km (475 miles), 12 hours

One of India’s most spectacular railway stations – Mumbai ’s Gothic-style, colonial-era Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – is the 7:10am starting point for a thrilling coastal adventure south to the golden sands of Goa . Built in the 1990s, the beloved 756km (470-mile) Konkan Railway rushes across 2216 bridges and through almost 100 tunnels, and includes one of the country’s tallest viaducts (a 60m/197ft-high marvel near Ratnagiri). Gaze out on tropical-fruit plantations, rice fields, meandering rivers and electric-green coconut palms as you spin through Maharashtra to land in Margao , southern Goa’s main transport hub, from where there’s easy onward transport to mellow beachy beauties like Palolem and Benaulim. 

But the Mandovi Express isn’t all about the views: it’s also famous for its food, courtesy of a Karnataka-born catering company that delights travelers with samosas, idli-sambar , vadas and other favorites. South of Goa, the Konkan Railway continues through Karnataka almost to the Kerala border. 

Varkala to Kanyakumari on the Island Express

127km (79 miles), four hours

Settle in for a leisurely journey from the golden-black beaches, lively surf-and-yoga scene and holy temples of Varkala , on Kerala ’s south coast, to the southernmost tip of India, in Tamil Nadu. Famous as the place where three seas meet – the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal – laid-back Kanyakumari centers on a revered waterside temple devoted to the Hindu goddess Kumari, a site with an entrancing feel. The beloved Island Express’ 10:55am departure from Varkala means you’ll enjoy southern Kerala’s palm-laced landscapes in all their hazy day-lit beauty. 

Alternatively, you can hop on in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) , three hours from Kanyakumari, or even from as far north as Bengaluru – which involves a 19-hour, 944km (587-mile) overnight spin via Coimbatore, Kochi, Kollam and more. 

Vasco da Gama to Londa on the Goa Express

146km (91 miles), 3.5 hours

The tumbling 603m(1980ft)-high cascade of Dudhsagar Falls (one of India’s tallest waterfalls) is the “wow” moment on any journey between the South Goan port city of Vasco da Gama and Londa, just over the border in Karnataka. Along the way, Goa’s gold-tinged shoreline gives way to the Western Ghats’ Unesco-protected hills, as you dive into the contiguous wildlife-rich Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary . 

The 3pm Goa Express (a daily superfast train) runs north from Vasco da Gama via Londa all the way to Delhi – 2208km (1372 miles), or 39.5  hours away. It also stops in Margao , a handy alternative Goa start point.

Chennai to Hyderabad on the Chennai–Hyderabad Express

715km (444 miles), 13 hours

Wake up to the ancient architectural jewels of Telangana ’s dynamic capital Hyderabad , home to some of India’s most magnificent Islamic buildings, such as the chandelier-lit Chowmahalla Palace , the 16th-century Golconda Fort and the splendid Qutb Shahi Tombs . The fun starts with a 4:45pm daily departure from Chennai Central and a South Indian–style dinner on board as the Chennai–Hyderabad Express inches its way north from Tamil Nadu. You’ll probably start the next day sharing a chat and a sugary chai with your carriage neighbors, watching the countryside morph into an urban metropolis on the slow roll into Hyderabad Deccan station. 

Kochi to Margao on the Netravathi Express

849km (527 miles), 14.75 hours

Also following the Konkan Railway for much of the way, this overnight route zips you north from Kerala’s arty cultural hub Kochi to serene southern Goa. After hopping on at Ernakulam Junction station in Kochi at 1:50pm, Kerala whirls past in a blur of sun-toasted coconut palms. Post-sunset, you’ll travel through coastal Mangaluru and the temple town of Udupi in Karnataka, to (finally!) reach Margao Junction just before sunrise. 

In its full extent, the Netravathi Express links Kerala’s capital Trivandrum with Mumbai – a whopping 30-hour, 1805km (1122-mile) journey. It’s also handy for reaching northern Kerala’s untouristed beaches (around Kannur and Bekal ), and you can pick it up from further south than Kochi if you’re in, say, Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Varkala.

Chennai to Rameswaram on the Rameswaram Express

665km (413 miles), 11 hours

Plodding across the 2km(1.25-mile)-long Pamban Bridge, with the Bay of Bengal swirling below, puts a whole new spin on riding the rails in South India. The bridge links mainland Tamil Nadu to Pamban Island, home to the small pilgrimage town of Rameswaram and the eerie ruins of Dhanushkodi (a once-thriving port destroyed by a 1964 cyclone), and marks the final stretch of a long overnight trip south from Chennai Egmore. 

Known as the Boat Mail Express in the 19th century, this train originally operated as part of a rail-and-ferry route linking Tamil Nadu with neighboring Sri Lanka (then under British rule as Ceylon), until the Pamban Bridge was opened in 1914. It’s also possible to travel by train across from the celebrated temple city of Madurai in southern Tamil Nadu; trains leave throughout the day from Madurai Junction (four hours). 

At the time of writing, rail services across the original century-old Pamban Bridge have been suspended while a new bridge is constructed, after safety concerns arose in 2022. 

How to book trains in South India

The best way to find out about South Indian train services is online via Erail , Indian Railways and/or Seat 61 ; this last resource offers invaluable advice on all things train travel–related in India, including buying tickets. 

Many trains sell out well in advance of their departure date, so it’s best to book as far ahead as possible, ideally online. Long-distance bookings currently open 120 days beforehand. Most comfortable for overnight travels are the reserved air-conditioned classes (1AC, 2AC or 3AC). The easiest way to reserve is through a booking portal such as Cleartrip or 12Go . The IRCTC government website also takes online bookings, but it can be a frustratingly fiddly process. On the ground, major train stations in places like Mumbai and Chennai usually have dedicated ticket counters for foreign travelers. Read more about how to get around India by train here . 

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Best Train Routes in India: Most Beautiful Railway Rides

There are always a few things in our lives that we enjoy, all through our childhood to way later. For most Indians, and people who have lived and grown up in India, it is train journeys . The Indian Railways reaches out to 30 million people across all nooks and corners of the culturally and topographically diverse subcontinent.

Here is a list of most beautiful rail routes in India:

1. Himalayan Queen (Kalka to Shimla )

Toy train near Shimla

For those of you who enjoy movies and feeling ‘filmy’ when you travel, this rail journey by the “toy train” is a must. The trains that run on this route resemble toy trains that awaken the inner child in you. 96 km long, this route was started way back in 1903 and it passes through 102 tunnels and 82 bridges and has been awarded a world record by the Guinness book of world records for the steepest rise in altitude in the span of 96 km. For 5 hours that you will travel on this pretty little train , you will pass through scenic beauty that will amaze you. Everything from pine trees, oak, valleys, Deodar, Rhodendron forests and a route that moves upwards till it reaches Shimla will keep you gaping at its beauty. All this and more awaits you on this ride that is now a UNESCO world heritage site since 2008. Toy Train in this route offered by Indian Railways is a treat to the eyes. It might be a relatively slower way to reach Shimla from Kalka, but the rail route is possibly more picturesque than the destinations themselves.

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway  (Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling  )

Batasia Loop near Darjeeling,  Source

Another impressive toy train journey is the one that runs from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Breathtaking, quite literally when the route takes you on a series of landscapes, altitudes and climate changes; Jalpaiguri being a plain and Darjeeling, the hill station that serves the best tea in all of India. Prepare yourself for a trip hooded by the Himalayas, through tea gardens and forests and if you’re lucky and the skies are clear, you can spot the magnificent Kanchenjunga . The journey takes you as close as possible to the tea gardens where you can experience the mesmerizing smell of tea. An interesting thing to note about this train is that it runs on metre gauge and is also a proud UNESCO world heritage site since 1999.

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3. vasco da gama to londa.

The journey from Vasco Da Gama in Goa to Londa in Karnataka offers you the satisfaction you can only derive by watching pristine Goan villages zoop by your window.

Dudhsagar Falls near Londa,  Source

It moves up to the Western Ghats with the scene changes to lush greenery and mountains. As the vegetation decreases, waterfalls steal the show, sprinkles of water on your face because of the force it is gushing with. The best time to go on this journey is after the monsoon when you can enjoy the vibrant red colour of the clay soil.

4. Mumbai to Goa

People are always talking about these two places! One for its glamorous and busy life and the other for the vacation mood it sets you in!

Mandovi express Source

The train that connects you to both these special places is one that gives an equally stunning experience running between the Sahyadri hills on one side and the Arabian sea on the other. Cruising through 92 tunnels and on 2000 bridges, this route gives you postcard-worthy moments every five seconds with endless stretches of water, paddy hues and villages under shades of coconut trees.

5. Kanyakumari –Trivandrum

Train passing at Chunkankadai ( Source )

A short train journey , but one packed with delicious sensory ticklers, this journey takes you through coconut trees, and gliding past typical Tamil and Keralite architecture. Gopurams and ornately decorated temples cross over to welcome typical Keralite churches and a totally different style of architecture. This train ride is indeed through South India’s most picturesque locations .

6. Matheran Hill Railway

Remaining as the only heritage railway in Maharashtra, Matheran still is a favourite among both people form Mumbai and those from outside, for the peace and tranquil atmosphere it offers. This narrow gauge rail line was built by Akbar Peerbhoy way back between the years 1901 to 1907. It runs through large swathes of forest territory and covers a total distance of 20 kms. Whether you are lone or with family and friends, this journey will surely take your mind off things for the little while it carries you.

7. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri- Newmal – Hasimara- Alipurduar )

Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary,  Source

Undeniably one of the best train routes in India as it passes through such a huge number of forests and wildlife sanctuaries namely Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary, Chapramari forest, Jaldapara Wildlife sanctuary, and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings. The Train route recently converted to broad gauge and thus has minimum traffic but is worth all every moment for the fascinating amounts of flora and fauna one can find there.

8. Mandapam – Pamban – Rameswaram

Pamban bridge Source

Known as one of the most dangerous routes in India , because it runs on a thin bridge, this route is exciting and a must try for those adventure birds. This bridge is known as the second longest bridge in India. The route connects Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to the island of Rameswaram, and is a route you will fall in love with instantly.

9. The Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey

Indain Maharaja Railway Source

One of India’s few luxury trains , this 10 night route offers its travellers everything from a library, an Ayurvedic massage centre, a beauty parlour, steam baths, a gymnasium, a business centre, conference rooms, air conditioned coaches and luxury suites on its journey from Pune to Delhi and back. It stops at the main tourist destinations, right from the Ajanta Ellora caves in Maharashtra to the Taj Mahal in Agra. The Deccan Odyssey’s luxury is a sight to behold. Everything about the train, and its service reflects royalty and the word ‘Maharaja’, and that is what makes this journey one worth having.

10. Desert Queen

Jaisalmer train Source

A journey that chugs off in the desert of Thar, from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer fights against the entire stereotype that deserts are just barren land. The traveller is welcomed to the sight of the never ending desert, something that liberates the mind yet frightens it, dotted by the colourful traditional mud huts and oh so many camels grazing around the place. Sunrises of the desert are something very few get the pleasure to witness, because we always tend to prefer the colder regions but this is one train route that will challenge your tastes and take you on a ride making you feel like youre on top of the world, a lone ranger, happy and content.

11. Chilka Route (Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur)

The track runs on the shore of the Chilka lake ( Source )

A morning ride from Bhubhaneshwar to Brahmapur is more than sufficient for Orissa to prove its grandeur. Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Chilka lake, this train route makes sure you see it all. Interesting to note that Chilika is the second largest  lagoon for migratory birds and this place is a treat for bird watchers all around.

12. Mumbai- Pune

This is an especially fun train ride as it crosses many interesting places. Starting from Mumbai, where you’re all ready for the 3-hour journey to Pune, you pass through Karjat, known for the best vada pavs. After which you come across Lonavla, Khandala and other beautiful hill stations you shouldn’t miss. Lonavla is known for its chikki and jelly fruits and other random train goodies that you usually don’t get of great quality elsewhere. While reaching these places, travellers are treated to sights of beautiful waterfalls and also the monkey hill, beware, monkeys these days even like cell phones.

This post was published by Pooja Nair

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10 Best Indian Railway Journeys: A Detailed Guide to Routes and Ideal Travel Times

Step aboard the enchanting realm of Indian railways, a network that doesn’t just connect places, but also hearts, cultures, and a kaleidoscope of breathtaking landscapes. From the soaring Himalayan peaks to the serene backwaters of Kerala, the lush tea gardens of Assam to the sun-kissed beaches of Goa , Indian railways offer a window into the country’s soul. Embarking on these journeys isn’t merely about getting from one point to another; it’s about diving into an ocean of immersive experiences.

Ready for an unforgettable voyage? Join us as we embark on the 10 Best Indian Railway Journeys, your detailed guide to India’s most spectacular train adventures. Hop on and let’s unravel the magic of India, one track at a time!

Table of Contents

Know about the 10 Best Indian Railway Journeys

1. the darjeeling himalayan railway.

Exploring the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A Picturesque Adventure

Picture a miniature train chugging its way through the winding tracks laid across the lush green Himalayan terrain. That’s the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for you, affectionately termed the “Toy Train”. As you travel, you’re treated to panoramic views of verdant tea plantations, majestic mountains cloaked in mist, and charming hill stations, each more picturesque than the last.

Train Route:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway covers a distance of approximately 88 kilometers, connecting New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling . It wends its way through scenic towns like Siliguri , Kurseong, and Ghoom, which holds the title of India’s highest railway station. The journey is famous for its unique narrow-gauge tracks, charming loops, and challenging gradients, adding a distinct allure to the experience.

Best Time to Experience:

The best time to embark on this unforgettable journey is from March to May and October to November. During these months, the weather is just right and offers crystal-clear views of the scenic vistas that unfold along the way.

• 4 Days Darjeeling Trip Itinerary
• 7 Days Darjeeling & Gangtok Tour
• 6 Days Gangtok Kalimpong Darjeeling Trip
• 3 Days Sundarban Travel Itinerary

2. The Konkan Railway

Discover the Konkan Railway: A Coastal Delight in India

Next on our list is the Konkan Railway, a route that beautifully encapsulates the essence of India’s Konkan coast, stretching through Maharashtra , Goa, and Karnataka . This journey takes you through lush greenery, enchanting villages, and sun-kissed beaches, making each moment on this train truly delightful.

Covering a distance of 741 kilometers, the Konkan Railway starts from Mumbai and stretches all the way to Mangalore , punctuated with numerous scenic stops en route. It’s a showcase of the stunning natural beauty of the Konkan region, marked by verdant landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

To witness the Konkan in all its glory, plan your trip during the monsoon season, from June to September. That’s when the region turns into a lush paradise, and the waterfalls are at their vibrant best.

3. Palace on Wheels Train

Relive the Royal Era with The Palace on Wheels

Next, we’re whisking you away to a world of luxury and grandeur. Welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels, a luxury train that takes you on a royal odyssey through the majestic state of Rajasthan . Decked up with regal splendor and equipped with modern amenities, this train offers a peek into the opulent lifestyles of erstwhile Maharajas.

The Palace on Wheels is a seven-day spectacle that begins and ends in Delhi . Along the way, it touches the royal cities of Jaipur , Jaisalmer , Jodhpur , Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh , Udaipur , and Bharatpur . Its luxurious interiors, gourmet cuisine, and onboard cultural performances create a genuinely palatial experience.

The ideal time to hop onto this royal journey is from October to March when the weather in Rajasthan is pleasant, perfect for exploring its rich architectural heritage, vibrant markets, and iconic forts and palaces.

• 14 Days Rajasthan & Varanasi Tour
• 8 Days Rajasthan Tribal Travel
• 15 Days Rajasthan Mumbai Goa Trip
• 9 Nights 10 Days Rajasthan Itinerary
• Rajasthan & Kerala Trip 18 Days
• 7 Days Rajasthan Tour Package
• Check More Itineraries for Rajasthan

4. The Kashmir Railway:

The Kashmir Railway: Your Ticket to Paradise

As we reach the halfway mark, let’s set our sights on the ethereal beauty of the Jammu -Baramulla line, also known as the Kashmir Railway. This rail route is a marvel of engineering, navigating through the enchanting valleys and snow-capped mountains of Kashmir . As the train glides along, you’re treated to awe-inspiring vistas of pristine lakes, verdant meadows, and charming hamlets.

The Kashmir Railway stretches over approximately 345 kilometers from Jammu to Baramulla. This route passes through iconic locations such as Qazigund, Anantnag, and Srinagar , offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the mesmerizing Dal Lake .

To truly appreciate the beauty of Kashmir, embark on this journey during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and the valley is in full bloom.

• 7 Nights 8 Days Kashmir Trip
• Kashmir Package for 6 Days
• 7 Days Srinagar Pahalgam Gulmarg Tour
• Delhi Agra Jaipur Kashmir Travel 10 Days
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5. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Ride Through the Blue Mountains with the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Chugging along the majestic Blue Mountains, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports you to a world of enchanting landscapes. With its lush tea estates, mist-covered valleys, and quaint hill stations, this journey is nothing short of magical.

Covering a distance of approximately 46 kilometers, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects the town of Mettupalayam to the hill station of Ooty . This journey takes you through 16 tunnels, and over 250 bridges, and offers mesmerizing views of the Nilgiri Hills.

To make the most of this journey, plan your trip between October to June. However, avoid the monsoon season when the region experiences heavy rainfall.

