11 Trains in India with the Most Beautiful Routes

India has train routes where the journey quietly becomes the highlight. This article brings together 11 trains known for the most beautiful routes across the country, from the Kalka Shimla toy train with its tunnels and bridges to the Konkan Railway that runs past forests, rivers and the Arabian Sea.

You will pass tea gardens in Darjeeling, snow valleys in Kashmir, and rolling hills in the Western Ghats. Every route here is selected based on real geography, railway records, and what travellers consistently experience on the ground. You will also learn when to travel for the best views and what makes each route stand out, whether it is engineering, landscape or season. If you want a train journey that feels worth the time, this list helps you choose without second guessing.

Scenic train routes across India at a glance

11 routes covering mountains, coastlines, deserts, and forest valleys, selected based on real railway routes and consistent traveler experience.

Total 11 routes

Landscapes Mountain, coast

Best time Oct – Mar

Ideal for Views, relax

Table of Contents

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

This is not just a train ride, it feels like watching a place unfold layer by layer.

Steam locomotive toy train at hill station platform with passengers and tracks visible — *Steam toy train at a hill station platform with passengers and narrow-gauge tracks*

Starting from New Jalpaiguri, the train climbs steadily into Darjeeling, cutting through tea estates, small towns, and mist-covered slopes. The famous Batasia Loop gives you a full circular view of the mountains.

On clear days, you may even catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga.

It moves slowly, but every turn feels intentional.

Best time: October to December for clearer skies

2. Kalka–Shimla Toy Train

Mountain railway train at hill station platform surrounded by greenery and forested hills — *Hill station train on a scenic mountain railway route surrounded by lush greenery*

If patience had a reward, this would be it.

This narrow-gauge train climbs from Kalka to Shimla through the Shivalik hills, covering about 96 km. Along the way, it passes 103 tunnels and more than 800 bridges, many built during the British era.

The beauty here is slow and consistent. Pine forests, curved tracks, tiny hillside stations, and valleys that suddenly open up without warning.

It does not rush. And that’s exactly why it works.

Best time: March to June, September to November

3. Konkan Railway (Mumbai to Mangalore)

Surathkal railway station platform with tracks, greenery, and empty surroundings during monsoon — *Surathkal railway station platform with tracks stretching through a green landscape*

This is where the scenery refuses to stay the same one of the most unforgettable Indian Trains That Run Through Dangerous Routes.

The Konkan Railway runs along the western coast and through the Western Ghats. Expect over 2,000 bridges and around 90 tunnels, which is why the landscape keeps shifting every few minutes.

One moment you see dense green hills, the next moment rivers, then suddenly open views near the coast.

During monsoon, waterfalls appear almost everywhere. It feels less like a route and more like a moving window.

Best time: June to September if you like dramatic scenery

Routes that climb into hills and mountains with tunnels, bridges, and valley views. Includes Kalka Shimla, Darjeeling, Nilgiri, and Kashmir Valley routes.

Routes running close to the sea or along the western coastline. Includes Konkan Railway and the Pamban Bridge stretch near Rameswaram.

Open landscapes across the Thar Desert with wide horizons, sand, and rural scenery. Includes Jaisalmer to Jodhpur route.

Dense greenery, tunnels, and lesser-explored regions. Includes Araku Valley and Northeast routes like Guwahati to Silchar.

4. Kashmir Railway (Banihal to Baramulla)

Banihal railway station signboard with tracks, people, and hilly surroundings in Jammu and Kashmir — *Banihal railway station with signage and scenic hilly landscape in Jammu and Kashmir*

This route feels unreal, but it is very much real.

Running through the Kashmir Valley, this line connects Banihal to Baramulla and passes through snow-covered landscapes, wide valleys, and quiet villages.

The route is part of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link project, which includes the Chenab Bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world.

Even without snow, the openness of the valley makes this journey stand out.

Best time: Winter for snow, spring for greenery

5. Matheran Hill Railway

Matheran toy train at station platform with narrow gauge coaches and passengers — *Matheran toy train at Matheran railway station on a scenic hill route*

This one feels smaller, but somehow more personal.

Running between Neral and Matheran, this narrow-gauge train climbs slowly through forested hills with sharp turns and steep gradients.

What makes it unique is that Matheran itself is a vehicle-free hill station, so this train becomes part of the experience, not just transport.

It is quiet, green, and surprisingly calming.

Best time: October to May

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam to Ooty)

Blue toy train at hill station platform with passengers and steam engine in forested area — *Toy train at a hill station platform surrounded by greenery with passengers boarding*

This is one of the few places in India where trains literally climb mountains using a rack and pinion system.

The journey from Mettupalayam to Ooty goes through dense forests, tea plantations, and steep slopes, with constant elevation gain.

You will notice the engine working harder, and that effort adds to the experience.

It is also a UNESCO recognized mountain railway, which says a lot.

