It is true that railways are the lifeline of our nation. Even in this fast-paced world, while some of us would prefer the convenience of an airplane, there is no denying the fact that a train journey has an inexplicable charm to it. Whether it is about buying novels, comics and magazines from a vendor at the railway station, gathering packs of munchies for the ride, playing the most familiar card games with the fellow passengers or sitting by the window sill to admire the charming landscape, every train trip comes with an endearing memory of its own. If you are trying to choose one of the best train trips in India for your next getaway, then here is an exhaustive list of options for you to consider.
Kalka to Shimla:
A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, this toy train was started way back in 1903 and is a treat for sore eyes. Although a slower way to reach Shimla, the picturesque valleys and breathtaking views with pine trees, oaks, Deodar, Rhododendron forests, etc. make the ride quite worth it. It is one of those tourist train rides that are even more stunning than the final destination. The entire journey is truly enchanting but what makes it even more special is the slow pace as the train ascends the slope rhythmically through stations of Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Barog, Salogra, Totu and Summerhill to reach the summer capital. If you are a nature lover who wants to escape to the hills and just breathe in its awe-inspiring beauty, then this is the best train trip for you. Mumbai to Goa:
This might sound like a cliche but if you want those ‘dil chahta hai’ vibes without the hassle of driving all the way, then you should consider taking a train journey from Bombay to Goa. Both Mumbai and Goa are two of the most talked about places in India. One for being a busy metropolis and the other for being the ultimate holiday destination. It is not surprising that the train journey connecting these two remarkable places is equally remarkable. Running between the Sahyadri hills on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, this scenic route will give you postcard memory worth moments every minute of the journey. The train cruises through a breath-taking landscape with a view of the endless sea, paddy hues and undisturbed villages nestled under coconut trees. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesquetrain journey holidays you can book. And if you love the sea, sun and sand, then we might have a winner! Don’t forget to keep your camera handy as you will pass through coastal peripheries, gorgeous valleys and little bubbling streams that will catch you by surprise. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum:
If you are a fan of architecture and admire the intricate details of a monument every chance you get, then you should check out this short train ride from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum. You will get a chance to witness a completely different style of architecture as Gopurams and ornately decorated temples cross over to give way to typical Keralite churches. This journey also brings out South India’s pristine natural beauty to the foreground. Matheran to Neral:
As the only Heritage railway of Maharashtra, this journey is ideal if you want to take your mind off things and just revel in the beauty of a rail trip. The narrow gauge railway running between Matheran and Neral passes was built by Akbar Peerbhoy way back between the years 1901 to 1907 and it is one of the best train routes in India. Running through large swathes of forest territory, it offers an amazing atmosphere of peace and tranquility which is hard to find in cities. It passes through the rugged terrains of the Ghats and because of the picturesque locales, it has managed to gain immense tourist attraction. Despite running a short distance of just 20 kilometers, the Matheran to Neral route has secured a spot for itself in the list of India’s best train journeys. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur:
A luxury train vacation like no other, a train ride between these two popular destinations of the royal state can be an exhilarating experience. A trip to Rajasthan, which is already a booming and internationally acclaimed tourist destination, becomes even more delightful when it is taken on a train. The journey is anything but monotonous. In fact, travellers can see diversified topography which includes everything from typical desert landscapes with xerophytic vegetation to the yellow soil, and from dunes & grazing camels to the scattered settlements of the desert inhabitants. The passengers will surely get a feel of the desert safari even before they undertake one. If you are really interested in a Deluxe train vacation , then you can check out our Deluxe Tourist Train. An infamous train that has successfully managed to carve a niche for itself in the tourism industry, it offers an enchanting train journey to the very heart of Rajasthan and showcases India’s true cultural heritage like no other. Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur:
A great hit among bird watchers all over the country, this route from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur is also sometimes known as Chilika route. If you want to discover the grandeur of Orissa, then a morning ride between these two destinations will give you ample opportunity to do so. Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the Chilika lake, this train route is not only scenic, it offers a breathtaking view of the rising sun over the clear azure waters. It is interesting to note that Chilika is the second largest lagoon for migratory birds and the second largest internal salt water lake in Asia which is another reason why it attracts so many tourists from far and wide. And this is not all! Lake Chilika also boasts of being one of the only two places in the world where one can spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. So, what are you waiting for? Book the best train vacation from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur and you might be lucky enough to set your eyes on a rare dolphin. Mandapam to Rameshwaram:
Made infamous because this route is considered to be one of the most dangerous routes in India as it runs on a thin bridge. So, if you are looking for a dose of adrenaline and want some adventure, then this exciting train route is a must-try for you. The bridge over which this route runs is also quite well-known because it is the second longest bridge in India. The route connects Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to the glorious island of Rameswaram. The panoramic beauty of this journey will make you fall in love with nature instantly. After all, train journey holidays are all about sitting back and enjoying the view. So that one can leave all worries behind and just look out of the window as the world slowly whirls by. An unspoiled and quiet town, Rameshwaram is regarded as one of the holiest places of worship for Hindus and the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple located right in the middle of the sacred town attracts devotees from all over the world. So, if you want to gather your family and seek the blessings of the lord, then this tour is ideally suited for you. As your kids would love the opportunity to travel through this route and you can attain noble merit by paying homage at the sacred site.