• 10 Days Tamil Nadu Trip Itinerary
• Tamil Nadu Tour for 6 Days
• Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram Trip
• Mahabalipuram Chennai Tour 3 Days
• 6 Days Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Travel

6. The Mandovi Express

The Mandovi Express: Experience the Serene Charm of Goa

As the Mandovi Express traverses through the tropical paradise of Goa , it’s impossible not to be swept away by the region’s idyllic charm. Goa is synonymous with pristine beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant culture, making it a haven for travelers seeking relaxation and fun. The Mandovi Express is your perfect companion for soaking in the laid-back charm of this coastal paradise.

Connecting Mumbai to Goa over approximately 580 kilometers, the Mandovi Express route offers a glimpse into the stunning beauty of the Konkan region, with its scenic landscapes, quaint villages, and picturesque coastal towns.

To experience Goa at its best, hop onto the Mandovi Express between November to February when the weather is pleasant and the region bustles with various festivals and events.

• 6 Days Goa Mumbai Tour
• 15 Days Rajasthan Goa Trip
• Delhi Agra Jaipur Goa Package
• 11 Days Goa With Kerala Itinerary
• 4 Days Goa Tour Package

7. Matheran Hill Railway

The Matheran Hill Railway: Your Perfect Retreat in Maharashtra

The Matheran Hill Railway is an eco-friendly, narrow-gauge heritage train that provides a tranquil escape from bustling city life. This train winds its way through dense forests, steep cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, transporting you to the serene hill station of Matheran in Maharashtra .

Covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers from Neral to Matheran, the Matheran Hill Railway treats you to breathtaking landscapes, including deep gorges, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The ideal time to hop onto this charming journey is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and the hill station offers a cool respite from the scorching summer heat.

• 2 Nights 3 Days Matheran Tour
• 4 Days Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani Travel
• 3 Days Lonavala Khandala Trip
• 3 Days Ajanta & Ellora Caves Itinerary
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• Maharashtra Trip Itinerary for 6 Days
• 3 Days Mumbai Travel Itinerary
• More Packages for Maharashtra

8. The Kangra Valley Railway

Traversing the Himalayan Foothills with the Kangra Valley Railway

Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh , the Kangra Valley Railway offers a breathtaking journey through lush valleys, terraced fields, and quaint villages. As the train snakes along the scenic route, you’re treated to panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and gushing rivers.

The Kangra Valley Railway connects Pathankot in Punjab to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, covering a distance of approximately 164 kilometers. This journey showcases the natural beauty of the Kangra Valley, with views of the Dhauladhar Range, tea gardens, and picturesque hamlets.

The best time to experience the Kangra Valley Railway is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the valley is at its scenic best.

• 9 Nights 10 Days Himachal Travel
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• 7 Days Spiti Valley Trip Itinerary
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9. The Pamban Bridge

Crossing the Sea on the Pamban Bridge: A Unique Indian Railway Journey

The Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu is a marvel of engineering that connects the island of Rameswaram to the mainland. This journey is unique as the train glides over the sparkling waters of the Palk Strait, offering panoramic views of the vast ocean and surrounding landscapes.

The Pamban Bridge is part of the Southern Railway’s Chennai-Rameswaram line. The train journey takes you from Chennai to Rameswaram, spanning a distance of approximately 600 kilometers. This route offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar.

To make the most of this journey, plan your trip between October to March when the weather is pleasant and the region is filled with a festive atmosphere.

10. The Golden Chariot:

Luxury on Wheels: Aboard the Golden Chariot in South India

The Golden Chariot is a luxury train that whisks you away on a lavish journey through the historical and cultural wonders of South India . With its opulent interiors, world-class amenities, and carefully curated itineraries, this train offers an immersive experience of the region’s rich heritage and architectural marvels.

The Golden Chariot covers two different itineraries: “Pride of the South” and “Southern Splend”, spanning Karnataka , Kerala , Tamil Nadu , and Puducherry . These journeys showcase iconic landmarks such as Mysore Palace , Hampi , and the backwaters of Kerala .

Experience the grandeur of the Golden Chariot between October to March when the weather in South India is pleasant and the region is vibrant with various cultural festivals.

• 9 Nights 10 Days South India Tour
• North to South India Trip 15 Days
• 12 Days South India Tour Package
• South & North India Travel 20 Days
• 12 Nights 13 Days South India Itinerary
• 15 Days South India Trip Itinerary

Embarking on a railway journey in India is akin to stepping into a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history. Whether you choose to explore the stunning Himalayas, unwind on the sandy beaches of Goa, or indulge in the royal heritage of Rajasthan, Indian railways offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure through the 10 best Indian railway journeys.

Relevant Reading:

• Top 5 Most Popular Toy Trains in India
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Get ready for an extraordinary journey by exploring the top 10 best India train tours. These exciting routes combine history and breathtaking scenery seamlessly, promising unforgettable adventures that will leave you in awe of the subcontinent's beauty and heritage.

How to plan a train tour of India

1. darjeeling himalayan railway (jalpaiguri to darjeeling), 2. mandovi express (madgaon to mumbai), 3. himalayan queen (kalka to shimla), 4. the golden chariot (bangalore to goa), 5. dooars voyage (siliguri- newmal – hasimara- alipurduar), 6. maharaja deccan odyssey (mumbai to delhi), 7. jammu mail (jammu to udhampur), 8. matheran hill railway, 9. island express (kanyakumari to trivandrum), 10. mandapam – pamban – rameswaram, best tips for india train tour, planning your india train tour, travel ideas for india, created by local experts.

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Indian Wildlife Safari

Meet Bengals, birds, monkeys, leopards and more on an amazing wildlife extravaganza visiting India's famous national parks. Experience the countryside by rail, soak up some culture at the Taj Mahal and Rantahnbore Fort and finish with some shopping and sightseeing in the bustling capital, Dehli.

India: from the Ganges to the Golden Triangle

From Dehli's bustling dusty streets to 'the pink city' of Jaipur and Agra's Taj Mahal, this trip ensures you experience all of India's Golden Triangle highlights. You'll visit sacred Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges and Khajuraho's famous temples too.

Magical Kerala

The intense greens of the Kerala backwaters, overhung by innumerable coconut palms, encapsulate tropical India like nowehere else. Enjoy a lazy cruise on a converted rice barge; visit fragrant spice plantations, explore Cochi and spot local wildlife.

Planning an India train tour is a fascinating journey through a country with diverse cultures and landscapes. Start by deciding on an itinerary by choosing one of India 's many charming cities. Explore the railway routes connecting your chosen cities and look out for popular routes such as the Golden Triangle or the scenic Konkan Railway. 

As you embark on this adventure, immerse yourself in local customs, sample regional cuisine and experience the rich culture of each place. Be flexible and open to the unexpected, as India's true charm often lies in the unplanned moments.

Want to save yourself the trouble of planning? Contact our India travel experts and embark on your journey hassle-free.

Sunrise over Darjeeling, India @ Shutterstock

Completed in 1881, the small-gauge (610mm) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (commonly known as the Toy Train) was designed as an extension of the North Bengal State Railway, climbing from New Jalpaiguri, via Siliguri, for a tortuous 88km up to Darjeeling . 

Given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, the Toy Train follows the Hill Cart Road, crossing it at regular intervals and even sharing it with traffic. Although no longer an essential mode of transport, the train is certainly a tourist attraction, and currently runs daily from New Jalpaiguri at 8.30am, reaching Darjeeling at 3.35pm. 

Diesel engines are now de rigueur on the long route. Weather permitting, coaches with large viewing windows provide magnificent vistas as the journey progresses and the scenery gradually unfolds; the second class can be fun but crowded. 

Some travellers may find the entire route from Siliguri painfully slow. The section from Kurseong is well worth the time, however; alternatively, you could take the short (“Joy”) ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom.

Ready for your adventure? Don't forget to check our fully customisable India itineraries .

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India © Shutterstock

Mandovi Express is a popular train running between Madgaon (Goa) and Mumbai (Maharashtra). Travelling on this train is a delightful transition through the mesmerising landscapes of the Konkan region and the Western Ghats .

One of the main highlights of the Mandovi Express is the stunning view of the Sahyadri range with its mist-covered peaks and dense forests. As the train passes through the Western Ghats, passengers can see waterfalls cascading down the hillsides.

The train is equipped with comfortable seats, making the journey enjoyable for both tourists and regular passengers. What makes the journey even more attractive is that passengers can savour the taste of local cuisine offered by the vendors on board. It is not for nothing that the train is named "The Food Queen of Konkan Railways".

Mumbai train station, India

The Himalayan Queen is an iconic train that runs on a historic railway line connecting the town of Kalka in the lower reaches of the Himalayas to the charming hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh . This railway journey is renowned for its scenic beauty, unique charm and historical significance.

Ascending to Shimla , the "Queen of the Himalayas" gracefully traverses about a hundred tunnels, passes over numerous arched bridges and makes spectacular loops. Along the way, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of lush green valleys, dense pine forests and quaint hilltop villages. 

The journey includes stops at picturesque stations such as Barog, known for its beautiful gardens, and the legendary Sonwara Bridge, an engineering marvel.

The train itself is a delightful fusion of tradition and modern comfort. It exudes old-world charm, yet provides a comfortable and enjoyable journey with modern conveniences.

Convinced to go? Book this North India train tour: from Delhi to Shimla .

Shimla, India © Shutterstock

If you are in search of a luxury India train tour then Golden Chariot will impress you. It is a luxury train journey from Bangalore , the bustling capital of Karnataka state , to the tropical paradise of Goa on the west coast of India.

Boarding the Golden Chariot, you might think you are entering a palace on wheels. It is a showcase of Indian craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and colourful decor inspired by the rich history and culture of the state of Karnataka.

Passengers are treated royally. There are all the comforts one can dream of on a train: spacious cabins, luxurious dining cars and courteous staff to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

The journey itself encompasses the beauty of South India, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi, the historic temples at Badami and the serene beaches of Goa.

The train will take you through lush landscapes, quaint villages and bustling markets, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local flavour and traditions of the region.

Dudhsagar Goa Waterfall train, India @ Shutterstock

Voyage of the Dooars is an exciting train journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Dooars region of West Bengal .

Starting from Siliguri, which is the gateway to the northeastern states, the train passes through Newmal, Hasimara and Alipurduar, offering a unique experience in the heart of the eastern Himalayas.

As the train departs from Siliguri, passengers are greeted by the lush tea gardens and dense forests characteristic of the Dooars.

The journey is a visual treat with panoramic views of the rolling hills, wildlife sanctuaries and meandering rivers that dot the region. This route is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.

But travelling through the Dooars is not just about the scenery, it is also about experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the locals. Along the way, you can savour the flavours of the local cuisine and see the daily life of the people of the Dooars.

Evening view of Mumbai from Chowpatty Beach, India © Shutterstock

Another luxury India train tour on our list is the Maharaja Deccan Odyssey. This is an upscale rail journey that begins in Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital and proceeds to Delhi , the vibrant heart of the country.

Step aboard the Maharaja Deccan Odyssey and you'll find yourself in a world of extravagance. This royal train is the epitome of luxury: elegantly decorated cabins, gourmet coaches and personalised service that is sure to delight.

During its journey, the train makes stops at some of India's most iconic destinations. You can see the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the magnificent palaces of Udaipur and the holy city of Varanasi. Each stop along the route is a unique insight into India's rich history and diverse culture. 

Qutub Minad in Delhi, India @ Shutterstock

Jammu Mail is a classic railway service with trains, among others, running between the city of Jammu, located in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir , and Udhampur, another famous city in the region. Known for its simplicity and efficiency, this railway route serves as a crucial link between the two locations.

The Jammu Mail may not boast of luxurious cabins or extravagant amenities, but it is a convenient and comfortable mode of transport for passengers. During the journey, one can experience the scenic nature of the Jammu region as the train passes through green landscapes, quaint villages and picturesque countryside.

One of the notable features of this journey is the opportunity to see the enchanting natural beauty of the Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the Himalayas. The train journey offers views of lush forests, tranquil rivers and charming towns along the way.

River in the Mounrains in Jammu, India

The Matheran Hill Railway is a charming narrow gauge train running through the Sahyadri hill range in the state of Maharashtra . This historic railway offers a nostalgic journey from Neral to Matheran, a quaint and picturesque hill station.

Travelling on this route is a delightful way to escape from the bustling cities, embarking on a peaceful journey through dense forests, steep hills and picturesque landscapes. The train covers a distance of about 21 kilometres, passing through dense vegetation and offering spectacular views of the Western Ghats.

The Matheran Hill Railway is known for its heritage charm: vintage locomotives and carriages from a century ago evoke the feeling of a bygone era. The slow-moving train allows travellers to enjoy the ride, cool mountain air and serene surroundings.

One highlight of the journey is the famous One Kiss Tunnel, where the train briefly disappears into darkness and then reappears in the light.

View of Prabalgad Fort and Kalavantin Pinnacle from Matheran, India © Shutterstock

Island Express is a well-known train service between Kanyakumari , the southernmost tip of mainland India, and Trivandrum ( Thiruvananthapuram ), the capital of Kerala . This rail route offers travellers a scenic and convenient means of travel between two prominent points in the southern region of the country.

The Island Express is appreciated for its efficient and convenient connectivity. It offers passengers the opportunity to experience the mesmerising landscapes of southern India. The train route passes through scenic coastal areas, lush green fields and serene villages, allowing one to savour the natural beauty of Kerala and Tamil Nadu .

One of the highlights of the journey is the stunning view of the Arabian Sea as the train approaches Kanyakumari, revealing the merging point of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Row of elephants decorated for the Pooram Festival in Kerala, India @ Shutterstock

The Mandapam-Pamban-Rameswaram railway route is an amazing railway link that serves as a lifeline to the holy island town of Rameswaram, located in the southern part of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this railway route was the famous Pamban Bridge, the bridge that connects the mainland Mandapam to the island of Rameswaram. The bridge was opened in 1914, but due to wear and tear, the authorities decided to close the bridge and keep it as a historical monument.

The good news is that the authorities have also decided to build a new bridge parallel to the old bridge to connect Mandapam and Rameswaram. It is hoped that travellers and pilgrims will soon be able to enjoy this spectacular route again.

Pamban Bridge is a railway bridge which connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India © Shutterstock

To make the most of planning a train journey in India, we have prepared a list of important tips. From booking your tickets well in advance to understanding the different classes and local customs, these tips will help you navigate the rails with confidence and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of India.

Book your tickets in advance

Trains in India can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. To secure seats, book your train tickets well in advance through the official website of Indian Railways (IRCTC) or through authorised booking agents.

Choose your coach class wisely

The choice of class depends on your comfort and budget. For long journeys, AC classes are recommended for extra comfort. For short journeys or budget travellers, sleeper or shared classes are suitable.

Pack lightly and securely

Trains can be crowded and storage space is limited. Pack the essentials and keep valuables with you or under a secure lock.

Bring food and water with you

Trains have a food supply, but it's not unreasonable to bring snacks and bottled water, especially on long journeys.

Respect local customs and other passengers

Dress modestly, especially in conservative neighbourhoods. Respect cultural differences and maintain a friendly attitude towards fellow travellers.

Take safety precautions

Beware of pickpockets in crowded train stations. For added security, lock your compartment door at night.

Many railway tracks with trains in India @ Shutterstock

Allow our team of local India travel experts to curate your dream trip to India. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us , and we'll craft a personalised itinerary just for you.

 Feel free to browse our pre-designed India itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in India , and start planning your trip with The Rough Guide to India . 

The Rough Guides to India and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Travel advice for India

Find even more inspiration here.

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The best way to see India is at ground level on the incredible Indian railway system, not from 35,000 feet.  Experience the bustle of Indian railway stations and a comfortable journey on an Indian express train with the tea seller's cry of Chai, chai, garam chai wafting down the aisle.  Forget media images of crowded local trains with people sitting on the roof.  In an AC Chair Car or AC1 or AC2 sleeper on an express, all seats & berths are reserved and it’s safe, civilised, inexpensive & comfortable.  Even journeys such as Mumbai to Delhi or Delhi to Jaisalmer can be covered time-effectively by overnight sleeper, centre to centre, saving a hotel bill too.  Book Indian train tickets online at 12go.asia

Useful country information

Train routes & maps.

India's passenger rail network is the third biggest in the world after Russia and China, with 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations.  In terms of passenger kilometres, it's the biggest in the world.  Indian Railways are the world's biggest employer, with over 1.5 million staff.

The trains in India go almost everywhere, and it's generally safe to assume that you can travel between any two Indian cities or major towns by train, the length and breadth of the country.

Most of India's rail network is broad gauge with rails 5' 6" apart, wider than standard gauge (4' 8½") used in Europe, allowing Indian trains to be wider than European trains.  Parts of the country such as Rajasthan used to be served by an extensive metre-gauge network, but most metre-gauge routes have now been converted to broad gauge.  A few hill railway such as Kalka-Simla and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling use narrow gauge, either 2' or 2' 6".

For an Indian railways route map see surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Railway map_Eng_C.jpg (please let me know if this stops working).

Also try www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/india-railway-map.htm , or indiarailinfo.com/atlas .

Back to top

How to check train times & fares

It can be easiest to check train schedules & fares for the main tourist routes at agency website 12go.asia , this can also sell you a ticket, hassle-free.

For train times & fares for any journey in India use www.indianrail.gov.in .

This is one of the various official Indian Railways websites, an amazing site but a little bewildering, not helped by there being another official site, www.indianrailways.gov.in .  It's a good training course for your travels in India.

To check train times, look for Reserved Train Between Stations at the top of their home page.

To check fares, first find a train and note the train number, then click Fare enquiry at the top of their home page.

To check availability over various dates, first find a train and note the train number, then click Seat availability at the top of their home page.

