There’s something magical about train rides—watching beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers from your window, while sipping hot chai. In India, some train journeys through the Himalayas give you just that dreamy experience. Let’s look at 5 of the most scenic train routes you must try:
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This famous toy train goes from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and passes through tea gardens, forests, and mountain views. One stop, Tindharia, is known for a wildlife park where you might spot a red panda! It now has special Vistadome coaches with large windows for the best views.
2. Himalayan Queen (Kalka to Shimla)
Running since 1977, this train is called the “Queen of the Hills.” It starts at Kalka and ends in Shimla, covering around 96 km. Along the way, it stops at places like Dharampur, Solan, and Barog. The route is full of tunnels, bridges, and beautiful views.
3. Garhwal Express (Delhi to Kotdwar)
This train takes you from Delhi to Kotdwar, the gateway to the hills of Uttarakhand. It passes through Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Saharanpur. Between Haridwar and Kotdwar, enjoy amazing views of the Shivalik Hills. It’s a comfortable train with good facilities like clean seats and charging points.
4. Kashmir Valley Railway
This railway runs from Udhampur to Katra and is part of a bigger plan to connect Kashmir with the rest of India. The journey gives scenic views of the Shivalik mountains. It will soon extend to Baramulla, and pass over the Chenab Bridge, one of the highest railway bridges in the world.
5. Kangra Valley Railway (Pathankot to Joginder Nagar)
Built in 1929, this train runs between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh. It travels through towns like Kangra, Palampur, and Baijnath, offering views of tea gardens, temples, and the Dhauladhar mountain range. There are over 950 bridges and 20 tunnels, making the journey exciting and scenic.
If You Love Mountains, These Train Rides Are a Must!
These journeys are not just about getting from one place to another—they’re about enjoying every moment of the ride through the beauty of the Himalayas.
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