Aren’t these train journeys in India absolutely irresistible? Plan your trip with IRCTC Tourism and you can experience the glamour of these stunning train rides that will sweep you off your feet and leave you with fond moments. Relive some of your most loved childhood memories by hopping into a train and exploring the beauty of the topographically diverse subcontinent that is India. These are just some of the best train vacations that you can undertake.
But IRCTC tourism has a wide array of inexpensive train trips, Deluxe train vacations, train travel planner, train vacation packages, tourist train rides, etc. So, to experience the best train trip in India, you just need to make a choice, book the package on the official tourism website and your dream holiday will turn into a reality. Admiring the changing landscapes as the train moves from one beautiful city to another while sipping a cup of warm tea in an earthen cup will fill you with immense joy and nostalgia for the golden past. With mountains, waterfalls, rivers, deserts and every other kind of landscape imaginable waiting to be explored from the northern frontier to the southern frontier, picking just one tourist train ride can be slightly difficult.
This is why you can book the best train journey directly from IRCTC tourism website or app and you won’t have to worry. But if you still want to plan your trip by train and get some changes in the itinerary, you can get in touch with our team at the tourism official head office or zonal head. Because getting on your dream holiday can be simpler than you thought and we are here to make sure that you enjoy every moment of it without any worry!
Frequently Asked Question –
How do I plan a train vacation?
If you’re wondering about planning a train vacation, then you have come to the right place. IRCTC Tourism offers an extensive range of train vacations across India that are sure to catch your fancy. Whether you want to travel on a budget-friendly train such as Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train or a special train to rail tour packages, IRCTC has an exciting option for you.
How do I get the best train trip planner?
To get started, visit the official IRCTC Tourism website. Then, pick a destination of your choice, complete the booking, pack your bags and get ready to undertake a memorable vacation. With IRCTC Tourism, you don’t have to worry about anything as all the tours are planned to the minutest detail. Right from choosing interesting tourist attractions to curating a menu, everything is taken care of by the experts. So, as soon as you step on the train, you can start enjoying your trip while IRCTC’S train tour managers and guides look after the execution.
How do I get a train vacations package?
If you’re looking for a train tour or vacation, then IRCTC Tourism has plenty of options for you to choose from. From pilgrim tours for families to luxurious holidays for couples, there is an array of well-planned train tour packages across the country.
How to make the best use of my time on the train?
Travelling on a train can be both exciting and relaxing. If you’re worried that you will have too much time on your hands during a train tour, then fret not. The meticulous-planned itineraries by IRCTC Tourism have the right blend of offboard excursions and onboard relaxation to make your experience a memorable one. And as the journeys are handpicked, you can gaze at the beautiful scenery outside or spend quality time with your travel companions.
How to get food during a train journey?
Getting healthy, delicious, hot and fresh food during a train journey can be quite difficult. This is why IRCTC Tourism has all-inclusive tour packages with fulfilling meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, next time you travel on a train, you can enjoy the choicest of vegetarian and non vegetarian delicacies simply by booking a tour package with IRCTC. While most of the tour packages ensure at least 2-time meals, do check details before booking your package as some details may vary.
How much does it cost to travel by train in India?
The lifeline of our nation, trains are one of the most affordable means of transportation. By travelling on a train, you can cover large distances without exceeding your budget. If you’re looking for an affordable train, then the Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train by IRCTC is one of the most economical tourist trains in the country that connects several popular tourist destinations. Depending on the destination and duration, the cost of travelling on a train varies. But with IRCTC Tourism, one can rest assured about getting the best travel experience at the best price.
How can we make a long train journey interesting?
One of the best ways to make a long train journey interesting is by booking a train tour package on IRCTC Tourism. The well-planned itineraries ensure that travellers can enjoy the perfect balance of fun and leisure. Travelling with a tour group is also a great opportunity to meet new people and form new bonds, making the journey both exciting and interesting.