Or download an app for your phone.  There are many apps to choose from, the official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India so try these 3rd-party apps for checking Indian train times on the go.  They're ad-heavy, but they work, I find Ixigo the best.

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Indian Rail IRCTC for Android .

Ixigo for iPhone or Ixigo for Android .

You can also buy the famous Trains at a Glance timetable booklet for 100 rupees at any station bookstall (it makes a great souvenir), or click here to download the pages you need for free .  This shows times in printed form for most major stations on all the main routes.

Tips for checking Indian train times

Which station in which city .

Kashmir originally had no rail connection, but a line to Srinagar and beyond has now been completed with more under construction.  The line heads through tough terrain, and features the highest railway bridge in the world.  Srinagar's station code is SINA (not to be confused with another smaller Srinagar in Rajasthan with station code SNAR).

Khajuraho (a much-visited temple complex) now has a station, station code KURJ.  There's a daily overnight train called the Kurukshetra-Khajuraho Express leaving New Delhi station at 18:20, picking up at Agra Cantonment around 21:35 and arriving in Khajuraho at 08:00 next morning.  It  returns from Khajuraho at 18:35 arriving New Delhi at 08:45.

Example train times

Example fares from delhi.

£1 = 105 Rupees, €1 = 90 Rupees, $1 = 82 Rupees.

Shatabdi Express = Premier daytime train, special fare payable, meals included.

Rajdhani Express = Premier overnight train, special fare payable, meals included.

Child fares on Indian trains since 2016:   Children aged 0 to 4 inclusive travel free.  Children aged 5 to 11 inclusive travel at half fare if they do not take up a reserved seat or berth, but as from April 2016 they must pay the adult fare if they travel with their own reserved seat or berth.  I do not recommend that any child aged 5 to 11 travels without their own seat or berth in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair car or Sleeper Class, so this effectively means you must now pay the adult fare for children aged 5 and over.  Children aged 12 and over pay the adult fare in all cases.

Classes explained

Which class to choose.

Above, a typical long-distance express or mail train with older carriages (not a premier Rajdhani or Duronto express).  You can just make out 3 cars in the centre of the train with different windows.  These are the AC cars, perhaps one AC1, one AC2 & one AC3 car.  The rest of the train is Sleeper class.  Courtesy of Albert Höchst.

Types of train

Which train to choose.

Executive Chair (EC) class on a Vande Bharat Express.  These are India's most modern trains, capable of 160 km/h (100 mph) & used at up to 130 km/h (80 mph).  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vande_Bharat_Express .  Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip , see video of Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Express .

AVL, CNF, RAC & Waitlist

You need a reservation to travel on Indian long-distance trains, you can't just turn up and hop on.  Reservations are fully computerised using the world's largest computer reservation system.  Trains get fully-booked weeks in advance, so buy tickets as far ahead as possible.

When do bookings open?

Bookings for most Indian long-distance trains currently open 120 days before departure.

It was 60 days until 2008, when it was experimentally extended to 90 days, then it was experimentally extended even further to 120 days in 2012, reduced again to 60 days in 2013 to make ticket 'scalping' by agencies harder, but restored to 120 days as from 1 April 2015. 

Some short-distance inter-city trains may open for bookings less than this, for example Delhi-Kalka & Kalka-Simla may open only 30 days or in some cases just 15 days ahead.

The remarkable Indian Railways system

Indian Railways have a unique system with 4 possible statuses for seats/berths/bookings:

AVL = Available , these are seats or berths that are unsold and available for booking.

CNF = Confirmed .  When you book an available seat or berth, your PNR status (Personal Name Record) becomes CNF, confirmed.  You're safely booked on the train with a specific seat or berth.

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation .  When all the seats or berths on a train in a given class have been sold, a certain number of tickets in that class are sold as Reservation Against Cancellation, or RAC.

WL = Waitlist .  When all the RAC places have been sold, further prospective passengers can buy Waitlist (WL) tickets.

If you go to www.indianrail.gov.in & click Seat availability you can see how many seats remain available in each class on a given train.

For example, today is 26 January, let's say I want to go from Delhi to Kolkata on the best train, the overnight Howrah Rajdhani in AC 2-tier. Tomorrow's train is fully-booked in AC2 and shown as NOT AVAILABLE.  I can buy Waitlisted tickets for this train on 28 and 29 January.  I can buy RAC tickets on any day between 30 January & 5 February and if I buy those I can definitely board the train and travel with (in practice) maybe a 90% chance of ending up with a berth to myself.  The first day on which AC 2-tier is shown as AVL so I can buy a ticket and instantly get a confirmed berth is 6 February.  The Foreign Tourist quota would help me here, there are 7 or 8 FT quota places shown as AVL every day from 27 January onwards, but I'll explain that in the quotas section .

Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)

With an RAC ticket, you're allowed to board the train and travel.  Whatever happens, you know you're safely booked on that train.  So if you're offered an RAC ticket you should take it, even though you won't have a specific seat or berth number at this stage.

In the vast majority of cases, one of the confirmed passengers will cancel or unsold tickets will be left in one of the more obscure quotas on departure day and you'll be promoted from RAC to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth on the train.

Your name will then be shown against a specific seat or berth number on the reservation list pinned on the notice board at the boarding station on the day of travel when the train is charted , or you can check your PNR (Personal Name Record) status online .  A waitlisted passenger will be promoted from WL to RAC in your place.

In the unlikely event that nobody cancels, you'll be given a place to sit (but not a berth) in a carriage of the class you've booked.  For example, two RAC passengers might be given seats on a bunk that would normally be for one person.  In most cases, at least one of the confirmed passengers will fail to show up for the train and the on-board staff will allocate their berth to the passenger holding ticket RAC1.  The passenger holding ticket RAC2 will then be left with a berth to themselves, solving two RAC passengers' problems!  In the worst case scenario, if there were no no-shows the RAC passengers would have to sit up all night or take turns using the berth to snooze, but in practice this seldom happens.  Like I said, if an RAC place is available, you should take it.

A downside of buying RAC tickets as a couple, family or small group is that you might be split up, because you get the places freed up when people cancel or which are left when tickets remain unsold in special quotas.  But there's usually only one or two AC2 or AC3 cars on a given train, so in those classes you probably won't be far apart.

Incidentally, RAC tickets exist in AC2, AC3 & SL, but not in AC1, EC, CC or FC.  In AC1, EC, CC & FC, passengers are always CNF or WL.

Waitlist (WL)

With a WL ticket you cannot travel, unless you are promoted to RAC or CNF before departure.

Each WL ticket has two numbers at any given moment in time, for example WL10/WL3.

The first number is the ticket's original Waitlist number.  In this example, WL10 means you bought the Number 10 Waitlist ticket allocated to this train, 10th in the queue when the train opened for booking.  This number won't change, even if you are promoted to a confirmed place (CNF), your ticket will always be WL10 and shown as such on the reservation list.

The second number is your current position in the queue, this number will reduce as people cancel.  On websites & apps that show only one WL number rather than two, this is the number it shows.  In this example WL10/WL3 means that 7 people have already cancelled and you are now 3rd in line for promotion to RAC.  If 3 more people cancel, you'll be promoted to RAC and can travel.

If more people cancel you may even be promoted to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth.  With a low-numbered WL ticket you've a good chance of this happening.  For example, one traveller reports having Waitlisted places between WL1 and WL10 on numerous trips, and always successfully got promoted to CNF with a confirmed place on the train, usually in the 24 hours before departure as that's when all the movement takes place from tickets in unsold quotas being used to reduce the number of WL & RAC passengers.

Keep checking your PNR status online .  Even if you're only promoted to RAC, you can at least travel.  If the train is charted and you're still only Waitlisted, then you can't travel and your fare will automatically be refunded, less a minor clerkage fee.

How likely is a given WL ticket to be confirmed?

There are now several websites that claim to predict how likely it is that a given WL ticket will be confirmed and allow you on the train, based on historical data.  Try entering your PNR into trainman.in , or use it to see what the current availability of a given train is, and how likely it is that if you bought WL tickets they'd be confirmed by departure.

The Vikalp scheme (ATAS)

There's yet another process to help Waitlisted passengers.  When you buy a WL ticket, you may be asked if you want to opt in to the Vikalp scheme, also known as Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme or ATAS.  Vikalp is Hindi for option .

If you tick the Vikalp box, you're offered a selection of possible alternative trains and you can choose which of these you'd be willing to take if you can't get a berth on the train you've booked.  Then, if you are still Waitlisted (WL) when your original train is charted (so you can't travel on it), and if space is available in the same class on one of your chosen alternative trains, you'll be given a confirmed (CNF) berth on that instead.

An alternative train is one between the same or similar origin & destination leaving between 30 minutes & 72 hours after your original choice of train.  For example, a train leaving from Old Delhi or Delhi H.Nizamudin might be considered alternatives to a train from New Delhi.

If there are several of you on one PNR, either all of you will be given places on an alternative train or none of you will, so don't worry, you won't be split up.  However, once you opt in to Vikalp, you can't opt out again.  And if you are transferred to a CNF place on an alternative train and decide you don't want it, you can cancel but only in line with the terms & conditions of a CNF place, which means a partial refund less the CNF cancellation fees (as an unsuccessful Waitlisted passenger on your original train you'd normally have been refunded almost all of your money).

Charting is the process of drawing up the final passenger list for each carriage of a given train, allocating names to berths.  The list is posted on the reservations notice board at stations or you can check your PNR status online .

During this process, any unsold tickets in quotas such as handicapped, military or parliamentary are released, freeing up places so RAC passengers can be moved up to Confirmed (CNF) and WL passengers to RAC or CNF.  So if you have a WL ticket and haven't already been promoted to RAC or CNF as passengers cancel, this is when you discover whether or not you're on the train.

It's also at this point that specific berth numbers are allocated to AC1 sleeper passengers, which is why you can't choose between an AC1 2-berth coupé and an AC1 4-berth compartment when you book.

Charting for trains leaving their origin station between 12:00 & 23:00 takes place around 4 hours before departure from that station.

Charting for trains leaving their origin between 23:00 & 12:00 takes place 19:00-21:00 Monday-Saturday or 13:00-15:00 Sundays & holidays.

How to check your current status

You can confirm your current PNR (Personal Name Record) status as WL, RAC or CNF at www.indianrail.gov.in/pnr_Enq.html or using one of the apps suggested above , by entering the PNR number shown on your ticket.

Remember that things can change even on the day of departure, most movement happens shortly before departure, when the train is charted.

When you buy a ticket, it comes from a specific quota.  A quota is simply an allocation of tickets for a particular type of traveller such as  senior, handicapped, military or government, on each train in each class.  By default, tickets come from the General quota.

General (GN) quota

Remote location (rl) & pooled (pq) quotas, handicapped, senior & ladies quotas.

The Senior quota is only for Indian seniors so don't use this if you're not Indian.

The Ladies quota only exists in Sleeper class & AC3, it gets you berths in one small bay reserved for women, it's hardly worth bothering with.

The Lower Berth quota is for anyone with mobility issues who can't use the ladder to the upper berths, so absolutely needs a lower. 

When a train is charted and the final reservation list is compiled, any unsold seats or berths in these quotas will be freed up used to reduce the RAC/Waitlist, promoting RAC passengers to CNF and WL passengers to RAC and (once all RAC passengers are confirmed) CNF.

Foreign Tourist (FT) quota

Many important trains have a small Foreign Tourist (FT) quota of seats or berths available only to foreign tourists.  The purpose of the FT quota is to allow foreign tourists to book trains at short notice notice when the General quota is fully-booked.

It's not a foolproof way to travel around India without pre-booking:  There's an FT quota on only 200 trains a day out of some 9,000 trains, and the quota might be just 2 places, seldom more than 12, in one or two specific classes, typically AC1 & AC2 or CC.  So even using the FT quota, you may have to wait a day or so before there is a berth available to your chosen destination in your chosen class.

For example, today is 25 January, the earliest date for which AC2 tickets available from the General quota on the Delhi-Varanasi Swatantrtwa Express is 11 February. But if I look at the Foreign Tourist quota, although there are no tickets today, there are two tickets available in AC2 tomorrow, and on each of the following few days.

If you buy an FT quota ticket at a ticket office or tourist reservation centre, you must pay in US Dollars, pounds sterling, or rupees backed by an exchange certificate proving they've come from a bank or bureau de change in exchange for foreign currency.  Rupees backed by an ATM receipt and foreign bank card are usually sufficient.  You can now book tickets from the Foreign Tourist quota when booking online .

Let's be clear, as a foreign tourist, you don't have to book from the FT quota.  Anyone of any nationality can book from the General quota whenever it's available.  And FT tickets are a little more expensive than tickets from the General quota, too.

Indeed, if there are still seats available in the General quota when you book, you shouldn't use the FT quota .  Because later on when the train is fully-booked, some other overseas visitors may urgently need those precious few FT places, desperate to get a train back to Delhi for their flight home.  If you used up all the FT places weeks ahead when you didn't need to, those travellers may be stranded!

Tatkal (TQ & PT) quotas

To allow travel at short notice on trains that are often fully-booked weeks before departure, Indian Railways introduced a system called Tatkal (Hindi for immediate ).  A number of tickets on key trains are held back and released at 10:00 one day before departure (originally 72 hours before departure, reduced to 2 days back in 2009 and just 1 day in 2011).  They are sold with a Tatkal fee of 10% of the fare in 2nd class or 30% in all other classes.  There are in fact two Tatkal quotas, regular Tatkal (TQ quota) with fixed fares, and Premium Tatkal (PT quota) with variable fares that increase with demand.  Tatkal places can also be booked online .  If there are seats available in the Foreign Tourist quota then the Tatkal quota may be irrelevant for you, if not, the Tatkal system can be useful.

How to buy tickets online

Indian trains often get fully-booked weeks in advance as demand usually exceeds supply.  So if you have a fixed itinerary and limited time you should buy tickets in advance before you get to India.

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as option 1 for good reason:  It's hassle-free, even though it only does the principle trains on the routes usually requested by visitors.  It only sells confirmed tickets, it doesn't sell RAC or WL places.  It happily accepts overseas credit cards.

However, for complete access to all routes, trains, ticket types & quotas including Waitlisted & RAC , you must face the challenge of registering with the official Indian Railways booking website irctc.co.in, which is option 2.  I provide detailed instructions below.  Be warned, the process may drive you nuts.  Some people give up, others manage it in the end, but once registered you can book anything.

Option 1, buy at 12go.asia

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as the quickest & easiest way to buy tickets for the principal trains and routes used by tourists, it makes booking trains as easy as booking flights.

You can check prices & availability online, pay with an international credit card and get the same e-ticket you'd get if you booked directly with irctc.co.in, but without the frustration of having to create an account and register with irctc.co.in.

Booking opens 120 days ahead , although some short-distance inter-city trains have a shorter booking horizon.  You can't buy tickets before reservations open.  Indian trains get fully booked weeks ahead, so book as far ahead as you can to be sure of a place.

How it works

12go.asia 's system shows fares & availability in real time, taken from IRCTC's system.  You select your train & class and click to buy.  Tickets are then manually secured by 12go staff using IRCTC's business-to-business booking system.

You can choose to see prices & pay in Indian Rupees, USD, GBP, Euros & several other currencies.

Limitations

12go.asia sells tickets for all the major routes of interest to visitors, but not between every possible station.  For that you need irctc.co.in.

Option 2, buy at www.irctc.co.in

You can buy train tickets direct from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in .

Registering to use www.irctc.co.in is a time-consuming and frustrating process, but once registered you'll have access to all routes, trains, classes & ticket types.

Irctc.co.in has accepted overseas (non-Indian) credit cards since 2016, although it occasionally goes through periods when international cards don't seem to be accepted, just to keep everyone on their toes.  You must select the payment option which mentions International cards powered by PayU at the payment stage.

How to register for an IRCTC account

Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right.

Now enter the details to create an account.

Choose a username , some trial and error may be needed.

Enter your mobile phone number - your home country's international dialling code goes in the box marked ISD (this box says '91' until you have changed India to your own country in the box above).  The ISD for the UK is '44'.  Then enter your mobile phone number without any leading '0'.

Pin code means postcode .  Use 123456 as it won't accept UK-style postcodes.  Under Post Office , just enter your city & phone number again.

Payment problems paying the SMS verification fee

Just after I test-registered they imposed a fee for sending the OTP to a non-Indian mobile.  A few people have had credit card acceptance problems in paying this fee, but others find paying the fee works fine.  Again, I don't know why, but it could be problems with your own bank detecting and blocking a 'suspicious'  foreign transaction.  Give them a call!

How to buy tickets at www.irctc.co.in

When you click to see availability on a particular train, you will see places shown as AVL , RAC or WL , see the explanation of Reservation Against Cancellation & Waitlisting here .

AVL = Available , this means there are tickets available for confirmed seats or berths on that train. 

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation , this means that the train is theoretically full, but Reservation Against Cancellation tickets are available for that train which allow you to board and be allocated a berth by the conductor.  So if you only see RAC tickets available, my advice is to go ahead and book, you'll still be able to travel on that train.

Tip:  Download the IRCTC app for your phone.   Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app for iPhone (if it's available in your region, it may not be) or IRCTC Rail Connect app for Android onto your phone.  You'll probably find you can't buy tickets with overseas credit cards using the app, but tickets bought online at the IRCTC website will show up in the app and can be shown to the conductor.  You can check train times, and see the current status of your booking if you are waitlisted or RAC.  Feedback appreciated .  I recommend some other apps that are available outside India in the travel tips section .

