india's most unusual train journeys: mountains, forests, rivers, deserts

Train journeys in India (Canva)

The railways in India don’t just provide transportation, it takes you through the most scenic valleys from mountains to rivers and even spans of desert. Here’s a list of 8 unique train journeys across India:Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Tamil Nadu

Nilgiris

A historic 46-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage listing in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this railway journey will be the one you will never forget.

The train climbs steep distances from around 325 meters at Mettupalayam to almost 2,200 meters at Ooty with its peak at Fern Hill (2,218 meters). It traverses through 16 tunnels and over 250 bridges along the way and makes for one of the most iconic bollywood movie shooting destinations.Kangra Valley Railway, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla (Canva)

The Kangra Valley Railway has appeared on India's UNESCO Tentative List, but that is not the same as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The train is India’s longest narrow-gauge railway line. It runs 164 kilometers from Pathankot in Punjab to Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. It offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar mountain range along the way. Unlike other mountain rails, it follows a gentle path with only 2 tunnels through the river streams and lush green tea gardens.Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, West Bengal

Darjeeling

Popularly known as the “Toy Train”, the Darjeeling Himalayan Rail is a historic 2-foot narrow-gauge railway in the state of West Bengal.

It is as old as 1879 and was built for the travel needs of the British rulers of the time. Today, the ride is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can experience lush forests, fragrant tea gardens with tight curves and steep inclines.Konkan Railway, Maharashtra to Karnataka

Konkan

This one is perfect to witness grand waterfalls and valleys. The 741-kilometer long Konkan railway runs along the western coast of India, connecting Maharashtra to Karnataka.

It gives a stunning view of the majestic Dudhsagar Falls. The train passes through some of iconic cities and destinations along the western coastline, including Ratnagiri, Goa, Karwar and Udupi.Kollam-Sengottai Railway, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

An approaching passenger train travels along palm-lined railway tracks in Kerala, India, highlighting the state’s lush tropical landscape and regional rail transport.

If you are someone who loves to explore destinations in a different manner, this is for you. A journey from one state to another to the ‘Land of Waterfalls’. The journey would give you everything, rivers, forests, hills, paddy fields, rubber plantations and tunnels.

You will embark through the emerald mountains as the train moves over the Kallada River bridge, 19th century Punalur Hanging bridge and the magnificent 13-arch bridge or the ‘Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge’.Chilika Lake Railway Stretch, OdishaThe Chilika lake railway stretch is one of the most scenic train journeys in India, running alongside Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon. It is part of the Howrah-Chennai main line under the East Coast Railway.

It offers panoramic views of the sparkling blue waters of Chilika Lake on one side and the lush green hills of the Eastern Ghats on the other. Travellers can also spot native and migratory birds and if you are lucky, the beautiful Irrawaddy dolphins in the lake waters close to the track.Palace On Wheels, RajasthanThis one is for someone who has a luxurious taste and wants to experience royalty on wheels. It is rightly named as it is India’s premier luxury heritage train, operated by the Rajasthan Tourism Department.

It was introduced in the 1980s, taking inspiration from the personal railway coaches of erstwhile maharajas and nizams. To complete the Rajasthani feel, each of the train coaches are named after ancient Rajputana palaces and forts.

It also offers a wide range of services, from regal dining restaurants to impressive collections of wines and spirits.Boat Mail Express (Chennai to Rameswaram)One of the most unique train journeys in India, it takes over the iconic Pamban bridge. It is one of India’s longest sea bridges, stretching over the Bay of Bengal. With breathtaking views of the deep blue sea, you get to experience the coastal culture of India across villages and beautiful beaches. The journey concludes in the holy city of Rameswaram which is a sacred destination for both pilgrims and travellers.