The Best Train Journey In India Through The Stunning Landscapes

India, with its harmonious blend of long-history culture and modern cities, offers tourists various unique experiences that can hardly be found elsewhere. To fully enjoy all India has to offer, travelers are strongly encouraged to embark on train travel in India, offering them a chance to admire the diverse beauty there from a different point of view.

Trains are among the most crucial means of India's transportation network, providing a comfortable mode of travel, particularly for long journeys. A train journey in India is not merely a mode of transportation but a voyage through time and culture. Traveling by train in India ensures an invaluable experience marked by ample space and enhanced comfort compared to a bus ride. In this article, Indian Immigration Services will delve into train travel in India, covering the best trains for a memorable journey, the most budget-friendly options, and the epitome of luxury on tracks.

The Most Beautiful Train Journey In India

Kalka-Shimla

If you enjoy being in valleys, this UNESCO World Heritage site Kalka-Shimla rail line will provide you with an unforgettable train experience. It is one of the best in north Indian and the most beautiful train journeys in India. The train ride from Kalka to Shimla is an indispensable experience for anyone visiting the enchanting hill station. As the Himalayan Queen train winds its way through the picturesque landscapes, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of lush valleys and meadows that encapsulate the beauty of Shimla. This journey is not merely a means of transportation; it is a doorway to an entirely authentic hill experience, unparalleled and distinctive, making it an essential highlight of any visit to Shimla. 

Train journey from Kalka to Shimla

New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling

The leisurely train ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling enables tourists to comfortably admire the beauty of Darjeeling and its surrounding landscapes. This unhurried 78-kilometer journey spans approximately eight hours, taking passengers through a mesmerizing route that includes notable stops such as Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum, Rongbul, Jorebunglow, and Batasia Loop. Renowned as the Darjeeling Toy Train, this iconic ride offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the stunning hill views that characterize the region. Not only is this route located at challenging heights, it is also one of the most scenic train routes in India.

Delhi to Mumbai

A train journey from Delhi to Mumbai is an interesting option for those with a penchant for scenic vistas and a flexible timetable. The Maharajas' Express is probably the most favorite choice, which offers a captivating passage across five states - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. 

On this exquisite train journey, passengers have an excellent opportunity to experience India's cultural and geographical diversity. The travel time varies based on the type of train selected, with options ranging from approximately 16 to 20 hours. With spacious sleeper berths and catering services, opting for train travel not only ensures a relaxed journey but also allows passengers to immerse themselves in the ever-changing landscapes of India. 

Train journey from Delhi to Mumbai

Mumbai-Goa

You've fallen in love with Goa, a pocket-sized paradise of India? Then, embarking on a train journey from Mumbai to Goa aboard the Mandovi Express is worth a try, and you will be captivated by the allure of the Sahyadri hill ranges. 

As the train goes through this route, passengers are mesmerized by breathtaking views of Sahyadri's stunning gorges. Additionally, what makes this journey fascinating is the enchanting spectacle of the Arabian Sea, and travelers can admire some of the most beautiful coastal views. From the rugged charm of the Sahyadri hills to the serene expanse of the Arabian Sea, this train journey promises an unforgettable visual feast for those seeking a delightful passage from Mumbai to the idyllic landscapes of Goa.

The rail route from Mumbai to Goa, which passes through the Sahyadari gorges and the Arabian Sea's margins, is one of the most spectacular in India. Don't forget to take out your handycam or camera and capture the highlights of the amazing and beautiful train journeys in India.

Train journey from Mumbai to Goa

Hubli-Madgaon

Traveling by train from Hubli to Madgaon via the Goa Link Express is the most beautiful train journeys in India. The highlight of this journey is the awe-inspiring Dudhsagar waterfalls, a nature spectacle standing tall at an impressive 300 meters. The excursion transforms into a sensory delight as the train traverses through greenery lush landscapes, guiding passengers to this breathtaking natural wonder.

For those eager to behold this marvel, the Londa Junction is the designated stop - the nearest station to Dudhsagar Falls. Here, the train expedition evolves into a fascinating exploration of nature's splendor, providing travelers with the unique opportunity to marvel at the beauty of Dudhsagar. 