Option 3, Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com , Ixigo.com

How to buy tickets at the station.

The main stations in big cities and tourist centres such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau where foreign travellers can book trains away from the crowds and queues at the normal booking office.  There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport.

For a list of stations with an International Tourist Bureau & opening times, see www.indianrail.gov.in , select Information then International Tourist .

New Delhi International Tourist Bureau ( temporarily closed )

U pdate 2024:   The New Delhi International Tourist Bureau remains temporarily closed due to the pandemic and low numbers of tourists.  A notice directs tourists to the international tourist counter at the Rail Reservation Centre 300m down the road, see the section below .

When open, the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi railway station makes it easy for foreign visitors to buy tickets.  They could often sell you places out of the tourist quota, even when a train is fully-booked for Indian passengers.  Before the pandemic, it was normally open 06:00-23:00 every day, it's now temporarily closed.

How to find it

Enter New Delhi main station entrance on the Paharganj side (shown in the photo below left), veer slightly to the left and go up one flight of stairs to find yourself outside the International Tourist Bureau, as shown in the photo below right.  It's above platform 1.  If it doesn't look like the photo below, it isn't the real International tourist office.

New Delhi international tourist counter

Mumbai csmt, formerly bombay victoria terminus.

A station to rival London's St Pancras, Mumbai CSMT is an attraction in its own right.  Completed in 1887, its full title is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or (officially) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, station code CSMT .  Known as Bombay Victoria Terminus until 1996 and still known as 'VT' by many, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatrapati_Shivaji_Terminus .

Foreign Tourist Counter:   At Mumbai CSMT you can easily buy tickets from the foreign tourist quota at the Foreign Tourist counter, counter 4 downstairs in the Reservation Centre at CSMT.  It moved from counter 20 upstairs in 2018, please let me know if it changes again.

Tips for train travel in India

Checking your reservation.

The reservation system is very efficient and the days of finding your reserved berth already occupied by several passengers are long gone.  Your train, coach & berth number will be printed on your ticket - unless you're travelling in AC1 in which case the reservation list with your allocated berth numbers is only compiled a 2-4 hours before departure.

Reservation lists for each class in each long-distance train are posted on the notice board at each station about two hours before departure, showing the name, age and sex of each passenger reserved in each berth in each coach.  The age and sex help the ticket inspector identify that the right passenger is in the right berth.  A reservation list for each coach used to be pasted next to the entrance door on the train itself, but this is no longer done.

If you need to check your reservation, you can do so on your phone or laptop by entering your PNR (= booking reference) a PNR status-checking website such as www.railyatri.in/pnr-status or etrain.info/in , or using one of the Indian railways apps.

Download an app

I recommend downloading an app for your phone.  There are a bewildering number to choose from, some official, some 3rd party.  The official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India, so try these:

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Ixigo for iPhone .

Indian Rail IRCTC for Android or Ixigo for Android .

With these you can:

Check train schedules between any two stations.

Check a train's schedule at each of its calling points.  It also shows the train formation and carriage numbering to help you find your seat or berth.

Check your PNR status to see whether a Waitlisted ticket has become RAC or Confirmed.

Check real-time train running to see if your train is on time.

Check the platform for your train using the Live Station Info button, so you won't have to rely on the station departure displays to find your train.

Set a destination alarm to warn you a certain number of kilometres before your destination.

Luggage on Indian trains

Luggage is not a problem on Indian trains, you take your bags with you onto the train and place them on the overhead racks or underneath the lower berths.

The free luggage allowance is generous:  You can take to 70 Kg in AC1, 50 Kg in AC2, 40 Kg in AC3, AC Chair class or Sleeper class, 35 Kg in 2nd class seats.  Most western travellers are unlikely to exceed that, but if you really need to, you can pay an excess luggage fee and take up to 150 Kg in AC1 or 100 Kg in AC2.  However, the maximum is 40 Kg in AC3 or AC Chair class.

Theft of luggage is rare, but for peace of mind take along a bicycle lock or medium-sized padlock to secure your bags.  In the sleeping-cars, there are wire hoops hanging down underneath the seats to which you can padlock your luggage while you sleep.

Carriage numbers

The carriage numbers shown on tickets, on reservation lists and on the side of each coach consist of a letter and a number, for example H1, A1, A2, B1, B2, S1, S2, S3 and so on.  The letter shows the class of accommodation in that car.

A = air-con 2-tier (2A).

B = air-con 3-tier (3A).

AB = composite coach, half air-con 2-tier, half air-con 3-tier.

C = air-con chair car (CC).

D = non-air-con 2nd class reserved (2S).

E = executive chair class (EC).

G & J are used for AC 3-tier & Air-conditioned Chair class on Garib Rath trains.

GS = General Seating = non-air-con 2nd class unreserved (GN).

H = air-conditioned 1st class (1A).

HA = composite coach, half AC1, half AC2.

M = air-con 3-tier economy (3E).

S = sleeper class (SL).

There's typically just one air-con 1st class sleeper on a given train, so that's usually numbered H1.  If there were two air-con 2-tier cars on a train, those cars would be numbers A1 & A2.  So if you booked an AC2 ticket you'd expect to be given a car number 'A1' or 'A2', if you booked AC1 you'd expect to be in car H1 or HA1.

You may also see EOG = generator car.  PC = pantry car, for catering.  SLR = Second class Luggage Rake, a car with luggage space, guard's compartment and limited 2nd class seating.

How to check train formations & seat maps

Go to www.trainman.in/coach-position and enter the train number or name.  You'll see a diagram of the train formation, and a seat map for each car.

Food and drink on Indian trains

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food.  He will note down your order (usually a choice of 'veg' or 'non-veg') on a bit of paper.  An hour or so later he will reappear with some rice and curry in small foil containers from the kitchen car.  It is not expensive - you can reckon on £2-£3 per meal.  Attendants also regularly pass down each car selling soft drinks, snacks, or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam chai) for a few rupees.  On the premier Rajdhani Express trains (linking Delhi with Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.) and the premier daytime Shatabdi Express trains (linking Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, etc.), food is included in the fare, served at your seat.

Pre-order your food from a restaurant of your choice.   Alternatively, there are now several Indian websites that allow you to pre-book food to be delivered to your seat on the train from various vendors along the way.  If you have a confirmed train booking you can go to railrestro.com , enter your PNR, select a vendor you like the sound of who is located at a station where your train calls at a suitable time, and select specific items from their menu to be delivered to you on board the train at that station - reports so far have been very positive, but feedback is always appreciated !

Cleanliness, toilets & crowding

The efficient reservation system means that you can safely forget any pictures you've seen of overcrowded Indian trains with people on the roof or hanging on the side.  These these photos show suburban or local trains, or unreserved 2nd class on long-distance ones.  On fast long-distance trains in AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC Chair Class, all passengers have an assigned seat or sleeping berth so there's no overcrowding.  Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition, see the train interior photos below.  On the other hand, Sleeper Class gets much grubbier than the AC classes and unreserved passengers can sometimes enter the coaches making it crowded.  2nd class unreserved can be incredibly crowded.  Toilets in sleeper class or basic non-AC 2nd class seats can leave a lot to be desired.

Safety & security

Indian trains are safe to travel on, even for families or women travelling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems.  As in any busy place anywhere, pickpockets operate at the major stations (for example Delhi and New Delhi), so take care.  Oh, and be prepared:  If anyone tells you that your train is cancelled, that the ticket office has closed or has moved to a travel agency across the road, or your pre-booked hotel has burnt down or been abducted by aliens, please politely ignore them, even if they look 'official', to avoid ending up in a travel agency paying for a car and driver at vast expense, or booking their 'alternative' hotel which of course will luckily have a room available.  These are all well-known scams (yawn...) to get travel agency business, usually obvious to any regular India hand, but first-timers have been known to fall for them.

Do Indian trains run on time?

Indian Railways are generally remarkably efficient, but Indian trains do run late, sometimes hours rather than minutes.  To get a feel for it, why not go to either www.trainenquiry.com or www.erail.in and see how late yesterday's Delhi-Jaisalmer Express arrived, or last Thursday's Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express?  At www.erail.in , select the origin and destination that interests you, and bring up the train list.  Now find the train that you want and click on it.  Now select a date and click the 'train running status' button.  It will show you a table of scheduled times and actual times at each station.  Data is only held for the last few days, not weeks or months ago.  At www.trainenquiry.com , you simply enter the train number or name, then select from a list of possible trains.

Alternatively, these examples from my own travels may give you a feel for the likely delay:  Delhi-Varanasi overnight express spot on time, Bombay-Howrah Mail 1½ hours late, Chennai-Mumbai Chennai Express 40 minutes late, Kolkata-Delhi Rajdhani Express spot on time (Rajdhani Expresses get priority and are pretty punctual), Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express spot on time (Shatabdi Expresses also get priority and are pretty punctual), Jaisalmer-Delhi Express 2 hours late starting and 3 hours late arriving, Delhi-Kalka-Simla Himalayan Queen spot on time, Varanasi-Agra-Jaipur Marudhar Express 50 minutes late, Chennai-Delhi Grand Trunk Express 1½ hours late.

Recharging mobiles & cameras

There are shaver sockets in most AC1/2/3 sleeper cars and many Indian trains now have power outlets for mobiles and laptops.  However, I never travel without an Anker powerbank which can recharge your phone several times over if you're on the move and can't get to a power outlet.

Other Indian train tips

Bring your own toilet paper.  You'll normally find one western toilet and one squat toilet at one or both ends of the car.  In AC1, AC2, AC Chair Class and even AC3 the toilets are normally reasonably clean by Indian standards, and in full working order.  Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter!

Make sure you research when to visit India carefully - in summer it can be unbearably hot, and you also want to avoid the monsoon rains.  And in January & February in Northern India that there can be major disruption to road, rail & air due to thick fog, so bear that in mind.

Finally, forewarned is forearmed

In India, if someone asks which hotel you're going to, then announces that this hotel has been flooded, burnt down, or abducted by aliens, they are of course trying to get commission from sending you to another hotel - that's often painfully obvious and it's almost funny!  Smile, ignore them, and persist in walking to your own hotel, which will of course be open as usual.  But similarly, especially at big stations such as New Delhi, if an official-looking person (they may even show you a badge) says your train has been cancelled, or says you can't board without a boarding pass (with an e-ticket you can get on the train, there's no such thing as a boarding pass), smile, ignore them, walk past, and persist until you see the actual departure indicators and get your train.  If necessary, go and see the station master!  Although this has never happened to me, there are occasional reports of travellers being conned into buying new tickets from a nearby travel agency, being sent to a nearby travel agency when they wanted the genuine New Delhi foreigners booking office, or being conned into hiring a private car and driver for hundreds of dollars when they already had trains booked, which of course weren't really cancelled.  So smile, ignore, persist, go and see the departure boards with your own eyes, find and get on your train, and have a giggle about it later!  If you encounter any of this, feedback (and a good laugh) is always appreciated!

The 11 classes on Indian trains

There are 11 classes of accommodation on Indian trains or at least, 11 different class codes in the system.  You can argue that 3E is a variation of 3A, EA a variation of EC and that 2S & GN are the same (both are 2nd class seats, one reserved, the other unreserved).  But that's still 8 classes!

Only a small selection of classes is available on any given train, a typical long-distance train might have one AC1 car, one or two AC2 cars, perhaps an AC3 car, then a long line of 6, 7 or 8 Sleeper class cars and maybe one GN or 2S car at the end.  But it varies, of course.

Here are the classes, in roughly descending order of cost, together with the usual 2 & 3-letter abbreviations.  A request:  If you get any clear interior photos of AC2, AC3 or Sleeper class which would better illustrate these classes, please get in touch !

Air-conditioned first class (AC1 or 1A)

Air-conditioned 2-tier (ac2 or 2a).

AC2 is relatively clean & comfortable, with room to spread out.  It's the class typically used by middle class Indian families and a good choice for most western visitors.   AC2 is found on almost all decent long-distance trains including the premier Rajdhani & Duronto expresses.

AC2 offers padded leatherette seats by day which convert to flat padded bunks at night.  AC2 coaches are open-plan with berths arranged in bays of four on one side of the aisle (two upper, two lower, transverse across the car width), and in bays of two on the other side of the aisle, arranged longitudinally along the coach side above and below the windows.  If you're tall, you should book a transverse berth.

Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, clean sheets and blankets in the evening.  Update:  Curtains were removed  as a Covid-19 precaution and may still be absent.

Click for car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .

Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3 or 3A)

AC3 has a similar layout to AC2, but instead of upper & lower berths it has 3 tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and longitudinal bays of two - upper and lower - along the wall on the other side of the aisle.  As in AC2, an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening.  Berths convert to seats for daytime use.

With 3 people sitting on each bench seat during the day rather than just 2, it feels a lot more crowded than AC 2-tier, and at night there is less height-space between each bunk - the top bunks are significantly higher up near the ceiling.  AC3 may lack the privacy curtains and individual berth lights usually found in AC2.  As in AC2, you should avoid the longitudinal berths if you are tall.  Still, if you find AC2 fully-booked, most western travellers will find AC3 an acceptable fall-back.  See car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .  Photos courtesy of Rachel Poschi.

Air-conditioned 3-tier economy (3E)

Executive anubhuti chair car (ea), ac executive chair class (ec).

AC Executive Chair Class is only found on the high-quality Shatabdi Express , Vande Bharat Express & Tejas Express trains.  Seats are arranged 2+2 across the car width, basic pre-packaged food & drink is included in the fare, served at your seat.  It's also known as First AC Chair class.  Seat numbering plan for AC Chair cars .

AC Chair class (CC)

AC Chair class is a good choice for daytime journeys.  Comfortable & air-conditioned, they have seats arranged 2+3 across the car width.  AC Chair Class is found on the Shatabdi Expresses, Vande Bharat Express, the several Tejas Express trains and a number of other inter-city daytime trains, for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Kalka for Simla.   Seat numbering plan, AC Chair cars .

Sleeper Class (SL)

This is the way the bulk of the Indian population travels on long-distance trains, but it's also used by many more adventurous backpackers who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth.  The majority of cars on a typical long-distance mail or express train will be sleeper class.

Sleeper class consists of open-plan berths, arranged in bays of 6 bunks (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, and bays of 2 bunks (upper & lower) along the coach wall on the other side of the aisle.  Bunks fold away to form seating for daytime use.  It's the same basic layout as AC3, but without the air-con and without any privacy curtains.  Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping-bag.

Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier Rajdhani & Duronto services.  Sleeper class can be crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic.  On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted and sometimes dirty.  In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows.  In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold.    Berth numbering system, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class cars .

1st class (FC)

Traditional non-air-con 1st class has now almost disappeared, as Indian Railways have progressively phased it out in favour of AC 2-tier.  But for the record, ordinary first class consists of non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches with lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, a similar layout to AC1 but without the AC.  Bedding is not provided, and it's much grubbier than AC1, AC2 or AC3 as it's not sealed against the dirt .

2nd class seats (2S = reserved or GN = unreserved)

Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats, sometimes reserved and shown online as 2S, sometimes unreserved and shown online as either GN or II.  Not recommended for long distance overnight journeys (you'll see the huge scrum of Indians all trying to bag a seat in unreserved 2nd class), but quite acceptable for daytime journeys of up to a few hours if you're on a budget.

IndRail pass es:  Discontinued in 2017

Where to go in india.

First-time visitors often wonder where to start in such a vast country and they're sometimes told to tour only a small area, for example stick to Rajasthan or perhaps the beaches of Goa.  But I suggest a bolder approach.  Use the remarkable Indian train network to see a varied cross-section of India's highlights, picking one example from each type of place:  A big city, a colonial hill station, a princely city or two in Rajasthan, then Agra of course for the Taj Mahal, and also Varanasi, the classic Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  This way, you'll see some incredible highlights and complete contrasts, with overnight trains minimising both daytime travelling time and hotel bills.

A suggested itinerary

Here's what I personally consider the best itinerary around Northern India, taking in an amazing variety of classic Indian cities in as little as 2 weeks.  Highlight after highlight in a 2-week itinerary.  If you have longer to spare, add an extra day or two here and there and/or add one more Rajasthani city, Udaipur.

Delhi 1-3 days.  Contrast the bustling old city with Lutyens' gracious New Delhi.

Take the Swatantrta S Express leaving New Delhi at 21:15 arriving Varanasi Junction at 08:05 next morning. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Varanasi 2-3 days.  Formerly called Benares, Varanasi is the must-see Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  Make sure you stay in a local Indian riverside hotel such as the Hotel Alka , with its terrace overlooking the Ganges.  Western chain hotels are usually located in the new town, well away from all the amazing riverside action.  The Hotel Alka is one of the better hotels in this top riverside location, and eating a Thali on the terrace as the Diwali fireworks went off overhead and Lilly pads with candles drifted down the Ganges was an unforgettable experience.

Take the Marudhar Express from Varanasi Junction around 18:25 arriving Agra Fort at 06:40 next morning. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.  No AC1.

Agra 2 days, remembering to visit the fantastic deserted royal city of Fatephur Sikhri 30km away by bus or car.  Agra may be the most touristy place in India, but the Taj is utterly beautiful and well worth the tourist tout hassle.  Agra fort and the ‘baby Taj’ are also worth a visit.

Take the Marudhar Express from Agra Fort around 06:45 arriving Jaipur at 11:50 the same day. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class (No AC1).

Jaipur 2-3 days.  The 'Pink City' is one of the most wonderful princely cities in Rajasthan, and indeed in India.

