Best Train Journeys in India for a Scenic Ride (2025 Edition)

India is home to some of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world. From the Himalayan foothills to the lush Western Ghats, Indian Railways offers unforgettable scenic routes that pass through snow-capped mountains, dense forests, coastal stretches, and historic landscapes.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a nature lover, or just seeking a relaxing travel experience, these train rides will leave you mesmerized.

Top Scenic Train Journeys in India (2025 Edition)

Train Name & RouteRegions CoveredHighlightsBest Time to Travel
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)(New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling)West BengalUNESCO World Heritage Site, tea plantations, mountain viewsOctober - March
Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (Kalka - Shimla)Himachal Pradesh102 tunnels, colonial-era bridges, Himalayan landscapesMarch - June, October - December
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam - Ooty)Tamil NaduSteepest rail track in Asia, tea estates, misty hillsOctober - March
Konkan Railway (Mandovi Express) (Mumbai - Goa)Maharashtra, GoaArabian Sea views, lush forests, river bridgesJune - February
Himalayan Queen(Kalka - Shimla)Himachal PradeshSnow-capped peaks, heritage route, pine forestsOctober - March
Matheran Hill Railway (Neral - Matheran)MaharashtraNo pollution, dense forests, panoramic valley viewsOctober - May
Jammu-Baramulla Train ❄️ (Banihal - Baramulla, Kashmir Valley)Jammu & KashmirSnow-clad mountains, apple orchards, river crossingsDecember - March
Araku Valley Train (Visakhapatnam - Araku Valley)Andhra Pradesh58 tunnels, waterfalls, coffee plantationsOctober - February
Dudhsagar Falls Train Journey (Goa - Karnataka)Goa, KarnatakaMonsoon waterfalls, deep forest tunnelsJuly - September
Vivek Express (Dibrugarh - Kanyakumari)Entire India (Longest Train Route)Covers India's diverse landscapesYear-round
Palace on Wheels (Rajasthan Circuit)RajasthanLuxury train, historic palaces, desert landscapesOctober - March

Detailed Breakdown of the Best Train Journeys in India

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) (Heritage train journey in India, Himalayan toy train experience)

Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (88 km)
Why Take This Train?
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • Tea gardens & colonial charm

2. Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (Scenic train ride in India, best mountain railways in India)

Route: Kalka to Shimla (96 km)
Why Take This Train?
  • 102 tunnels & 900 bridges
  • Steepest gradient in the Indian railway network
  • Beautiful pine & deodar forests

3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Train journey through tea plantations, misty hills of Ooty)

Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty (46 km)
Why Take This Train?
  • Asia’s steepest railway line
  • Dense forests, waterfalls & tea gardens
  • Heritage steam locomotive experience

4. Konkan Railway (Mandovi Express) (Scenic train journey along India's coastline, best train ride from Mumbai to Goa)

Route: Mumbai to Goa
Why Take This Train?
  • Lush green landscapes, coconut groves, & sea views
  • Over 2,000 bridges & 91 tunnels
  • Dramatic coastal cliffs & winding rivers

5. Jammu-Baramulla Train ❄️ (Train journey through Kashmir Valley, snow train in India)

Route: Banihal to Baramulla (138 km)
❄️ Why Take This Train?
  • Mesmerizing snow-covered mountains in winter
  • Apple orchards & saffron fields
  • Passes through the Pir Panjal Tunnel (India’s longest railway tunnel)

6. Araku Valley Train (Tropical train journey, coffee plantations, and waterfalls in India)

Route: Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley
Why Take This Train?
  • 58 tunnels & dense forests
  • Stunning waterfalls & coffee plantations
  • Best hill station train ride in South India

7. Dudhsagar Falls Train Journey (Best monsoon train journey in India, train ride to waterfalls in India)

Route: Goa - Karnataka
Why Take This Train?
  • Crosses Dudhsagar Waterfalls (one of India's tallest waterfalls)
  • Lush green forests of the Western Ghats
  • Best visited during the monsoon (July-September)

Why You Should Experience These Train Journeys in 2025

✅ Most scenic train rides in India
✅ Budget-friendly alternative to flights
✅ Unique experiences: waterfalls, snow, tunnels & beaches
✅ Perfect for photography, relaxation, and adventure seekers
Which of these scenic train journeys have you taken? Share your experiences below!
 
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