The Most Luxurious Train In India

1. Palace on Wheels: Reliving Royalty on Tracks

This heritage-style train, modestly named Palace on Wheels, has the power to transform anyone into a Maharaja or Maharani, offering passengers an ambiance of old-world charm. Launched on January 26, 1989, through a collaboration between Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, the Palace on Wheels has been the best train in India, a beacon of world-class luxury for global travelers. The luxury of its decor and the impeccable, gloved service, adding a gilded cherry on top, make the journey a truly royal experience. 

The train takes passengers on a mesmerizing 14-night trip from Delhi to the spiritual center of Varanasi, passing through culturally rich and less-explored destinations such as Old Delhi, Rajasthan's rugged Aravalli hills, and the vast Thar Desert. The cabins, with spacious interiors, include private bathrooms and a plethora of services, including a personal butler, bag attendant, and an exclusive car for sightseeing, ensuring that every moment aboard the Palace on Wheels is a memory etched in luxury and splendor.

The Palace on Wheels has been the best train in India

2. Maharajas' Express: Unparalleled Opulence on Tracks

Launched in March 2010, the Maharajas' Express is a pinnacle of luxury in India's train travel, making it among the best trains in India to travel. With an aim to provide a world-class travel experience while immersing passengers in the rich cultural heritage of India, the Maharajas' Express traverses four distinct routes across the country, offering a unique and lavish exploration. 

The train comprises 43 cabins, including the largest room, called a presidential suite, with two bedrooms and two washrooms, which sets itself apart as the most expensive train in India. The presidential suite indulges its occupants with a 24-hour personal valet, a complimentary mini-bar, and a language-speaking guide. The suite features a separate bedroom and living area, while the attached bathroom showcases a lavish bathtub. Even the deluxe cabins, the smallest on the train, offer a private bathroom to provide every traveler aboard the Maharajas' Express with unparalleled experience.

The four enchanting routes for tourists include Indian Panorama, Treasures of India, Indian Splendour, and Heritage of India. The four-day Treasures of India is the shortest journey, exploring Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur before returning to the vibrant capital city.

3. Deccan Odyssey: A Sojourn through South India in Style

The Deccan Odyssey was launched on January 16, 2004, with a collaborative venture between the Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways. Aptly termed a "blue limousine on wheels," this regal train, boasting 5-star amenities, is managed by the Taj Group of Hotels and is one of the most luxurious trains in India. Accommodating up to 88 passengers, the train offers two distinct types of rooms: the palatial presidential suite, featuring a master bedroom, a living room, and two attached bathrooms with the added luxury of 24-hour butler service, and the cozy deluxe cabin, furnished with twin beds and an attached bathroom.

The Deccan Odyssey operates on six captivating routes across India. From major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi to the major attractions in India, traveling on the Deccan Odyssey allows tourists to immerse themselves in the diversity and grandeur of India's cultural and natural heritage.

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most luxurious trains in India

The Cheapest Tourist Trains in India

1. Himalayan Queen: Scenic Splendor on a Budget

Himalayan Queen is the cheapest tourist train in India for travelers

For travelers seeking the cheapest tourist train in India yet a picturesque train journey, the Himalayan Queen is an excellent choice. Operating on the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway route, this toy train offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. With affordable ticket prices, it's a popular option for both domestic and international tourists looking to experience the charm of narrow-gauge railways.

2. Goa Express: A Coastal Delight without Breaking the Bank

Connecting Vasco da Gama in Goa to Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi, the Goa Express is an affordable option for those wanting to explore the scenic beauty of the Konkan coast. With its comfortable sleeper class coaches and a journey that spans the picturesque landscapes of Western India, this train offers a budget-friendly adventure for travelers.

3. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Affectionately known as the "Toy Train," the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site in India and a budget-friendly way to explore the enchanting landscapes of Darjeeling. This narrow-gauge train takes passengers through tea plantations, dense forests, and charming hill stations, providing a nostalgic journey reminiscent of a bygone era.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a cheap tourist train in India

A train journey in India is not just about reaching a destination; it's an odyssey through diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. No matter what you choose, from the comfort of the luxurious trains to the budget-friendly charm of the Himalayan Queen, each train offers a unique perspective on the incredible beauty of India. So, embark on a railway adventure, where the rhythmic clatter of wheels becomes a symphony of exploration and discovery. For travelers planning to explore the train travel experience in India, don't forget to apply for an India eVisa through our website: Indian Immigration Services.