16 Stunning Railway Routes In India That’ll Make Your Train Journey The Most Scenic Adventure Ever

Travelling by train has its own special charm, and India's railway network boasts some routes that offer unparalleled and mesmerising views. A few of these scenic wonders have even secured a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage list! Crazy right? We’ve curated a list of 16 breathtaking railway routes in India that showcase the country’s diverse topography and natural beauty. If you’ve ever dreamed of a journey like the one in the classic DDLJ, where the train scenes are as iconic as the romance, then you’ll love these stunning railway routes.

1. Jammu - Baramulla

Picture Credit : baramulla.nic.in

Journeying from Jammu to Baramulla offers a spellbinding ride through the lush Kashmir Valley. As the train snakes along, you’ll be treated to views of fields and the majestic Himalayas, making it a sight for sore eyes. This route is all about picturesque landscapes and serene beauty that could give any Bollywood travel montage a run for its money. Keep your camera ready for every turn will reveal a postcard-worthy view!

2. Mettupalayam - Ooty

Picture Credit : experiences/toy-train-ride

Hop aboard the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty for a trip that’s straight out of a fairytale. The charming toy train chugs through rolling hills and tea plantations, offering views that are nothing short of magical. This route, with its lush greenery and misty landscapes, will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a classic travel film. 

3. Karjat - Lonavala

Picture Credit : WGOIvideo

The train ride from Karjat to Lonavala is a thrilling journey through the lush Western Ghats. As the train travels through dense forests and scenic valleys, you'll encounter beautiful waterfalls and hills that look like they've been plucked from a nature documentary. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this route promises stunning vistas and Instagram-worthy moments!

4. Guwahati - Silchar

Picture Credit : soham84864

Buckle up for the Guwahati to Silchar train ride, where you’ll cross the scenic beauty of Assam. This route showcases lush tea gardens and the soothing Barak Valley, with picturesque landscapes that change with every mile. The journey feels like a soothing dip into the heart of India’s northeastern charm, making it a must-visit for any avid traveller looking for serene and captivating scenery.

5. New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling

Picture Credit : TheDarjChron

Take the historic toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling for a nostalgic and breathtaking journey. Winding through the stunning Himalayas, this route offers panoramic views of the mountain ranges and tea estates, transporting you to a world of timeless beauty. It’s a journey that combines historical charm with natural splendour, making it a cinematic experience you won’t forget.

6. Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley

Picture Credit : prudhvichowdary

Board the train from Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley for a rollercoaster of breathtaking views. The route cuts through the lush Eastern Ghats, offering glimpses of verdant forests, scenic gorges, and cascading waterfalls. This ride is a visual feast and perfect for those who love a good adventure coupled with serene landscapes that could easily star in a travel documentary.

7. Pamban Bridge

Picture Credits: Destinations/pamban-bridge

This bridge is more than 100 years old, as it was first commissioned in the year 1914. It's the only connection to Pamban Island from the mainland, and there is the Indian Ocean on both sides, making it a journey of a lifetime. With the blue ocean spread across both sides of the railway track, it is touted to be one of the most dangerous train tracks; however, no one can deny the ethereal journey of this route.

8. Dudhsagar Falls

Picture Credits: judecia.s/

A route winding through caves and dense forests this railway track falls nice right next to Dudhsagar Falls, which is one of India's tallest waterfalls. The unparalleled beauty of this majestic waterfall nestled between lush green forest cover is going to make travelling worthwhile for everyone who believes they have the wanderlust soul. Located in Goa, make sure to experience this journey for yourself!

9. Kalka - Shimla 

Picture Credits: Pankaj Kumar Maurya

Kalka-Shimla railway line is another scenic ride that you should take when you’re at the hill station. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this route consists of a single track and the toy train ride is definitely worth travelling at least once. The beauty of the surrounding area is mesmerising. You will be greeted by the sight of lush green forest dotted along the hills of the surrounding area during summer while it's shrouded in snow during winter.

10. Matheran Hill Railway

Picture Credits: meinbhiphotographer

This narrow gorge railway in Maharashtra covers a distance of 21 km and is on the tentative list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. It's one of the five historical mountain railways in India and the route of the toy train crawls its way in a zigzag pattern along the stretch. However, the route itself is not very long but it takes approx. 2 hours to cover the same because of the steep slopes along the way. The panoramic view of the grassy plains and thousand of trees & species of plants are scattered along the area, making it a truly wonderful experience.

11. Mumbai - Goa

Picture Credits: acidschnitzel

This route intersects through many gorges, and you can find fringes of the Arabian Sea gleaming below all the bridges the train crosses. A track that looks over the spectacular landscape and passes through several tunnels & bridges, this route overlooks coastal peripheries, innumerable small rivers and pretty meadows. The beauty of the flora will make you want to whip out your camera to capture it behind the lens so that you can remember the scenic beauty.

12. Kangra Valley Railway

Picture Credits: midhunsankarcp

A route that runs from Pathankot to Jogindernagar falls in the Sub-Himalayan region of Kangra Valley, hence the name. The highest point on the line is Arju Station, which is located at an elevation of 1,290 m. The majestic forest along the valley makes a wondrous site for travellers and the trains moving on the narrow gorge make it an exhilarating journey. The highlight of this slow but pleasant ride for the passengers is that it passes through the area’s scenic beauty at challenging heights. 

13. Siliguri - Darjeeling

Picture Credits: squeakybeans

Even though the journey on this route is regarded as sluggish, this 78-km long stretch of gorgeous topography compensates for the lengthy travel time. Its regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the leisurely train ride is something that one should experience if they want to take in the flora of the region at an unhurried pace. Though the journey starts at the foothills, there are loops and bends during the ride making it an exciting trip.

14. Jammu - Udhampur 

The Jammu to Udhampur of the Kashmir railways gives a spectacular overview of the lush greenery and the mountains. The route covers a distance of 54 KM and slides its way through various tunnels and bridges. Relatively a new railway track addition to the already existing railway networks that were built during the British era. Hop on for a memorable ride and enthralling journey. 

15. Nilgiri Mountain Railway 

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The Nilgiri mountain railway gives you a breathtaking view of the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. The railway track crossed the beautiful landscapes of the southern hills and was built during the British Era. It is one of the only rack railways in India and covers a stretch of 46 KM approx. Be prepared to be mesmerised by the beauty as it passes through the queen of Hills Ooty. 

16. Konkan Railways 

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For a serene view and majestic journey, take a trip on the Konkan Railways. The railway route covers areas such as Ratnagiri, Mangalore, Honavar and Madgaon. The track covered the beautiful coastal region of India as well as overlooks the bewildering forests, falls and plateaus. The railway track connects a 741 KM stretch and connects over three states. If you wanna experience something magical, then take a ride through Konkan Railways. 

These were some of India’s most gorgeous train rides that you have to experience at least once. After all, we don’t say Incredible India for no reason!