Picturesque Train Journeys To Undertake In India Atleast Once That Give You 'Chaiya Chaiya' Feels

If one thing that Indians will always remain indebted to the Britishers is establishing railways in India. Railways not only made our lives easier by giving us the means of commuting but also endowed us with some major enticing routes amidst all-embracing landscapes and visual retreats, giving us more reasons to love our beautiful India. So without any further ado, let's dive into the list which offers us the most picturesque train routes to embark upon with whistles and chugging wheels!

1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

Picture Credits: cholan_tours

Who doesn’t remember gutsy Shahrukh and Malaika grooving to the beats of the iconic song ‘Chaiya Chaiya’ on the train's roof while it was meandering through sweeping lush landscapes? FYI, this Nilgiri Mountain, Railway, fondly called To,y Train, set up the backdrop of this song. The 1,000 mm metre gauge railway forms the leading charisma of Ooty as it passes through lush green valleys and steep curves consisting of 16 tunnels and 250 bridges. Dreamy! A ride on this train promises such breathtaking views of the hill station that you’ll be blessed with a jaw-dropping experience to cherish for a lifetime. 

Where | Udhagamandalam To Coonoor

2. Mandovi Express 

Picture Credits: me.railfan

The most talked-about cities of India among the Millennials and GenZs, Mumbai and Goa’s connecting route offers equal treasures to cherish. The entire avenue looks like it's straight outta paradise; an untouched nature in its full glory to be precise. Perhaps living through the experience does more justice than describing the dreamlike beauty of some pathways. You gotta mount this journey on your own and get soaked into sheer enticement as it passes through infinite stretches of azure waters, stunning bridges, numerous tunnels and villages under shades of coconut trees.

Where | Mumbai To Goa

3. Vasco De Gama To Londa (Karnataka)

Picture Credits: udaykrishna79

We can’t wait to traverse through the Konkan Coast and the fascinating Western Ghats Mountains and witness the dense forests, pristine beaches, lofty waterfalls, mystifying tunnels and exuberant green fields. The very thought of passing through this enigmatic rail route is giving us chills and the thrill of exploring the abundance of natural beauty at the same time. Surprisingly, you’ll get to ogle India’s tallest waterfalls, Dudhsagar sprinkling chilly water on your face at Goa and Karnataka’s border. 

P.S. We have already fallen in love with the panoramic views!

4. Darjeeling Toy Train

Picture Credits: saurabh_uike_official

Looks straight out from the postcards, don’t you think so? Well, this mesmerising picture is just a trailer, kyunki picture Abhi baaki hai mere dost! You are bound to get awestruck when the train that winds through the tea plantations will offer you such a surreal sight to behold and also the bewildering sight of the Kanchenjunga Range will get etched in your eyes, mind and soul. Just making you a little learned, this train whistled in tune with Rajesh Khanna's song ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu’ or the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Barfi; the toy train has been an epitome of romance. Ride with your bae here and fall in love all over again!

5. Himalayan Queen

Picture Credits: vineetsharma527

How can ‘Jab We Met’ lovers forget this classic train? Seems Bollywood has the expertise in making the greatest romances on wheels! Aboard the train and treat your eyes to the most picturesque and scenic landscapes overlooking gorgeous views of 20 railway stations, 800 bridges, 103 tunnels, and 900 curves. A one-of-a-kind experience from Kalka to Shimla is surely gonna give you an ocean of memorable visuals to behold and brag among your friends. We’re already envisaging the mesmerising topography that is gonna come our way!

Where | Kalka To Shimla

6. Island Express

Picture Credits: doctor_trainspotter

Southern India will surely impress you with its natural bounty of coconut trees as this train weaves past typical Tamil and Keralite architecture in the lap of nature. The enthralling route offers Gopurams and majestically crafted Southern temples, the epitome of excellent craftsmanship. The two-hour short journey will awaken your wanderlust, and you’ll fo sho yearn for more and more. This gorgeous route is one whose inexplicable charm cannot be illustrated in words. So plan your next vacation here. 

Where |  Kanyakumari To Trivandrum

7. Sethu Express 

Picture Credits: brightrayproductions

Another offbeat train passage that’ll surely transport you to the realm of astonishment is this train journey which passes through the longest bridge in India, the Palk Strait, which is built over the sea. Legit Scary! It is the only train avenue in India which speaks for the beauty and exalts the mystifying appeal of the sea. Pay heed when we say that there’s something mysterious about the sea which can only be felt when one comes across its charisma. Our souls cannot wait to be captivated by this magical journey and we’ve added this to our bucket list! 

Where | Chennai To Rameswaram

Folks! As we come to the end of the list, make sure that you go and board your fave route, naa, you should defo take all of them at least once in a lifetime and thank us later(for giving you major vacay goals)!