Take the daily Raniket Express leaving Jaipur at 10:10 arriving Jaisalmer at 22:30 the same day, with AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Jaisalmer 2-3 days.  This is Rajasthan’s ultimate fairytale city and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of India, in the desert close to the Pakistan border.  For many years it had no airport so only those who made the effort got to experience it, although sadly it may now have flights using the military airbase nearby.

Take the Runicha Express leaving Jaisalmer at 19:00 daily, arriving Old Delhi at 10:35 next day. AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class.

Spend a day and night in Delhi.

Take the Kalka Shatabdi leaving New Delhi at 07:40 arriving Kalka at 11:40. AC Executive chair class and AC Chair class, meal included served at your seat. Change onto the waiting narrow-gauge Simla toy train leaving Kalka at 11:55 arriving Simla at 16:45 with (non-AC) 1st class, AC Chair class, 2nd class. The journey to Simla by narrow gauge Toy Train is an absolute delight.

Simla 2-3 days.  Cool relaxation and colonial mock-Tudor charm in this lovely Himalayan hill station from the days of the Raj.  The ideal final destination for your trip!  The upmarket colonial-style Clarkes Hotel is wonderful.

Take the Shivalik Deluxe Express toy train leaving Simla at 17:25 arriving Kalka at 22:05. Change onto the mainline Netaji Express leaving Kalka at 23:55 and arriving Old Delhi at 06:00. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

How to book this itinerary

Option 1 is to arrange it all yourself .  First sketch out your itinerary, perhaps using the technique explained here .  Then book each train journey at 12go.asia (hassle-free, although naturally they charge a reasonable agency mark-up) or get yourself registered with IRCTC and book as explained here .  Then book each of your hotels separately using Booking.com .  This is the budget option, if you don't mind the legwork and managing it yourself.

Option 2 is to have it all booked for you, hassle-free .  I've arranged for train specialists Railbookers to offer this exact itinerary as a package, with trains, hotels, transfers (and if you like, your flight to India) all sorted for you.  This costs more than sorting it all out yourself, but it saves a lot of effort (and possible frustration) and as it's then a package, if anything affects one part of the tour Railbookers will sort things out for you.  Their suggested tour can be customised to your own requirements, to spend more or less time in each place.  Railbookers is an ABTA member and holidays including flights are ATOL protected.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk . 

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., alternative versions.

Alternatively, just pick on big city, one hill station, a couple of cities in Rajasthan, and a couple of places from the 'other' list below and create your own itinerary.  How about:  Kolkata - (overnight sleeper train to New Jalpaiguri then the famous Darjeeling Toy Train) - Darjeeling - Varanasi - (overnight sleeper train) - Agra - (daytime train) - Jaipur - (overnight sleeper train) - Kolkata?

The big cities

The royal cities of rajasthan, old colonial hill stations, other places to see, two personal favourites:  a ride to darjeeling.

A personal favourite is the ride to Darjeeling on the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalaya Railway (DHR), and a night or two at the wonderful Windamere Hotel .  The DHR is now a UN World Heritage Site.

Travel from Kolkata's Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on the broad gauge Darjeeling Mail, leaving Sealdah at 22:05 and arriving NJP at 08:15 next morning.  The Darjeeling Mail has AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class and 2nd class accommodation.  Then take the connecting DHR 'toy train' up to Darjeeling, leaving NJP at 10:00 daily, arriving Darjeeling at 17:30.  It's a long ride on a narrow gauge train, sometimes next to the hill road, sometimes through jungle, and sometimes through the streets.

You can check the current status of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org/page4.html - it has it's ups and downs, if you'll pardon the expression.

Once in Darjeeling, the place to stay is the Windamere Hotel .  Originally a boarding house for bachelor tea planters, it became a hotel in 1939.  Meals are served by white-gloved, turbanned waiters and eaten by candlelight to the sound of Cole Porter tunes on the piano.  Even if you can't afford it, make sure you come along for afternoon tea - probably the best cup of tea you will ever drink.

The daily Toy Train from NJP to Darjeeling on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.  Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip .

For much of the way, the line runs next to the hill road with wonderful views, at one point it runs around a loop to gain height.  At Kurseong, the train runs through the streets like a tram. Forget the bus, take the toy train.

The wonderful Windamere Hotel , Darjeeling.  Photo courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip .

...and a ride to Simla.

A little bit more robust than the line to Darjeeling, the similar toy train up to Simla in the Himalayan foothills is the way to reach Simla, once India's summer capital.  Take a fast broad-gauge train from New Delhi to Kalka and change there onto the Toy Train up into the hills.  The train ride to Simla is one of Simla's highlights on its own.  If you get the chance, use the Shivalik Deluxe Express on the way back down from Simla (it connects with the overnight express to New Delhi going forward next day to Kolkata).  The Shivalik Deluxe has plush fabric-covered first class armchairs, and a meal is served at your seat, included in the price.  Although it gets dark as you descend, at stations without electricity the signalmen hand the single-line token to the driver whilst holding burning torches, the shimmering flames lighting up the side of the train.  It's wonderfully atmospheric.

Tours of India by train

The cheapest option is to arrange everything yourself, independently, but this takes time and effort.  If you want a customisable itinerary with all your train tickets, up-market hotels and transfers arranged for you, you can do this through train specialists Railbookers.  Their website has various example itineraries including a one-week Golden Triangle one visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but have a look at the suggested itinerary above covering Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer & Simla as I think it's the best 2-week itinerary around northern India that you'll find, and I've arranged for Railbookers to offer it.  Railbookers takes good care of their clients and gets very good reviews.

Tourist cruise trains

There are now several luxury cruise trains catering for tourists and offering sightseeing itineraries around Indian cities.  All of these trains are in effect 5 star international hotels on wheels, allowing you to see India in great comfort.  They're not cheap, prices are in the $000s.

The Palace on Wheels

See www.palacesonwheels.com and see the Palace on Wheels video .  This is India's first and most celebrated cruise train, voted as the world's 4th best luxury train by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.  All suites feature private shower & spotlessly clean toilet, TV & CD player, and the train's two elegant restaurant cars offer both Indian and international cuisine.

You can book the Palace on Wheels through recommended train holiday specialist Railbookers who can also arrange flights, hotels and other Indian trains for you.

Other luxury cruise trains

The Palace on Wheels is no longer the only cruise train in India, and it's not even the best.  Others have sprung up, though prices are sky-high.  Be warned that most of these companies quote a rate per night, not for the whole tour!

Maharaja's Express , see www.the-maharajas.com - See the Maharaja's Express video .  Runs various 3 or 7 night tours from Delhi back to Delhi or between Delhi & Mumbai, via places such as Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Khajuraho.  This train is run by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), originally as a joint venture with Cox & Kings.  Gets very positive feedback, 'ten out of ten' from one correspondent.  You can now book the Maharaja's Express through train holiday specialist www.railbookers.co.uk .

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels , www.royalsrajasthanonwheels.com - See the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels video .  Offers 8-day (7-night) itineraries with weekly departures from Delhi back to Delhi, stopping at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho & Varanasi.  Has also had great feedback, and can also be booked through www.railbookers.co.uk .

Golden Chariot , www.goldenchariot.org - see the Golden Chariot video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Bangalore for a week-long tour to Goa & southern India.

Deccan Odyssey , www.deccan-odyssey-india.com - see the Deccan Odyssey video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Mumbai for a week-long tour to Goa, Pune, and the caves at Ajanta & Ellora.

Indian Maharaja , www.theindianmaharaja.co.in .  Offers 8-day 7-night 'land cruises' between Delhi & Mumbai in either direction on various dates between October & April, with stopovers & tours at Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora & Ajanta Caves.

These trains can also be arranged through Railbookers.  On their website, select 'Private trains'.

International trains, buses & ferries

There are international trains to Pakistan & Bangladesh, and buses to Nepal.  Here's a quick summary:

Delhi - Amritsar - Lahore, Pakistan

Take a train from Delhi to Amritsar, there are lots to choose from.  See www.indianrail.gov.in for times & fares. 

Take a bus or taxi the 26km from Amritsar to the India/Pakistan frontier at Atari.  Walk through the border posts to Wagah on the Pakistani side.  You may want to hang around Wagah to see the spectacular ceremony at sunset when the border closes.  Indian and Pakistani guards try to outdo each other with their performances, watched by Indians and Pakistani crowds!

Take another bus or taxi the remaining 20km to Lahore.  Allow plenty of time for this deceptively short journey. 

There used to be a cross-border train, but tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi - Jodhpur - Karachi, Pakistan

A weekly international train called the Thar Express started in February 2006 from Jodhpur to Karachi via the border at Munabao.  But it's currently suspended.

Eastbound:   The Thar Express leaves Karachi every Friday at 23:00, arriving at 'Zero Point' on the Pakistan/India frontier at around 08:00 next morning.  After customs checks, the train goes forward to Munabao on the Indian side, arriving around 11:00.The Indian train departs Munabao at 19:00 after customs formalities, arriving Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) at 23:50 Saturday.

Westbound:   The Thar Express leaves Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station, about 4km from the main station) every Saturday morning at 01:00 arriving Munabao at 07:00, leaving Munabao at around 14:30 on Saturdays, reaching Karachi at 02:15 on Sunday morning. 

The sleeper fare from Jodhpur to Munabao/zero point is about Rs170, and from Munabao/zero point to Karachi is about Rs230.  No more information is yet available, but feedback would be appreciated!  The train has one sleeping-car and several economy cars.

Update :  Tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal

It's quite easy, cheap, and an adventure to do this journey overland.  You take an overnight train from New Delhi to Gorakpur, then a bus.  For details, see the Nepal page .

Kolkata to Dhaka, Bangladesh

A new direct train from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Dhaka started in April 2008, see the Bangladesh page .

India to Sri Lanka by ferry

After many years of being cut off from each other (with at least one short-lived attempt to start a ferry service in 2011), a new ferry service started in late 2023, linking Nagapattinam (mainland India) with Kankesanthurai (on Sri Lanka, near Jaffna).

The fast ferry Cheriyapani sails from Nagapattinam (India)  at 07:00 arriving Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 11:00.

She sails from Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 13:30 arriving Kankesanthurai (India) at 17:00.

Crossing time 3 hours for the 60 nautical miles.  Service will be suspended during the monsoon season in November-December.

Fare around 8,000 Indian rupees, luggage allowance 40 Kg.

Online booking will be available starting in January 2024, website not yet known.  Until then, call +91 978 987 9971 at least 24 hours in advance. You will be required to send a copy of your passport and visa details via WhatsApp to confirm the booking.

Be careful with e-visas when using this ferry, they will not initially be accepted at these entry points, but may be in future.

India to Burma (Myanmar)

The India/Burma border is closed to foreigners.  It is not possible to travel to Burma overland from India.  For train and river steamer service within Burma, see the Burma page .

India to China

The direct route from India into China is difficult and mountainous, there are no trains, you need some serious permits to be in that part of India, and most if not all border crossings are closed to foreigners.  If you wish to travel this way, do your research before attempting it! 

For most practical purposes, you are better off going from India to Kathmandu in Nepal ( see the Nepal page ), then taking an organised tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet ( see the Nepal page ), then a train to Beijing.  For train service within China, including Lhasa to Beijing, see the China page .

Europe to India overland

Europe to india via istanbul, iran, pakistan.

It's possible to travel from Europe to India overland by train and bus via Turkey, Iran & Pakistan, along what in the 1960s & 70s was the hippy train.  However, these days there are serious security problems affecting this route in Turkey, SE Iran & Pakistan.  If you are foolhardy enough to brave these, it takes a minimum of 2-3 weeks and you should consider it as an adventure or expedition rather than a routine way to travel there. 

Administratively, the main issue is getting a tourist visa for Iran - see the London to Iran page for agencies to contact to get one.  Finally, there are major security issues in southeast Iran to be aware of - see the official travel advice for Iran and Pakistan at the British Foreign Office website, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .  If you are still interested, see the Europe to India overland page .  I'd suggest planning the trip out carefully before you start to book anything - this may help:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .

Europe to India via Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Beijing & Lhasa

A safer though somewhat round-about way is London to Moscow by Eurostar and onward trains to Moscow (2 nights, £300, daily departures), Moscow to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian Railway (6 or 7 nights, £500, two per week), Beijing to Lhasa by train (2 nights, £100, daily), then an organised tour by bus from Lhasa to Nepal (7 nights, maybe $400), then bus and train to Delhi .  Again, you may find this helpful:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .  Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Hotels in India

Personal hotel recommendations, tripadvisor hotel reviews.

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Flights to India

Overland travel by train around India is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But if you need a long-haul flight to reach India in the first place.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

For independent travel, the best guidebook to take is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide .  I gave Sarah the Lonely Planet and Karen the Rough Guide and we road-tested both of them head-to-head across India.  The result was a tie, with similarly excellent levels of both practical travel information and historical and cultural background.  I personally prefer the Lonely Planet, but Karen preferred the Rough Guide.  Just make sure you take one of these two guides with you..!  If you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61.com gets a small commission to help support the site.

Buy Lonely Planet India at Amazon.co.uk    Buy Rough Guide India at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Also for your reading list

Travel insurance & other tips, always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from buy from Amazon.com .

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20 Best Train Journeys in India

It is often said, journeys make a destination worth remembering and it is something that you will relate to if you are in India. The Indian Railways has made it possible to reach every nook and cranny just by riding a train. Train journeys are something very close to our hearts especially when we were kids.

Admiring the scenic vistas through the glass window while reading a book is what we all love doing even today. If you are one of them who cherish beautiful journeys, here is a list of 20 Best Train journeys in India .

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling)

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. It started in the year 1881 and is operational even today. The total distance covered is 80 kilometres and it passes through the towns of Kurseong and Ghoom. Ghoom Railway Station At 7400 feet is the highest point in this route.

The journey is scenic and the most exhilarating amongst all is the Batasia Loop. As the name suggests, it is a spiral pathway enclosed in lush greenery that reduces the steep gradient of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The train stops for 10 minutes at Batasia Loop and you can soak up the unparalleled views of the Darjeeling town and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. The small engine pulling the coaches through picturesque landscapes and hilly terrain is a sight to behold and it is an experience that you will remember forever.

Pro-Tip : There is a lot of rush particularly during the peak season. So try to book the tickets well in advance.

Also Read : Tips for First Time Darjeeling Travellers

Suggested Tours:

• 5 Days - Darjeeling Tour Packages
• 7 Days - Darjeeling Gangtok Tour Packages
• 8 Days - Darjeeling Kalimpong Gangtok Tour Packages

2. Palace on Wheels

If you want to experience luxury at its best, there is no better option than Palace on Wheels. The train wins for being one of the most luxurious trains across the globe. It is an initiative by the Indian Railways in collaboration with Rajasthan Tourism Cooperation to promote tourism in the state of Rajasthan . This exquisite train originally started in the year 1982 but was relaunched with new decor and itinerary in the year 2009.

This train exudes an aristocratic opulence and resembles the royal coaches of the ancient rulers namely the Rajput, Nizam and the British. There are a total of 23 coaches that showcases Rajasthan’s rich culture through handicrafts and paintings. The interior is tastefully designed with world-class amenities and internet connectivity. There are two dining options serving authentic Indian and international cuisine. The train follows 8 days and 7 nights itinerary and starts from Delhi covering prominent cities in Rajasthan.

Palace on Wheels Info : 

• Palace on Wheels Itinerary
• Palace on Wheels Fare
• Palace on Wheels Schedule
• Palace on Wheels Booking

Request a Quote

About Palace on Wheels Train:

• Palace on Wheels Coaches
• Palace on Wheels Facilities
• Palace on Wheels Cabins
• Palace on Wheels Restaurant
• Palace on Wheels Lounge & Spa
• Palace on Wheels FAQ
• Palace on Wheels General Information

Also Read : How to Book Palace on Wheels Train

3. The Himalayan Queen (Kalka - Shimla)

The Himalayan Queen Express operates between the regions of Kalka and Shimla passing through Taksar, Dharampur, Barog, Jutogh, Summer Hill and more. It covers a total distance of 96 kilometres and comes with first and second class non-air conditioned coaches. This train route opened during the British era in 1903 and it is one of the most scenic routes in the country.

It passes through jagged mountains and pine forests offering enchanting vistas along the way. The train climbs up a steep gradient and as a result, the speed is greatly reduced.  The Himalayan Queen runs through 20 railway stations covering 103 tunnels and over 500 bridges and curves. This mountain railway is also a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site.

Also Read : List of Luxury Trains in the World

Suggested Tour :

• 6 Days - Shimla Manali Tour Packages
• 8 Days - Himachal Hill Station Tour

4. Mandovi Express (Mumbai - Goa)

Started in 1999, Mandovi Express runs daily between Mumbai and Goa covering a total distance of 580 kilometres . This train is named after River Mandovi and is jointly managed by the Konkan and the Central Railway.

Mandovi Express departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and arrives at Madgaon Junction and back. This express train also comes with pantry facilities. The journey is an interesting mix of panoramic vistas accompanied by the call of nature. The time taken is around 12 hours and gives passengers a break from their chaotic daily life.

Also Read : Top Tourist Attractions in Mumbai

5. Matsyagandha Express (Ratnagiri - Mangalore)

This is one of the most picturesque rail routes in India that you cannot afford to miss. Matsyagandha means ‘smell of fish’ and the train is named as such because it runs through Western India’s fishing coast . The superfast Matsyagandha Express operates daily between Mangalore and Ratnagiri covering a total distance of 741 kilometres.

The rail track passes through the states of Karnataka , Goa and Maharashtra filled with lush greenery and varied topography. The route is extremely gorgeous and you can get a glimpse of towering trees, cascading waterfalls and massive bridges. To top it all, the Arabian Sea adds to its unending beauty.

