Train journey is the most pleasurable way of travelling, when for the length of the journey, one is cut off from the rest of the world, and can relax, and in a way refresh oneself before joining back the rat race. India is the fourth largest where railway network is concerned and comprises 119,630 kilometres of total track length, and 92,081 km of running track over a route of 66,687 km, with 7,216 stations at the end of 2015-16.
Some of the train routes in India are spectacular and take one’s breath away. Train journey itself can be pleasurable, and on the following routes travel gets further enhanced.
The Journey from Kalka to Shimla In The Himalayan Queen
This journey, which is undertaken in the Toy Train, will provide glimpses of the scenic landscape. The journey which is 96 Km long started in 1903, and passes through 102 tunnels and 82 bridges. This route also features in the Guinness Book of World Records for the steepest rise in altitude in the span of 96 km. The entire route covered with pine trees, oak, valleys, Deodar, Rhodendron forests will leave you enthralled.
The Journey From Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling In the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The journey on this route is breath-taking. With tea gardens all around and the great Himalayas giving a mystical backdrop, the fresh air, and the rapidly changing landscape will leave you wanting more.
Chugging along from Vasco Da Gama to Londa In the Goa Express
This route is one of the most beautiful as the train takes you from Goa to Karnataka. Ethnic Goan villages along the way and the lush greenery all along is sure to win your heart. But what will take your breath away is the milky water of the four tiered Dudhsagar waterfalls cascading from a height of 310 meters. The sheer beauty of it, especially during the monsoons, is certain to be overwhelming; so close that you can feel drops on your face as the train crosses it.
Kanyakumari –Trivandrum in the Island Express
This train journey takes you through the spectacular landscape of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with Churches, Gopurams and the most ornate temples all along the way, and coconut trees lining the sky.
The Dooars Voyage that Goes through Siliguri- Newmal – Hasimara- Alipurduar
Get one with the wildlife of the North-East as this train route takes you through wild life sanctuaries including the Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary, Chapramari forest, Jaldapara Wildlife sanctuary, and Buxa Tiger Reserve. Interwoven with innumerable streams along the way, the view from the train window on this route is indeed breathtaking. If you remain alert you may even catch a herd of elephant walking along the tracks.
Mandapam – Pamban – Rameswaram
This train journey is one of the most thrilling, as it is considered to be dangerous because the train has to cover the second longest bridge in India across the 2-Km stretch of Pamban Channel, connecting Mandapam to the island of Rameshwaram. The bridge is extremely narrow and only the aquamarine waters of the strait is visible till the horizon. The view will leave you enthralled.
The Desert Queenfrom Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
A train journey across the vast expanses of desert, is invigorating as well as scary at the same time. With no vegetation for miles and miles, a few thatched mud houses dotting the desert, and camels grazing around, the scenery is hauntingly beautiful. Be sure to wake up early and catch the sunrise over the horizon in the desert. It will leave you spellbound.
There are also other beautiful train routes in India. So, the next time you plan to go on a holiday, instead of taking the flight and looking at endless skies, travel by train and enjoy the beauty of India.
