Train journeys are a unique experience and bring back fun memories from childhood. With its vast and varied terrain, India offers some of the best, beautiful and unforgettable train journeys that you’d ever take. Lets have a look at some of the most exotic and surreal train journeys through India.
1. THE PAMBAN BRIDGE:
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The bridge stretches from Rameswaram on Pamban island to the mainland India. The cantilever bridge has completed 100 years of operation this year. It has a long stretch of 2.4 km across the sea offering unparalleld sights. It is a magnificent cantilever bridge which is raised every time a ship needs to cross!
2. THE DUDH SAGAR TRAIN ROUTE:
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Falling on the Hubli-Goa route, this one offers a view of the great Dudh Sagar waterfalls, one of the largest of India. The heart skips a beat at the sight of these falls. They are called Dudh Sagar on account of the milk like appearance of water. The sound of fresh water splashing against the rocks will ease the nauseatic feeling in the train. Waterfalls on one side and lake on the other will be a forever cherished memory of your life.
3. THE DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY (TOY TRAIN):
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The railway was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO and mainly runs for the tourists now. The train finds its way through the tea plantations and tea factories. It also gives you a ride through the local orchards of chestnut, maple and cherry. Loops are the speciality of this track. Chugging through the lush green bushes and plantations, the train will show you a whole lot of Darjeeling along its way.
4. THE JAIPUR-JAISALMER RAILWAY LINE:
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The train rides through the middle of the great Thar desert showing you the bright desert. The sight of mud huts and nomads walking and their camels grazing is really picturesque. It would be a perfect ride if one is lucky enough to see the sunset or the sunrise in the desert.
5. THE HIMALAYAN QUEEN:
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A toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla is what everyone wishes for. The train passes through 100 + tunnels which is the highlight of the entire ride as it slowly chugs through the beautiful scenery.The line is also a world heritage line.
6. THE KONKAN RAILWAY LIINE:
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It stands today only because of the intellect and bravery of the engineers who built it against all the odds of nature. It passes through a number of bridges over the land and rivers. The beautiful and dense forests along its way and the cool breeze might be the reason for you being awestruck.
7. THE NILGIRI MOUNTAIN RAILWAY:
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It is listed among the most beautiful mountain railways of India and is a world heritage line too, an extension to the Darjeeling Himalayan railway. The train chugs through the blue capped mountains and lush green forests of Nigliri. The tranquility of the ride makes it irresistible for any nature enthusiast.
8. ARAKU VALLEY RAILWAY:
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Araku is famous for its natural bounty full of caves and valleys which makes it a hub for nature enthusiasts from all over the world. So does the rail ride to this place, which is one of the rare broad gauge hill railways of India. Cutting across many waterfalls and passing through caves travelling in Kothavalasa and Kirandla (KK) line, it is a sight to behold.
9. THE KARJAT LONAVALA RAILWAY:
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This ride, from Karjat to Lonavala in Maharashtra, will make you feel like you’re setting out for a trekking trip. The route across the hinterland of Western Ghats awakens the nature lover in anyone especially during monsoons with its numerous small streams flowing down the hills.
10. ERNAKULAM TRIVANDRUM RAILWAY:
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The magical ride across Kerala with all its enchanting waters, coconut trees in every direction will make you feel like you’re home. The clear lakes and water channels that could be seen all along the route from Ernakulam to Trivandrum through Kollam are breath taking, not to forget the islands formed out of backwaters.
11. GUWAHATI SILCHAR RAILWAY:
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This route from Guwahati to Silchar through Lumding has earned its title of the most dangerous stretch of railways of India. As scary as it sounds, it is even more beautiful with its vast picturesque stretch of greenery followed by the ride along the river Jatinga. The train makes its way into the Barak valley full of tea plantations before hitting the planes.
12. HASSAN MANGLORE RAILWAY:
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This route, being in the Malnad region is surrounded by the plush green paddy fields as far as the eye can see. Racing through the mountains, it passes through more than 50 tunnels and the breath taking view of the misty mountains will be the one thing you will cherish forever.
13. THE ISLAND EXPRESS (KANYAKUMARI TO TRIVANDRUM):
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The train journey in this route introduces us to typical Tamil and Keralite architectures, both completely different yet give a unified awe inspiring view blending in with the backdrop of closely packed coconut trees.
14. MANDOVI EXPRESS:
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This train connects the two most popular cities of India, one for its busy and hectic lifestyle and the other for its gorgeous beaches i.e, Mumbai and Goa. The dazzling waters of the Arabian Sea and the never ending tunnels and bridges makes you wish the journey were endless, momentarily forgetting the excitement to reach the destination. You wouldn’t know whether to be happy that you reached the exciting destination or be sad that the equally incredible journey has just ended.