Also Read : 15 Top Places To Visit In Karnataka

Suggested Tours : 16 Days - Karnataka Tour

6. Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey is another luxury train that started with the aim of promoting tourism in the state of Maharashtra. The train features 21 luxury coaches, spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, conference car and a massage cabin. Each of the coaches derives its name from prominent destinations in Maharashtra. The decor is inspired by the royalties of the bygone era. The cabins are air-conditioned and come with attached bathrooms and modern amenities.

There are two dining options that serve Continental, Oriental and Indian dishes to the guests. It passes through World Heritage Sites, timeless forts and monuments that let you rediscover incredible India . Deccan Odyssey is a leading train in Asia that gives a taste of elegance while travelling.

Deccan Odyssey Fare :

Also Read : How To Book Tickets In Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train

7. Nizamuddin Duronto Express (Pune - Delhi)

The superfast train Nizamuddin Duronto Express connects Pune to New Delhi . The train runs between the two major cities within 20 hours. This train passes through rugged terrain, green valleys, waterfall cascades and small hamlets. Duronto Express also offers excellent onboard facilities and tasty meals that are included in the price itself.

The interiors are clean and feature reading lights, bottle holders and mobile phone sockets for your convenience. Duronto means ‘quick’ in Bengali and this train is always on time. No wonder, it is one of the most comfortable and economical ways to travel between Pune and Delhi. The train is equipped with air-conditioned coaches with different price ranges.

Also Read : Who Made The First Train In The World?

Also Read : Top Tourist Attractions in Delhi

8. Delhi Jaisalmer Express (Delhi - Jaisalmer)

Delhi Jaisalmer Express is one of the most popular train routes in the country. This extraordinary route takes you through the vast desert and exudes a spiritual charm. It covers a total distance of 920 kilometres, starting from Delhi and ending in Jaisalmer. The travel time of the train is approximately 18 hours.

The jagged terrain accompanied by the camels and the inhabitants is a visual treat that gives you an experience of a desert safari . The region is carpeted with golden sand that depicts sheer magnificence and ignites the imagination. The timings are convenient and the journey is comfortable.

Also Read : Topmost Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer

Suggested Tour : 8 Days - Rajasthan Tour from Delhi

9. Maharaja Express

Maharaja Express is reputed for being the most expensive luxury train in our country. This train features exotic dining, lounge, bar, internet facilities as well as attached bathrooms. The train journey between Mumbai and Delhi lets you experience the lavish life of the royalties. Maharaja Express is managed by the Indian Railway and the Tourism Corporation.

The handpicked itinerary takes you through urban Mumbai to the ancient Ajanta Caves continuing to the Lake City of Udaipur and passing through Jodhpur and Jaipur . It will also give you a taste of India’s wildlife in Ranthambore and the eminent wonder, Taj Mahal . The journey finally comes to an end after reaching Delhi.

Also Read : How to Book Maharaja Express Train Tickets

10. Nilgiri Passenger (Mettupalayam - Ooty)

Nilgiri Passenger is the one and an only toy train that operates between Mettupalayam and Ooty. This train passes through countryside landscapes, bridges and tunnels to reach its destination. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site in 2005 . It was built in 1908 by the British with the motive of retreating to a hill station during the scorching summers. 

As Nilgiri Passenger is the only train operating in this route, the rush is always high. It is necessary to make the bookings well in advance. The train climbs steep gradients and passes through narrow tracks before reaching Ooty, ‘Queen of Hills’. This train journey is an effortless blend of serenity and peace.

Also Read : About Ooty – The Uncrowned Queen Of Hill Stations

Suggested Ooty Tours :

• 6 Days - Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Karnataka Tour
• 6 Days - South India Hill Stations Tour

11. Hubli – Madgaon

Vasco da Gama route is one of the most enthralling train journeys in India. The train passes through the majestic Dudhsagar Falls and the sight is too beautiful to be true. The water gushing at a very high speed makes this place a photographer’s paradise. The nearest rail station is the Londa Junction where you can get down and immerse in its beauty.

The approximate distance to be covered is 180 kilometres and the time taken is around 4 hours. There are a couple of trains that operate in this picturesque route including Tirupati Vasco da Gama Express, Amravathi Express and Chennai Vasco Express.

Also Read : Delhi – Lucknow Tejas Express – India’s First Train to be Operated by Private Players

Suggested Tour : 15 Days - Karnataka With Goa & Mumbai

12. The Golden Chariot

Derived its name from the Stone Chariot in Hampi, the Golden Chariot is another luxury train in our country. This train connects the prominent attractions in the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala , Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. It lets passengers experience the charm of underrated destinations in India. In 2013, The Golden Chariot has earned the title of the leading luxury train in Asia.

This train makes the journey very comfortable and it is the ideal way to start a sojourn. The Golden Chariot has a customized itinerary so that you can explore this region at your own pace. Pristine beaches , wildlife sanctuary, temples and vast expanses of greenery, this train journey have everything to satisfy the wandering soul.

Also Read : List of Luxury Trains in India Golden Chariot Luxury Train Services Will Start from March 2020 5 Things to Know about Golden Chariot Train

Also Read : 15 Most Expensive Trains in the World

13. Island Express (Kanyakumari - Bangalore)

Island Express is one of the most preferred trains to travel from Bangalore to Kanyakumari via Kerala. The train is managed by the Indian Railways and covers a total distance of 944 kilometres in 20 hours. This train journey is truly absorbing passing through green meadows, tranquil water bodies, quaint villages, thick forests and whatnot. Thus, it gives passengers the typical South Indian vibe.

The train moves at an extremely slow speed and stops 44 times during the journey. However, it is clean and well maintained so this train is a favourable choice for the people. Island Express features 22 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches.

Also Read : Best Route to Travel from Rameshwaram to Kanyakumari

• 4 Days - Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Temple Tour
• 12 Days - South India Temple Tour

14. Glass Train (Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley)

The Vishakapatnam – Araku Valley route is the true embodiment of nature. The Government has introduced the glass train so that the tourists can immerse in the scenic beauty of this region. This train departs from Vishakapatnam and reaches Araku Valley via Borra caves.

The glass train operates daily and takes around 4 hours to cover a distance of 116 kilometres. Presently, there is only one coach which is the executive chair car. The Vistadome train ride is an experience of a lifetime where they can escape from the monotony of urban life.

Also Read : About Uday Express Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam Double-Decker Luxury Train

15. Doars Voyage (Siliguri - Alipurduar)

Doars Voyage covers one of the most alluring train routes in West Bengal. The route goes through Siliguri and Hasimara to reach Alipurduar. This rail track is a hidden gem and passes through dense forests and gurgling streams. Some of the top attractions of this route include Jaldapara, Chapramari Forest, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahanada Sanctuary, Teesta and Sankosh River. Keep an eye for wild animals and birds that considers the forests their home.

The train takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the destination and the journey is incredibly beautiful. It has 16 coaches and the glass windows are perfect to soak up the unparallel views. It is indeed fascinating to experience a train journey through this rail route.

Also Read : A Luxury Train Journey To Golden Triangle With Maharajas’ Express

16. Matheran Hill Railway (Matheran – Neral)

Matheran Hill Railway lets you enjoy a train ride amidst the lush greenery, free from the stress of commercialization. This journey transport passengers into an old world where they can have a rendezvous with nature. This toy train started in the year 1907 and the one you see today is relaunched in 2018. It climbs up a steep slope which is over 2600 feet. Hence, the train ride is slow and it takes more than 2 hours to cover the short distance.

The toy train stops at three stations and crawls its way through valleys and tunnels. The small engine comes with first and second class carriages accommodating around 100 passengers. There are shared jeeps that ply in this route but riding the toy train is an experience that you will cherish forever.

Also Read : Weekend Getaways from Mumbai That You Should Never Miss

Suggested Mumbai Tours

• 13 Days - Best of North India with Mumbai Tour
• 15 Days - Mumbai with Rajasthan Tour

17. Chilka Route (Bhubaneshwar - Brahmapur)

If you want to experience Odisha at its vibrant best, the Chilka Route is all that you need. Chilka Lake is one of the largest lagoons that host countless migratory birds across the globe . Hence this train route is a slice of heaven for nature lovers. The Chilka Lake View is mesmerizingly gorgeous where you can make use of your photography skills .

The most popular train in this route is the Coromandel Express and runs daily between Bhubaneswar and Brahmapur in 3 hours. So, if you are a thrill-seeker willing to encounter wildlife , this route will give you memories to cherish forever.

Also Read : 18 Things That Will Make You Love Train-18, India

18. Mandovi Express (Mumbai - Pune)

The train journey from Mumbai to Pune is breathtaking. The trains connecting these destinations cross some of the most exotic hill stations filled with majestic sight. Making their way through gushing waterfalls and pristine villages, it offers the most stunning experience imaginable.

The trains take around 3 hours to cover the distance and pass through major railway stations – Karjat, Lonavala and Thane. Most of the trains operate daily and they also come with pantry facilities.

Also Read :

• 20 Best Places to Visit in Monsoon Near Mumbai
• 20 Best Trekking Places Near Mumbai
• How to Explore Mumbai in One Day

Mumbai Travel Guide :

• How to Reach Mumbai
• Best Time to Visit Mumbai
• Street Foods in Mumbai
• Street Shopping in Mumbai
• Famous Temples Near Mumbai
• Famous Caves Near Mumbai

19. Goa Express (Vasco Da Gama-Londa)

The train journey between Vasco da Gama and Londa will fill your heart with exemplary views. Sit by the window and relish your eyes to the stunning nature views packed with scenic locales, jagged terrain and mountains. The main highlight is the waterfall that adds to the irresistible charm of this ride.

The Superfast Goa Express is one of the most favourable trains running in this rail route. It is the only passenger train that crosses the Dudhsagar Waterfalls daily. The train has air-conditioned and non-air conditioned coaches and covers the distance of 75 kilometres on time.

Also Read : 20 Amazing Things To Do In Goa Trip

20. Kangra Valley Railway (Pathankot - Kangra)

Kangra Valley Railways is one of India’s jewels in the lap of the Himalayas . The train journey begins at the Himalayan foothills and moves upward in a zigzag manner offering stunning views of the mighty Dhauladhar Range. No wonder, this route gives passengers a glimpse into the surreal beauty of rural India.

It takes around 5 hours to cover the distance and the train crawls because of the steep slopes that it has to cross. There are very few tourists who opt for this train route and the train is mostly frequented by the locals. In case, you are travelling solo , it is a nice opportunity to interact with the locals and know about these places.

Fare : There are several trains operating in this route

Have you ever experienced these train routes? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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• How to Book Golden Chariot Train 2020 – 2021
• What is the price of Golden Chariot?

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14 Days - India and Nepal Tour

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Top 9 Luxury Trains In India With Detailed Itineraries And Prices

Written By Yukti Lunawat.

Train journeys are always enriching and memorable but the experience reaches a whole new level when the heritage of India is explored in luxurious trains that boasts the country’s royal past and grandeur.

India has had a history of luxury trains running across the country. These give a very opulent experience. Each of such trains have something new and different to offer. Each train provides a different experience.

Here is a list of 9 luxury trains in India. Read on to find out more about India’s Luxury Trains!

1. The Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey came on the tracks on 16 th November 2004, when it was inaugurated after multiple changes to its design.

The Taj Group of Hotels also joined hands to provide a 5-star experience to its guests, but this time on wheels. It is a brainchild of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). 

It took inspiration from the travelling style of kings and rulers of ancient India, but the designs are more modern now. 

The amenities they offer is nothing short of a 5-star experience. They provide regal class cabins, multi-cuisine restaurants, a sitting lounge, a high-tech conference car and a rejuvenating health spa.

It strives to make every day a memorable experience for travellers. The high-tech facilities make the journey all the more unique and exclusive. 

Itineraries of the Deccan Odyssey

It has an itinerary for 6 different routes. The 6 routes are named the Maharashtra Splendor, , Jewels of the Deccan , Maharashtra Wild Trail , Hidden Treasures of Gujarat, Indian Odyssey and Indian Sojourn .

The Deccan Odyssey operates from October to April and the duration for all 6 routes is 7 nights, 8 days . It takes you to some of the most fascinating destinations in India. 

Maharashtra Splendor:

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Nashik, Day 3 – Aurangabad – Ellora Cave, Day 4 – Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves, Day 5 – Kolhapur, Day 6 – Goa, Day 7 – Sindhudurg, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Jewels of the Deccan :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Bijapur, Day 3 – Aihole – Pattadakal, Day 4 – Hampi, Day 5 – Hyderabad, Day 6 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 7 – Ajanta Caves, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Maharashtra Wild Trail :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 3 – Aurangabad, Day 4 – Ramtek (Pench National Park), Day 5 – Tadoba, Day 6 – Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves, Day 7 – Nashik, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Hidden Treasures of Gujarat :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Vadodara, Day 3 – Palitana, Day 4 – Sasan Gir (Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary) – Somnath, Day 5 – Little Rann of Kutch, Day 6 – Modhera – Patan, Day 7 – Nashik, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Indian Odyssey :

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park, Day 3 – Agra, Day 4 – Jaipur, Day 5 – Udaipur, Day 6 – Vadodara, Day 7 – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves, Day 8 – Mumbai.

Indian Sojourn :

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Vadodara, Day 3 – Udaipur, Day 4 – Jodhpur, Day 5 – Agra, Day 6 – Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park, Day 7 – Jaipur, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Deccan Odyssey Tariff 2021-2022 & 2022-2023

2. Palace On Wheels

It is also known as ‘India’s Original Luxury Train’. It is voted as the fourth best luxury train in the world. The basic concept of this luxury train is travelling overnight in comfortable AC sleeping coaches and group sightseeing during the day in AC buses.

These were prominent features of this train even when it was the first of its kind and they still hold true. During the British reign, rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India used to travel in these coaches.

In 1981-82, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan. 

In September 2017, new train carriages were introduced on the Palace on Wheels luxury train, that are more spacious in size & now guests have the option to book Deluxe or Super Deluxe Cabins.

The train might be from ancient times, but it provides all modern amenities like wi-fi, mini pantry, music channel, a safe, wall to wall carpeting, etc. each cabin has a personal attendant, called khidmatgar. There are Two Resto-Bar lounges and an ayurvedic spa facility on the train. 

Itinerary of the Palace On Wheels

It is an 8-day tour that starts from New Delhi, every Wednesday.

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Jaipur, Day 3 – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh, Day 4 – Udaipur, Day 5 – Jaisalmer, Day 6 – Jodhpur, Day 7 – Bharatpur – Agra Cantonment, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Single- INR 48,620 – 64,600 per person per night.

Double- INR 37,400 – 48,620 per person per night.

Super Deluxe Suite- INR 1,00,980 – 1,34,640 per suite per night.

3. Golden Chariot

If you wish to see Southern India in a luxurious style, you should take a ride on the Golden Chariot. It gives an experience of a thrilling adventure across Karnataka with KSTDC specially designed with upbeat activities in mind for the Next Generation. It connects famous tourist spots in Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, as well as Pondicherry . 

The Golden Chariot has 44 cabins in 11 coaches that are named after dynasties that ruled the region: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula and Vijayanagar. 

It has two restaurants, a lounge bar, a conference room, a gym and spa facilities. It also provides an internet connection via a USB stick and satellite antenna that provides live television service in the cabins. It was also awarded as ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’ in the year 2013.

Itineraries of the Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot offers two travel itineraries – Pride of the South and Splendor of the South. The train runs from October to March and every trip is 7 nights, 8 days .

Pride of the South:

Day 1 – Bengaluru, Day 2 – Mysore, Day 3 – Nagarhole National Park, Day 4 – Hassan, Belur and Halebidu, Day 5 – Hospet and Hampi, Day 6 – Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, Day 7 – Goa, Day 8 – Bengaluru.

Splendor of the South:

Day 1 – Bengaluru, Day 2 – Chennai, Day 3 – Pondicherry, Day 4 – Thanjavur, Day 5 – Madurai, Day 6 – Thiruvananthapuram, Day 7 – Alleypey and Kochi, Day 8 – Bengaluru.

For Indian nationals only

Single occupancy: INR 93,372 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – INR 5,60,230

Double occupancy: INR 53,355 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – INR 3,20,130

For International travellers

Single occupancy: USD 1,225 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – USD 7,350.

Double occupancy: USD 700 per person per night, Total (6 Nights) – USD 4,200

4. Mahaparinirvan Express- Buddhist Circuit Special Train

Mahaparinirvan Express is a popular IRCTC Buddhist tourist train. It takes its passengers on a journey full of teaching and learnings from the Buddhist scriptures. The train has got its name from Buddha’s final teachings, the Mahaparinirvana Sutra.

This special train is a revamped version of the Rajdhani Express and offers various types of cabins choices for the traveller to enjoy the journey in. Mahaparinirvan Express starts its journey from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi after which it reaches Gaya the next morning.

After exploring the Mahabodhi temple, Niranjana river and other sites in Gaya the train heads to Rajgir and Nalanda. Kushinagar, where Buddha preached his first sermon is the next stop after Rajgir and Nalanada.

After Kushinagar, the train reaches Varanasi and then to Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini after which it gears up to take its tourists to the town of Sravasti. From Sravasti, the train heads to Agra to treat it’s onboaders to the view of the magnificient Taj Mahal and then makes its final stop at Delhi.

