5 Beautiful Train Routes in India You Must Experience Once
Travelling by train is one of the best ways to explore India’s incredible landscapes. From snow-covered mountains and dense forests to endless coastlines and vast deserts, Indian Railways offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Here we’ll talk about 5 beautiful train routes in India.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or travel enthusiast, these railway routes promise breathtaking views that make the journey just as memorable as the destination.
Here are five of the most beautiful train routes in India.
Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful and appealing routes that the Indian Railways cover:
Pamban Bridge Route (Mandapam – Rameswaram)
The journey to Rameswaram via the iconic Pamban Bridge is one of India’s most spectacular rail experiences.
The bridge connects the mainland with Pamban Island and stretches across the Bay of Bengal, offering panoramic views of turquoise waters on both sides. As the train slowly crosses the sea bridge, passengers can enjoy one of the most unique railway journeys in the country.
Originally opened in 1914, the historic Pamban Rail Bridge remains an engineering marvel. A new vertical-lift Pamban Railway Bridge has now been constructed to improve connectivity while preserving this iconic route.
Highlights
- Stunning sea views
- Historic railway bridge
- Gateway to Rameswaram Temple
- Excellent photography opportunities
Jaisalmer Desert Route (Jodhpur – Jaisalmer)
If you want to experience the beauty of the Thar Desert, the railway journey between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is a must.
The train passes through golden sand dunes, remote villages, rocky landscapes, and traditional Rajasthani settlements. Along the way, you may even spot camels grazing in the desert.
Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, is famous for its magnificent fort, havelis, and desert safaris, making this route a favourite among domestic and international travellers.
Highlights
- Scenic desert landscapes
- Traditional Rajasthani villages
- Camel sightings
- Access to Sam Sand Dunes and Jaisalmer Fort
Konkan Railway Route (Mumbai – Goa)
The Konkan Railway is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful railway routes in India.
Travelling between Mumbai and Goa, the train passes through the lush Western Ghats, deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, tunnels, and picturesque bridges.
During the monsoon season, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green paradise, making it one of the most photographed railway routes in the country.
Popular trains on this route include the Mandovi Express, Konkan Kanya Express, Tejas Express, and several long-distance trains connecting Mumbai with Goa and Karnataka.
Highlights
- Western Ghats scenery
- Rivers, waterfalls, and tunnels
- Coastal landscapes
- Beautiful monsoon views
Kashmir Railway (Banihal – Srinagar – Baramulla)
The Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is one of India’s most ambitious railway projects and offers an unforgettable journey through the Kashmir Valley.
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, green meadows, apple orchards, rivers, and picturesque villages throughout the journey.
The route also features remarkable engineering achievements, including long railway tunnels and iconic bridges. With the gradual completion of the USBRL project, rail connectivity to Kashmir continues to improve.
Highlights
- Snow-covered Himalayan landscapes
- Scenic valleys and rivers
- Modern engineering marvels
- Comfortable travel through Kashmir
Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka–Shimla Railway is one of India’s most famous hill railways.
This narrow-gauge train winds through the Himalayan foothills, passing charming stations, pine forests, deep valleys, and numerous tunnels and bridges before reaching Shimla.
The journey covers around 96 km and includes over 100 tunnels, making it one of the most scenic mountain railway experiences in Asia.
Travelling on this historic toy train is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage railway
- Mountain views
- Historic tunnels and bridges
- Beautiful forests and valleys
Final Thoughts
India’s railway network is more than just a means of transportation—it’s a gateway to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. Whether you’re crossing the sea on the Pamban Bridge, travelling through the lush Konkan coast, exploring the deserts of Rajasthan, admiring the valleys of Kashmir, or enjoying the heritage toy train to Shimla, each journey offers a unique travel experience.
If you’re planning your next rail trip, consider adding one of these scenic routes to your itinerary—you’ll enjoy unforgettable views every mile of the way.
These are some of the most beautiful routes in India. TravelKhana does offer you food services in some of these trains, and hence, if you want to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in a beautiful view, then get in touch with TravelKhana today!
Happy munching and journeying!