Best time: September to March

7. Mandapam to Rameswaram (Pamban Bridge Route)

*Pamban Bridge railway track over sea with boats passing below in Rameswaram*

This is less about greenery and more about feeling surrounded by water.

The train crosses the Pamban Bridge, where the sea stretches endlessly on both sides. At certain points, it feels like the train is floating.

Strong winds, blue water, and fishing boats below create a completely different kind of scenery.

It is short, but memorable.

Best time: October to March

8. Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley

Indian Railways train crossing bridge through green hills and scenic countryside — *Indian train passing over a bridge surrounded by hills and lush greenery*

This route surprises people.

Starting from the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, the train climbs into the Eastern Ghats, passing through 50+ tunnels, bridges, coffee plantations, and tribal regions.

The transition from sea-level humidity to cool hill air happens gradually, and you actually feel it.

Araku itself is peaceful, but the journey is what most people remember.

Best time: October to February

Route	Best For	Best Time	What Makes It Unique
Kalka – Shimla	Slow mountain views	Mar – Jun, Sep – Nov	103 tunnels and heritage bridges
Darjeeling Himalayan	Tea gardens, hills	Oct – Dec	Batasia Loop and Kanchenjunga views
Konkan Railway	Coast and monsoon	Jun – Sep	2000+ bridges and 90+ tunnels
Kashmir Valley	Snow and wide valleys	Dec – Mar, Apr – May	Includes Chenab Bridge region
Matheran Hill	Short forest ride	Oct – May	Access to vehicle-free hill station
Nilgiri Mountain	Tea estates, hills	Sep – Mar	Rack and pinion system
Pamban Bridge Route	Sea views	Oct – Mar	Train over open sea bridge
Visakhapatnam – Araku	Tunnels, greenery	Oct – Feb	50+ tunnels through Eastern Ghats
Goa – Londa	Western Ghats forest	Jun – Sep	Waterfalls during monsoon
Jaisalmer – Jodhpur	Desert landscape	Nov – Feb	Thar desert views and open terrain
Guwahati – Silchar	Northeast greenery	Oct – Apr	Dense forests and multiple tunnels

9. Goa Express (Vasco da Gama to Londa stretch)

Goa Express train coach with route board Vasco to Hazrat Nizamuddin at railway platform — *Goa Express train at station platform showing Vasco to Hazrat Nizamuddin route*

While Goa Express is known for long-distance travel, the stretch between Vasco da Gama and Londa is where things get interesting.

This section cuts through the Western Ghats with thick forests, deep valleys, and waterfalls, especially during monsoon.

It is not a tourist train, but that’s exactly why it feels raw and real.

Best time: June to September

10. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Route)

Desert landscape with camels and travelers during sunset in Rajasthan sand dunes — *Camels and travelers in Rajasthan desert during a scenic sunset*

Completely different from the rest.

This route takes you through the Thar Desert, where the landscape is open, dry, and endless. You will see sand dunes, small villages, and sometimes camels moving slowly in the distance.

There is a strange calm in the emptiness here.

It is not dramatic like mountains, but it stays with you.

Best time: November to February

11. Guwahati to Silchar (Barak Valley Route)

Indian Railways diesel locomotive pulling train through countryside with greenery and flowers — *Indian train passing through scenic countryside with greenery and wildflowers*

One of the lesser-known but incredibly scenic routes in Northeast India.

This line passes through lush forests, rolling hills, rivers, and multiple tunnels, especially in the Lumding to Silchar section.

It feels untouched compared to more popular routes.

The greenery here is not occasional, it is constant.

Best time: October to April

FAQ

Which is the most scenic train route in India? +

The Konkan Railway and Kalka Shimla route are often considered the most scenic. Konkan offers coastal views and monsoon landscapes, while Kalka Shimla provides mountain scenery with tunnels and bridges.

What is the best time to travel for scenic train routes in India? +

October to March is generally the best time for clear views across most routes. However, monsoon months are ideal for the Konkan and Western Ghats if you want lush greenery and waterfalls.

Are toy trains like Kalka Shimla and Darjeeling worth it? +

Yes, they are slower but designed for the experience. These routes pass through tunnels, loops, and mountain terrain that regular trains cannot access, making them unique scenic journeys.

Which train route in India offers sea views? +

The Pamban Bridge route to Rameswaram offers direct sea views on both sides, while the Konkan Railway provides coastal glimpses along the Arabian Sea during parts of the journey.

Which scenic train route is best for beginners? +

The Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley route is a good starting option. It combines tunnels, greenery, and hills without being too long or difficult to plan.

Do scenic train routes take longer than normal trains? +

Some do, especially mountain railways like Kalka Shimla and Darjeeling, which move slowly due to terrain. But that slower pace is what allows you to actually enjoy the scenery.

11 Train Journeys in India Known for Their Stunning Views