Itinerary of the Mahaparinirvan Express – Buddhist Circuit Train Tour

Day 1 – Delhi – Gaya, Day 2 – Gaya – Bodhgaya, Day 3 – Bodhgaya – Nalanda – Rajgir – Gaya – Varanasi, Day 4 – Varanasi – Sarnath – Gorakhpur, Day 5 – Nautanwa – Lumbini, Day 6 – Lumbini – Kushinagar – Gorakhpur, Day 7 – Balrampur – Sravasti – Balrampur – Agra, Day 8 – Agra – Delhi.

Note: As this trip includes a day’s tour in Nepal, foreign nationals would require to procure a Nepali visa which can be easily obtained at the border. Also, foreign tourists needs to ensure having multiple entry Indian visas so that the return to India is smooth and hassle free.

For Indian Nationals Only

AC – First Class – INR 12,580 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- INR 88,060.

AC – Two Tier – INR 10,290 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- INR 72,030.

For International Travellers

AC – First Class – INR 165 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- USD 1,155.

AC – Two Tier – USD 135 per person per night, Total (7 Nights)- USD 945.

5. Royal Orient Train

The Royal Orient Train is the oldest luxury train in India and is entrusted with an abundance that stimulates the sense of royalty. This luxury train’s theme is like that of Palace on Wheels.

The train started as a joint venture between the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and the Indian Railways in 1994-95. They are also set to give their passengers the true taste of luxury and grandeur.

The highlight of this train is its royal richness, which provides the essence of the Raj culture. Journey by this train is an amalgamation of chivalry and unimaginable opulence. 

The cabins are designed in a palatial way. The hospitality professionals are very well-trained. They also have a multi-cuisine restaurant with a bar. Spacious baths, library, and other services that you would normally expect at any 5-star hotel are available on wheels. 

Sightseeing tours and desert safaris add to the unique and memorable experience. 

Itinerary of the Royal Orient Train

The train offers a journey of 7 nights / 8 days .

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur, Day 3 – Junagarh – Veraval, Day 4 – Sasangir – Dilwara, Day 5 – Palitana – Sarkhej, Day 6 – Ahmedabad, Day 7 – Jaipur.

Price – INR 9,000 to INR 24,000 per day.

6. Heritage On Wheels

Heritage on Wheels is one of the oldest luxury trains in India. It takes you through the rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

If you wish to live like a queen or a king, you should get on board this train. You will travel back in time, not in a time machine, but this time on wheels! 

Some of the popular attractions that one can see when travelling on the Heritage on Wheels are Bikaner, Tal Shekhawati and Jaipur . In Bikaner, it covers Junagarh Fort, Haat, Camel Safari, Lalgarh Palace, National Research Centre. 

You will go to Laxmangarh Fort, Goenka Haveli, Sikar, Churu, Mandawa, Nawalgarh when in Tal Chhapar & Shekhawati. Some of the famous tourist attractions such as Hawa Mahal, Amber Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur will also be part of your royal experience. 

Even though Heritage on Wheels is one of the most expensive luxury trains in India, the kind of experience, grandeur and hospitality it offers to its guests is worth every penny.

Itinerary of the Heritage On Wheels

The tour is for 4 Nights/5 Days.

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Bikaner, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Dholpur – Agra, Day 5 – Delhi

Single- INR 36,627 or USD 500 Per Night

Double – INR 21,976 USD 300 Per Person Per Night

Triple – INR 18,313 USD 250 Per Person Per Night

7. Maharaja’s Express

Not everyone is royalty, but everyone can definitely experience it. Maharajas’ Express is known to recreate the lifestyle of the Royal Era. This Indian Luxury Train has four cabins – the Deluxe Cabin, the Presidential Suite, the Suite and the Junior Suite.

It also offers shorter trips to places across Rajasthan. Indian Maharaja Train has 14 Guest Carriages named Moti (Pearl), Manik (Ruby), Heera (Diamond), Panna (Emerald), Neelam (Blue Sapphire), etc.

Anyone who travels on this train will be able to experience the rich cultural diversification of our country, India. The journey will be something that every traveller will cherish for a lifetime. 

Maharajas’ Express is all about giving luxurious facilities to its passengers. They provide highly professional butler services, spacious cabins, jewel-studded beds with attached bathrooms.

It also has amenities like Wi-Fi, Telephone, LCD, DVD players, basic toiletries in Bathrooms, Electronic safety Deposit and much more. They have also received various prestigious awards for their gracious hospitality. 

Itineraries of the Maharaja’s Express

It has an itinerary for 4 different routes. The 4 routes are named the Indian Splendor, , Indian Panorama , Heritage Of India and Treasures of India .

Indian Splendor : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Delhi, Day 2 – Agra, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Bikaner, Day 5 – Jodhpur, Day 6 – Udaipur, Day 7 – Mumbai.

Indian Panorama : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Delhi – Jaipur, Day 2 – Jaipur, Day 3 – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri, Day 4 – Agra, Day 5 – Orchha – Khajuraho, Day 6 – Varanasi, Day 7 – Delhi.

Heritage Of India : (6 nights/7 days)

Day 1 – Mumbai, Day 2 – Udaipur, Day 3 – Jodhpur, Day 4 – Bikaner, Day 5 – Jaipur, Day 6 – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park) – Agra, Day 7 – Agra – Delhi.

Treasures of India : (3 nights/4 days)

Day 1 – Delhi – Agra, Day 2 – Agra – Ranthambore, Day 3 – Jaipur, Day 4 – Delhi.

8. Fairy Queen Express

The Fairy Queen is the oldest working Steam Locomotive in the world. It was built in 1855. It has its own charm as it rambles through to Alwar in Rajasthan.

With a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records and a recipient of the National Tourism Award, Fairy Queen easily makes it to the list of most luxurious trains in India.

It was certified as the world’s oldest working locomotive by the Guinness Book of World Records. With many such laurels to its name, one should definitely take a ride on this train. 

The Steam Express is a 60-seater air-conditioned chair car. It has been designed with large glass windows which give a frontal view of the Locomotive.

If you wish to enjoy the scenic beauty en route, you can comfortably sit in the beautiful lounge and make the most of the view. There is a well-stocked up and maintained pantry for onboard catering. The guests can enjoy a host of cultural events that are organized in the evening. 

Itinerary of the Fairy Queen Express

The tour package is for 1 Night/2 Days . 

It runs from October to March and takes you through popular places like the Lake Palace, Sariska National Park and Alwar Museum.

Day 1 – Delhi Cantonment Railway Station – Alwar Station (Overnight stay at a hotel), Day 2 – Visit To Sariska National Park – Return To Hotel – Alwar Station – Delhi.

Price : INR 12,375

9. Royal Rajasthan On Wheels

The most expensive luxury train in India is also the best train to explore India on. The journey of this royal train is for 7 day/8 nights and starts from Safdarjung railway station, New Delhi.

The express then travels to Jodhpur on Day 2, Udaipur and Chittaurgarh on Day 3, Ranthambore National Park and Jaipur on Day 4, Khajuraho on Day 5, Varanasi and Sarnath on Day 6, Agra on Day 7 and then finally reaches Delhi on Day 8. In this journey all the popular and spectacular sights of Rajasthan is covered along with experiencing the royal luxury of Rajasthan.

There are 14 luxury cabins on Royal Rajasthan on wheels. The cabins are divided as Deluxe cabins and Super Deluxe cabins and they have all the amenities that can be imagined off. There is also a royal spa for tourists to be able to enjoy and relax through the entire spellbinding journey.

Itinerary of the Royal Rajasthan On Wheels

The tour package is of 7 Nights/8 Days .

Day 1 – New Delhi, Day 2 – Jodhpur, Day 3 – Udaipur – Chittaurgarh, Day 4- Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur, Day 5- Khajuraho, Day 6 – Varanasi, Day 7 – Agra, Day 8 – New Delhi.

Deluxe Cabin On Single Ocupancy: INR 3,63,300 (Indian Nationals), USD 6,055 (Foreign Nationals).

Deluxe Cabin on Double Occupancy: INR 5,46,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 9,100 (Foreign Nationals).

Super Deluxe Cabin On Single Occupancy: INR 7,56,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 12,600 (Foreign Nationals).

Super Deluxe Cabin On Double Occupancy: INR 7,56,000 (Indian Nationals), USD 12,600 (Foreign Nationals).

If you are bored of the traditional beach or hill-station holidays and want a different experience altogether, you should explore these luxury trains. They have been a part of our heritage, tradition and history. You will not regret spending time on the wheels.

They offer every luxury, adventure and experience that you would normally expect on a holiday. The hospitality that is provided here will surpass your expectations, time and again.

If you wish to ‘live life king size’ in the true sense, get on the train and don’t be surprised when you take back a suitcase (rather a coach) full of memories!

Also Read: Top 15 Workation Destinations and Resorts in India

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is a contributor at The Strong Traveller . She is a 2nd year student and works tirelessly to succeed in all her endeavors. She relishes the opportunity to learn about new cultures through travel, food and art. Writing and painting allow her to express her creativity, while reading affords her the chance to explore a new adventure every time she picks up a book, especially handy in the context of a pandemic.

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6 thoughts on “ top 9 luxury trains in india with detailed itineraries and prices ”.

I never would’ve thought about luxury trains as something I’d ever be interested in but these all look fantastic and oh so lovely. And the itinerary of the trips sound fantastic too. Definitely one day!

Thanks Ab for reading. We thought it would be really amazing to share some details of Luxury trains in India. We’re so glad you liked it!

Wow, what incredible trains to travel in! Such a great post and very informative!

Thank you for reading. So glad that you liked our post! 🙂

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Luxury train journeys through India

By Audley India specialist Alison

Living and working in Mumbai for a number of years, I spent weekends exploring my surroundings by hopping on local trains, sleeper trains and toy trains. In a country that relies on its rail network like no other, it’s little surprise that a range of luxury trains is available for you to tour India from a different perspective.

Choosing to travel in India by luxury train

India specialist Alison singles out some of India’s best luxury trains and explains why they’re an enjoyable way to explore the country.

Join a luxury train tour across India, and you’ll cover more ground than you could by car. You’ll be able to visit far more places and, as most trains travel during the night, won’t feel rushed.

Tours and activities are usually conducted in small groups, and dinners are enjoyed together with your fellow passengers. I’d agree that this wouldn’t suit the more independently minded, but if you’re keen for a little more privacy, some trains provide complimentary private tours if you book a suite or presidential cabin.

Luxury trains in India

The maharajas' express.

Completing its maiden journey in 2010, the Maharajas' Express  is the newest and, in my opinion, most luxurious train running in India. Cabins range from the well-sized deluxe to suites with their own private sitting area. There’s even a presidential suite pulled in its own carriage.

Teak doors separate your cabin from the corridor, and rooms are decorated with Indian prints and brass trim. Beds are positioned along the length of the train — I could hardly feel any movement as I slept.

The majority of meals are eaten on board. Almost everything, from the croissants at breakfast to the handmade chocolates at dinner, is made from scratch. As we sat down to each meal, the head chef, John Stone, would make his way down the carriage, talking to guests about the food and explaining the finer points of some of the Indian dishes. Hailing from Shimla , he likes to include dishes popular with his family on the comprehensive continental menu.

Maharajas' Express train routes

Five different routes all focus on the northern state of Rajasthan and its surrounding areas, with journeys ranging from three to six nights. I experienced the shortest tour: Treasures of India. Taking just three nights, it’s an ideal taste of luxury train travel without committing to the cost of the longer tours.

I was driven from my Delhi hotel to Safdarjung Railway Station in the southern suburbs of the city. Joining my fellow guests on board, brunch was served as the train set off past housing blocks strung with bright lines of washing and green patches of park. Our first stop was Agra.

It’s difficult to miss the Maharajas' Express as it pulls into a station. Its cherry-red body is decorated with gold patterns, and it’s by far the cleanest train. As it arrived into Agra , local musicians announced our arrival on the platform. I stepped off onto a red carpet to receive a welcoming flower garland. This, I was told, is the protocol for every stop.

Coaches branded with the train’s insignia are the mode of transport for touring Agra. Tours are in groups, but you have headphones to listen to the guide, who speaks through a microphone.

The first day in Agra focuses on visiting its calling card, the Taj Mahal. After an early start and a guided tour, you have time to take photographs and relax in the surrounding gardens.

You go back to the train for lunch, then set out again in the afternoon to tour Agra Fort, home of the Mughal emperors. It’s possible to stand where Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son, within view of his masterpiece. You then return to the train for dinner, and depart for Ranthambhore National Park.

From the train, we drove by 4x4 into the park. We’d been warned that the tigers in Ranthambhore were elusive, and we’d be lucky to glimpse a dash of tail. While we were peering into the bushes at a sambar deer, a female tiger casually walked out in front of us. Everyone suddenly went silent as we watched her nonchalantly survey her territory.

You close your cabin curtains that evening on scraggly jungle and open them the next morning to a cityscape crammed with flat-topped apartments and open-faced shops: Jaipur . 

It’s a jeep ride up to Amber Fort, overlooking the surrounding Aravalli Hills. The tour of the fort guides you through a maze of palace rooms and courtyards, culminating in a visit to the Sheesh Mahal, or ‘chamber of mirrors’. This room is covered by so many gems, mirrors and pieces of painted glass it can be lit by a single candle.

The Express’s itineraries include exclusive experiences it wouldn’t be possible to book otherwise. In Jaipur, we were granted access to Jaipur’s royal family’s private quarters of the City Palace. Entertainment was provided in the gardens before we were taken up to their rooftop terrace for a dinner with views across the city. I managed to glimpse at a few royal rooms along the way.

On the final morning, you awake in Delhi to disembark after a substantial breakfast. The Express’s routes begin or end in Delhi but don’t usually include visiting any of its sites. Although it’s noisy and chaotic, I wouldn’t discount spending a few nights in Delhi before you catch the train. A guided city tour will give a taster of what’s to come.

Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels feels a little dated, but that’s part of its charm. One of the first luxury trains dedicated to leisure — those that came before were for royalty or dignitaries — it started running in 1982. The General Manager then is still running the train now. On my first night aboard, we were given a short talk on the history of the train: as a passenger, there’s a real sense of becoming part of its heritage.

The train is made up of 14 saloon coaches, each named after a place on the route. On the coach named Kishangarh, a village noted for its Bani Thani miniature paintings, local artists have painted examples of their work. There are also two restaurants, a lounge car and four service cars for staff.

Four cabins fit into each saloon and share a small lounge. Two valets are assigned to each saloon — Opi and Rasjish who looked after me were always keen to recommend their pick of the day’s menu. The deluxe cabins are clad in polished teak and have sash windows and wall hangings. Upgrade to the presidential suite and you’ll also get a private sitting area.

Palace on Wheels route

Departing every Wednesday, the Palace on Wheels follows a set seven night route across north India. For me, the range of wildlife, key highlights and more offbeat rural areas it covers makes it one of the most comprehensive insights into India. Journeying long distances as you sleep, the train halves the amount of time it would take to complete this trip by car.

Arriving at Delhi Railway Station, I boarded the train in the evening, ready for dinner. Food is a white-gloved, silver-service affair. Service can feel a little slow, but this doesn’t seem to matter when you’re surrounded by gilded mirrors and printed wallpaper. With set dining times, you’ll eat alongside your fellow guests each night.

The first few days of the route, visit the fortress city of Jaipur and Ranthambhore National Park . The train then delves further into Rajasthan, starting with Chittorgarh , a fortress town built by the Rajputs, a prominent Indian ruling family.

Look at a map and you’ll find that Chittorgarh is surrounded by nothing but the odd tiny hamlet. A long drive from the nearest city and with only a couple of very basic hotels, it’s rarely visited. After touring the fort — the largest in India — we settled down to watch the evening’s sound and light show. The fort walls are lit with a succession of moving lights as a voice narrates the history of Chittorgarh.

After dinner on board, the train then continues south to Udaipur . A greener city, Udaipur is set around two lakes, protected by the Aravalli Hills. The Lake Palace sits in the middle of Lake Pichola, a once pleasure palace for a young Mughal prince. It’s now one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It isn’t usually possible to visit unless you stay at the hotel, but as train passengers we had the opportunity to dine there.

The fortress city of Jaisalmer , which marks the gateway to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, has no airport and is a dusty seven-hour drive from the nearest city. As part of the Palace on Wheels route, you wake there after an overnight ride from Udaipur. Jaisalmer’s fort is the only lived-in example in India, and a guided tour takes you past local schools, temples and shops squeezed in between the military and palace buildings.

The train then begins its journey back toward Delhi, stopping in Jodhpur , India’s blue city, before heading onward to Bharatpur . Here you’ll visit Ghana National Park , flourishing wetlands that protect thousands of nesting birds. It’s a key route for migratory birds, and you’ll often see Sarus cranes, egrets and waterfowl.

The train’s finale is a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal, before returning you to Delhi.

The Deccan Odyssey

The Maharashtra Tourist Board conceived the Deccan Odyssey train as a way to encourage visitors to explore alternative, less-visited parts of India. States such as Maharashtra and the Deccan in central India were difficult to travel through, even for the most determined, with few hotels, guides or roads. Setting up a train service swiftly solved the problem.

Running since 2004, the train has been fully refurbished recently. Its light, airy cabins are now furnished with locally sourced fabrics. You’ll find the wooden furniture, under close scrutiny, is veneered rather than carved wood, but everything is clean and fresh. There are two dining cars, a lounge, a spa and a small gym.

Two deluxe cabins occupy each car, with a butler per car providing a personal service. The service on board is very attentive — I enjoyed tea in my cabin each morning — and you’re given a mobile phone preloaded with your butler’s number.

