Kalka-Shimla to Konkan Railway: Three scenic train journeys in India you must experience

From the nostalgic toy trains of Shimla and Darjeeling to the dramatic Western Ghats views along the Konkan Railway, these three routes offer some of the most memorable rail experiences in the country.

Kalka-Shimla toy train (Photo: Wikipedia)

Trains are among the most comfortable ways to travel, and many of our late-night stories and antakshari games have happened on them. Thanks to its broad reach, the Indian railway network has made these experiences even more memorable. Travelling by train in India is more than just getting from one place to another. You get to see new landscapes, cultures, and stories unfold outside your window. Some routes are so beautiful that the journey becomes the highlight of the trip. Here are three scenic train journeys in India that every traveller should experience at least once.

Kalka–Shimla toy train

A train on the Kalka-Simla Railway route. (Photo: Wikipedia)

The Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of India’s most scenic train rides. Opened to the public since 1903, this narrow-gauge railway winds through the Shivalik foothills, offering beautiful views as it climbs toward Shimla, often referred to as the “Queen of Hills.” The approximately five-hour trip covers 96 km and passes through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges.

Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site, the train passes through pine-covered hills and historic colonial stations, such as Barog and Dharampur. In winter, snow covers the rooftops, and forests turn white, making the surrounding views ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train

A steam train to Darjeeling (Photo: Wikipedia)

Known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, this historic railway is an engineering marvel. It climbs from the plains of Siliguri up to the tea-filled hills of Darjeeling. The narrow-gauge train, just two feet wide, moves through steep slopes and sharp turns, usually pulled by an old steam engine. Over the 88-km journey, the scenery changes from forests and villages to hills covered in tea gardens.

A highlight of the trip is the Batasia Loop, where the train spirals around a garden, offering expansive views of the Kanchenjunga mountains. The route also passes through bustling markets and hillside homes, allowing you to experience daily life in the Eastern Himalayas up close.

The Konkan Railway

A train on the Konkon railway route (Photo: Wikipedia)

The Konkan Railway runs between Mumbai and Mangaluru and is known for its beautiful coastal views. This approximately 750-km route traverses the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers a diverse mix of sea views, waterfalls, forests, and rivers. The railway was built with advanced engineering for its time, featuring 91 tunnels, with the longest tunnel stretching for about 6.5 km. En route, over 2,000 bridges make the journey a visual treat.

The monsoon season is the most scenic time to travel. Get a chance to witness numerous waterfalls, green fields, and low-lying clouds over the hills. This journey is a great way to experience the diverse natural scenery of the Western Ghats and beyond.

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