I couldn’t fault the food served on board, enjoying racks of lamb, a traditional Indian thali and far too many desserts. The dishes are beautifully presented, and the chefs take a real pride in their cooking, walking along the dining cars to check how their dishes have been received.

Deccan Odyssey routes

Each of the Deccan Odyssey’s six routes is focused on a hard-to-travel-in part of India. The seven-night Central India route is by far the most leisurely way to reach the remote ancient monuments at Hampi. But, it’s the seven-night Hidden Treasures of Gujarat route which particularly appeals, as it journeys from Mumbai into the rarely visited northwest state of Gujarat.

Touring through Gujarat, you won’t cross big-name sites off your list, but you will see a part of India that has changed very little. In this predominantly tribal state, you’ll be welcomed into the villages of the Agarias and Rabari tribes. Little is known about these farming communities who live on the outskirts of the Rann of Kutch, the largest salt marsh in the world and an otherworldly glowing white landscape stretching as far as you can see.

The salt marsh is slowly being encroached on by the Gir National Park , the last surviving habitat of the Asiatic lion. Slightly smaller than their African counterparts, Asiatic lions have a shorter mane and are speckled with black, giving them an almost silvery tone. As part of the train’s tour, you can take a safari into the park to track the lions; although they’re notoriously cautious, sightings are common.

Completing a circular route back to Mumbai, the train stops at Hindu and Jain temple sites as well as workshops where you can see some of the state’s textile production. Gujarat silk is well-known as one of the finest fabrics produced in India, made into sarees hand-woven with intricate patterns and a popular Indian wedding attire.

Extending your trip

Most of India’s luxury train journeys finish in Delhi or Mumbai, making it easy to extend your trip by jumping on a short flight. If you’re looking for some time to relax, Goa is a direct flight from either city.

You won’t find pristine white-sand beaches but exotic dark-gold sands, dotted with fishing boats, cafés and craft markets. Panjim, now known simply as Goa’s Old Town, was once the capital of the Portuguese Estado da India (State of India). Streets of Portuguese townhouses have been recently restored and painted bright yellow and pink, mango and papaya trees growing out front.

Start planning your luxury train trip through India

Luxury rail tour: a taste of the Maharajas' Express & western Rajasthan

10 days from $10,300pp

Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They're just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.

Further reading

• What to do in India: our highlights guide
• India’s toy trains: Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty
• Choosing the right Indian experience for you
• Food highlights of India: 6 of the best culinary experiences
• More train journey ideas with Audley

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10 Beautiful Train Journeys in India that are Worth Taking

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > India > 10 Beautiful Train Journeys in India that are Worth Taking

There are certain childhood memories that stay etched in our minds forever. For many of us, they are those exciting train journeys that we used to take with our loved ones before flying became the norm. In those golden days, travelling by train meant buying our favourite comics and munchies, sipping on chai, playing card games, and admiring the changing landscapes outside. Since India is a country that boasts diverse topography, a train journey offered and still offers you unique experiences and awesome sights. So, if you wish to relive your childhood and take things a little slow, get ready for these 10 amazing train journeys. Their scenic routes will leave you mesmerised and asking for more.

1. Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway)

Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway) Train Journeys in India

When it comes to taking a short break from the busy Mumbai lifestyle, Goa, the party capital of India, is the first destination that comes to mind. While you can always take the flight, a train journey from Mumbai to Goa promises a different experience altogether. This unique and scenic route encompasses some amazing natural marvels, including Sahyadri Ranges, Arabian Sea, lush green meadows, tunnels, small rivers, bridges, lakes and waterfalls, among others. The route is so scenic that you will find yourself marvelling at the beauty of nature throughout. If you are a photography enthusiast, remember to carry your camera as the route offers photo ops every few seconds.

• Train Route: Mumbai CST – Thane – Khed – Ratnagiri – Pernem – Madgaon

Suggested Read : Top 15 Beaches in Goa to Enjoy Sun, Sand and Sea

2. Bangalore to Goa

Bangalore to Goa Train Journeys in India

This picturesque route is a must-take for every nature enthusiast, especially during the monsoon season. The highlight of the Bangalore to Goa train route is the majestic Dudhsagar Falls which is in its full glory during and after the monsoon. And since trekking to the falls can be risky at this time of the year, taking the train journey is the best way to see this beautiful waterfall up close. The train usually slows down near the falls, giving travellers a chance to soak in the beauty of this wonderful creation of nature and capture some stunning photos. However, the train route from Bangalore to Goa is not only about the waterfall. You can also see the lush green Western Ghats, pass through numerous stone tunnels, and admire the beauty of the changing landscapes throughout.

• Train Route: Yesvantpur Junction – Hubli Junction – Castle Rock – Kulem – Madgaon – Vasco-Da Gama

Suggested Read: North Goa or South Goa – How to Make a Choice?

3. Vasco Da Gama to Londa

Vasco Da Gama to Londa Train Journeys in India

The train journey from Goa’s Vasco De Gama city to Karnataka’s Londa town is always a delightful experience for nature lovers and travel buffs. This beautiful route passes along the spectacular Konkan Coast and the majestic Western Ghats, offering stunning views of dense forests, lush green fields, beach towns and Goan villages. If you are travelling during the monsoon season, you can see many stunning waterfalls gushing down with lush green hills as their backdrop, creating some of the most mesmerising views.

• Train Route: Vasco Da Gama – Madgaon – Castle Rock – Londa Junction

4. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Queen)

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Queen) Train Journeys in India

When you are exploring the vibrant state of Rajasthan, make it a point to travel from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on the Desert Queen train. This 6-hour-long journey will take you through diverse landscapes and leave you in awe. From xerophytic plants, golden sands and sand dunes to grazing camels and deer, you can see them all. There are also some scattered settlements on the way where you can see locals in their traditional attire. Hence, a train journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is more like a long desert safari, offering some of the finest views of this region.

• Train Route: Jaisalmer – Ramdevra – Phalodi Junction – Jodhpur

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

5. Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen)

Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen) Train Journeys in India

Attention all nature lovers! This picturesque train journey is something you can’t afford to miss. The Himalayan Queen train that runs between Kalka and Shimla is more like a toy train that runs on a narrow gauge. It starts from Kalka and travels around 96 km upslope, treating passengers to stunning views of lush pine forests, rugged mountains, verdant valleys, milky-white waterfalls, pretty flowers and serene hill stations. The train makes its way over 864 bridges, through 102 tunnels and around 919 curves, making the journey an amazing one. You can also see some fascinating sights and hamlets on the way that are impossible to witness otherwise. The route holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest rise in altitude throughout the distance of 96 km. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

• Train Route: Kalka – Barog – Kandaghat – Shimla

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Train Journeys in India

Running between Mettupalayam and Ooty, Nilgiri Mountain Railway promises one of the most scenic train journeys in the country. What’s special about this train is that it runs on steam locomotive engines, at a speed of 15 to 30 km per hour. The train journey starts from the plains with paddy fields on both sides. After covering about 7 km, the train enters the Nilgiri Mountain Range. The route boasts exceptional scenic beauty with majestic mountains, deep valleys, tea gardens and abundant fauna. The route comprises around 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, multiple curves and hairpin bends. Hence, a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the best way to reach the beautiful hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor. This popular mountain railway with the steepest track in Asia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

• Train Route: Mettupalayam – Coonoor – Ketti – Ooty

7. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (Island Express)

Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (Island Express) Train Journeys in India

Although a short route of 2 hours, the train journey from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum is among the most picturesque ones in the country. This route will take you through the most beautiful parts of Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. Apart from coconut trees, palm trees, paddy fields and forest-like areas with dense greenery, you can also see some villages, elaborately decorated temples and beautiful churches on the way. Hence, taking this short yet exciting train journey is one of the best ways to experience the real beauty of these popular places in the southern part of India.

• Train Route: Kanyakumari – Kulitthurai – Neyyattinkara – Trivandrum

8. New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)

New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) Train Journeys in India

The toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling is one of the most amazing train journeys in the country. This beautiful route encompasses a series of scenic landscapes that will leave you mesmerised. The toy train starts from the plains of Jalpaiguri and passes through Siliguri, Sukhna, Kurseong and other places before reaching the highest point called Ghoom and then descending towards Darjeeling. Lush forests, tea gardens, cold air and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga add a surreal charm to the journey, something worth experiencing. The train also passes the popular viewing point called Batasia Loop which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire town. Although the toy train moves at a slow pace and along multiple loops and zigzags, it is a top attraction of this region. Moreover, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999.

• Train Route: NJP – Siliguri Junction – Sukna – Rangtong – Kurseong – Ghoom – Darjeeling

9. Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur (Chilka Route)

Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur (Chilka Route) Train Journeys in India

With the Eastern Ghats on one side and Chilka Lake on the other, the 3-hour-long scenic train route from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur is a treat for nature lovers. The beauty of lush green mountains, the massive serene lake, and charming landscape will keep your eyes glued to the train’s window for most of the ride. Chilka Lake, a blackish water lagoon, happens to be the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent as well. So, you may even get lucky enough to spot some beautiful birds on the way. Photography enthusiasts must keep cameras handy to capture the beauty of the lake and the changing landscapes.

• Train Route: Bhubaneshwar – Kuhuri – Chilka – Brahmapur

10. Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway)

Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway) Train Journeys in India

Constructed on major earthquake zones and mountainous terrains, this 356 km long route from Jammu to Baramulla is counted among the most challenging and picturesque projects of the Indian Rail System. The train passes through multiple scenic towns in the Kashmir Valley and offers a glimpse into the lives of Kashmiris. You can also see several high-altitude mountain passes, tunnels, snow-capped mountains, Chenab River and over 700 bridges on the way. The topographical diversity during this 13-hour journey will make the experience enjoyable and worthwhile. However, the region experiences extremely cold winters with heavy snowfall, so keep this in mind when you’re planning a trip.

• Train Route: Jammu – Katra – Banihal – Baramulla  

Apart from the above, there are many other scenic train routes in India that are worth taking. Some popular ones include Matheran to Neral, Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley, Guwahati to Silchar and Ratnagiri to Mangalore, among others. No matter which one you decide to take, the best thing about train journeys is that they help you see places that are not easy to reach otherwise. Hence, when it comes to enjoying the real beauty of India, embarking on a train ride is the best option. Just keep the weather condition in mind and book train tickets as well as hotel rooms at the destination in advance to get good deals.

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Why is PM Modi embarking on a 20-hour train journey for seven-hour trip to Ukraine?

Pm modi will embark on a 20-hour journey aboard the train force one, a luxury train from poland, for his first visit to ukraine. the special train, which has hosted several world leaders, features luxurious amenities and executive-level work and relaxation facilities..

However, instead of travelling via a flight to Kyiv, PM Modi will undertake a 20-hour journey from the Polish border aboard the Train Force One, a luxury train from Poland. PM Modi will embark on the train journey for his roughly seven-hour-long visit to the Ukrainian capital, where he will meet the top leadership of the embattled country to deepen defence cooperation.

What is special about Train Force One?

The Train Force One is a specially designed high-security train that provides a comfortable journey through Kyiv, featuring luxurious amenities and executive-level work and relaxation facilities. It boasts wood-panelled cabins equipped for both work and leisure, including a spacious table for meetings, a plush sofa, a wall-mounted TV, and comfortable sleeping arrangements.

Originally constructed in 2014 to cater to tourists visiting Crimea, these luxury carriages were repurposed following Russia's annexation of the peninsula to safely transport world leaders and VIPs through the conflict-ridden region. It also has armoured windows, surveillance systems, a secure communication network and a dedicated team of security personnel.

PM Modi is not the only leader to travel to Ukraine through this train. World leaders such as US President Joe Biden, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni had travelled through the same route and means amid security concerns due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

Why is PM Modi travelling via Train Force One?

The Prime Minister's decision to travel to Kyiv through the luxury train instead of a flight has been made with regard to heightened security concerns owing to the ongoing conflict. All airports in Ukraine are currently closed as the war-torn country is engaged in a years-long battle with Russia. Hence, it was decided that the train would be the safest option.

He will take a train journey of nearly 10 hours to reach Kyiv from the Polish border. The time will be the same when he returns to the Polish border. Before leaving New Delhi, PM Modi said he is looking forward to the opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation and share perspectives on a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. 

ALSO READ |  PM Modi to travel Ukraine by Rail Force One: Workstation to chill area, what's inside luxurious train | PICS

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Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL NEWS , HIMACHAL PRADESH / Created : Aug 22, 2024, 13:00 IST

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This immersive experience is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, drawn by the promise of a scenic journey through one of India’s most picturesque regions. The unique design of the coaches allows for an un … Read more

This immersive experience is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, drawn by the promise of a scenic journey through one of India’s most picturesque regions. The unique design of the coaches allows for an unparalleled view, which will make the journey in itself a key part of the tourist experience. Read less

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PM Narendra Modi to undertake 10-hour train journey to Ukraine: Report

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Ukraine on August 23. The PM is expected to be in Kyiv for seven hours while his trip will also involve 20 hours on a train.

This train has earlier ferried leaders like US President Joe Biden and French head Emmanuel Macron when they visited Kyiv.

Modi's visit marks the first by an Indian leader since the Russian action against Ukraine began in February 2022. The visit was formally announced by the External Affairs Ministry on Monday.

Preparations for Modi's visit began weeks back, involving close coordination on logistics and security, Hindustan Times reported citing anonymous sources. Modi is expected to travel via the 'Rail Force One' overnight train which had carried Biden from Poland to Kyiv in February 2023.

Ukraine has swapped out the electric locomotives for diesel ones since Russia landed significant damage on the nation's electricity networks and power generation units, thus increasing the time it takes for the train to travel from Poland's border to Kyiv, the publication reported.

It is a ten-hour journey now, and Modi is expected to depart for Ukraine on August 22, after ending his meetings in Poland -- which is his first stop before he heads to the war-torn European nation. From Ukraine, the PM will take the Ukrzaliznytsia or Ukrainian Railways operated train to return to Poland.

Modi had visited Russia earlier this year, triggering criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Western allies.

"India has substantive and independent ties with both Russia and Ukraine and these partnerships stand on their own," Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West) in the MEA said at a media briefing, yesterday. Lal added "Lasting peace can only be achieved through options that are acceptable to both parties and it can only be a negotiated settlement. India continues to engage with all stakeholders."

(With PTI inputs)

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All About 'Force One': Train PM Modi Will Travel In Through Ukraine

Pm modi's trip will involve a 20-hour train journey, during which he will travel on the 'rail force one' overnight train. this specially designed train offers a secure and comfortable journey through war-torn ukraine..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 (File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on August 23 in what's going to be the first visit by an Indian PM to Ukraine in over 30 years. The External Affairs Ministry announced the visit on Monday, revealing that PM Modi will spend seven hours in Kyiv.

PM Modi's trip will involve a 20-hour train journey, during which he will travel on the 'Rail Force One' overnight train. This specially designed train offers a secure and comfortable journey through war-torn Ukraine, equipped with advanced security features, luxurious amenities and executive-level work and relaxation facilities.

'Rail Force One'

Rail Force One represents "Iron Diplomacy," a term coined by Ukraine's railway CEO, Alexander Kamyshin. Since the Russian invasion, Ukraine's rail network has become the country's diplomatic highway due to cancelled commercial air links and dangerous skies. 

Over 200 foreign diplomatic missions have arrived in Ukraine by train so far. This train has ferried world leaders like US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Other world leaders like Justin Trudeau, Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni have also taken the train to Kyiv. 

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky regularly uses the railway network for diplomatic missions abroad.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is the only G7 leader yet to visit Ukraine by train.

Inside 'Rail Force One'

The interiors of Train Force One are a sight to behold, rivalling the prestige of its esteemed guest list. It has wood-panelled cabins with everything needed for work and relaxation.

Amenities include a spacious table for high-stakes meetings, a plush sofa and a TV mounted on the wall. Comfortable sleeping arrangements are also provided. 

These luxury carriages were initially built in 2014 to accommodate tourists visiting Crimea. However, following Russia's annexation of the peninsula, they were repurposed to safely transport world leaders and VIPs through the war-torn country. 

Ukraine's rail network

Ukraine's rail network is one of the largest in the world, spanning almost 25,000 km. Ukrzaliznytsia, the state-owned railway company, is a crucial transportation hub, ranking sixth in passenger transport and seventh in freight globally.

The network, built-in pre-Soviet times, uses a broad gauge railway, different from the standard gauge used in most of Europe. Although cross-border links to Russia have been destroyed, Ukrzaliznytsia still connects with neighbouring countries like Moldova, Poland, and Romania. To overcome gauge differences, sections of previously defunct lines have been rebuilt, and infrastructure has been repaired at 11 border crossings.

This effort is vital for passenger travel and freight transportation, including Ukrainian grain exports. In 2022, Ukrzaliznytsia transported 28.9 million tons of grain, mostly for export, and nearly 60 million tons of goods. The company also transported 17.1 million passengers via long-distance trains, predominantly sleeper services.

Beyond transportation, Ukrzaliznytsia played a critical role in evacuating refugees, helping four million people to safety in 2022, including a quarter who were children. The company also transported nearly 336,000 tons of humanitarian aid and evacuated 2,500 civilians for medical treatment via rail. 

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Meanwhile, PM Modi's upcoming visit to Ukraine is being watched closely as India has positioned itself as a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July, PM Modi is heading to Ukraine on August 23.

PM Modi will depart for Ukraine on August 22, after meetings in Poland, and arrive in Kyiv on August 23. He will spend around seven hours in Ukraine, discussing matters with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, before returning to Poland on the same train. 

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