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• 18 Beautiful Train Journeys In India In 2024 That Will Compel You For A Ride!

Planning a vacation rarely encompasses a train expedition nowadays. But if it does, it certainly takes us back to the childhood days when holidaying meant embarking on beautiful train journeys in India . It also meant admiring the changing landscapes as the train passed through towns and villages; playing cards or memory game; chitchatting over warm tea in earthen cups (locally called Kulhad); yummy munchies and lot more! This time round, we take you on some of the most beautiful train routes in India that cover absolutely enthralling and diverse landscapes – steep mountain slopes, narrow valleys, and wide seas.

18 Most Beautiful Train Journeys In India

Go through the list of these most beautiful train rides in India and make sure you head to one of them, the one that you find to be truly out of this world. You will realize the journey is nothing short of a dream. There’s mountains, waterfalls, rivers, plains, deserts and every possible landscape that you can imagine of. They are spread across the northern frontier to the southern frontier. Have a look!

• Jammu – Baramulla
• Pathankot – Jogindernagar
• Kalka – Shimla
• Jaisalmer – Jodhpur
• Mumbai – Goa
• Hubli – Madgaon
• Matheran – Neral
• Karjat – Lonavala
• Ratnagiri – Mangalore
• Mandapam – Rameshwaram
• Mettupalayam – Ooty
• Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley
• Bangalore – Kanyakumari
• Hassan – Mangalore
• Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur
• New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling
• Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri
• Guwahati – Silchar

1. Jammu – Baramulla

Kashmir Railway Gifts you Travel Charisma

Image Source

The railway track connecting Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla is not only picturesque and enthralling but also one the most challenging railway projects. It is located in the high earthquake intensity zone with undulating and rugged terrain, extreme cold temperature, and is the most beautiful railway route in India .

Train Journey Time : 4 hours

Must Read: 30 Unbelievably Beautiful Places To Visit In Kashmir One Cannot Miss

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2. Pathankot – Jogindernagar

Mystics of Kangra Valley

Image Source If you want to enjoy the thrills of Kangra Valley, the river bridges, deep gorges and exclusive flora, enjoy the pleasant but quite slow ride of 164 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. It is not only located at a challenging height, but is also one of the most scenic train routes in India .

Train Journey Time : 8 hours

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3. Kalka – Shimla

A Spellbinding Journey to the Summer Capital

If you want to cherish picturesque valleys, steep pathways and foggy meadows, travel to Shimla in the narrow gauge train. This little toy train, now considered as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, starts from Kalka and travels 96 km upslope through 102 tunnels: (the longest tunnel located at Barog), 82 bridges, deep valleys, steep curves, rolling bends, forests of deodar and rhododendron, pine and oak.

Few trains like Siwalik, Kalka-Shimla, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor and Siwalik Queen ply on this route. The journey is truly enchanting but at a slow pace as the train ascends the slope rhythmically through stations of Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Tara Devi, Barog, Salogra, Totu, and Summerhill to reach the summer capital. It is one of the best in north Indian and most beautiful train journeys in India .

Train Journey Time : 5 hours

Suggested Read: 53 Best Places To Visit In Shimla On Your Soothing Weekend Getaway!

4. Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Xerophytic Route

The Rajasthan trip which is otherwise full of colors, can have an extra bright shade if you travel to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur in Delhi Jaisalmer Express. The travel time in the train called the ‘Desert Queen’ takes close to 6 hours to reach the destination.

The journey is not at all monotonous. In fact you see diversified topography like typical desert landscape with xerophytic vegetation, yellow soil, dunes, grazing camels and scattered settlements of the desert inhabitants. The passengers will surely get a feel of the desert safari before reaching the land of the Golden Fort. This is amongst the most beautiful train journeys in India .

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5. Mumbai – Goa

Journey through the Enigmatic Ghats

The journey from Mumbai to Goa intersecting through the gorges of Sahyadari and fringes of Arabian Sea is equally or perhaps the most scenic train rides in India . Mandovi Express, as a part of the Konkan Railway network, travels between Mumbai and Goa.

The route is full of scenic landscapes, ranging from tunnels, bridges, coastal peripheries, steps of Western Ghats (other name for Sahyadari), innumerable small rivers, seasonal streams and lush green meadows. Do not forget to take out your handicam or camera and capture the highlights of one of the stunning and beautiful train journeys in India .

Train Journey Time : 12 hours

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6. Hubli – Madgaon

Vasco da Gama Route

Image Source While travelling from Hubli to Madgaon, experience one of the most thrilling and enchanting train journeys in India. The train passes through the gigantic and most magnificent Dudhsagar waterfalls gushing out from a 300 metres in full vigor.

Once the train reaches the waterfall, you will be amazed at the cascading beauty and force on a thrilling and best train journeys in India. If you decide to enjoy it closely, quickly get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar falls.

Train Journey Time : 10 hours

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7. Matheran – Neral

Heritage of Maharashtra

The narrow gauge railway running between Matheran and Neral passes is one of the best train routes in India. It passes through the rugged terrains of the Ghats and gained immense tourist attraction. This only Heritage railway of Maharashtra running a distance of 20 km is surely included in the list of India’s best train journeys. This is one of the best train routes in India .

Train Journey Time : 2 hours

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8. Karjat – Lonavala

Monsoon Trip

Another line that passes through the Western Ghats is the journey from Karjat to Lonavala through Thakurwadi, Monkey Hills and Khandala. It is the very scenic and one of the best train routes in India known for its mystic nature. Monsoon season is recommended because of the lush green views and beautiful rain scenery that it offers. The ride is pure scenery and being hill stations connected by train, it is the most adventurous way to reach the destinations.

Train Journey Time : 1 hour

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9. Ratnagiri – Mangalore

Charming Konkan Railway

Image Source One of the most mesmerizing railway tracks lies in the Konkan Railway network, in the Ratnagiri to Mangalore sector. The is one of the most scenic train journeys in India which is truly absorbing and wherein the dense forests, mighty Western Ghats, deep tunnels, river bridges, sharp bends and innumerable seasonal streams will leave the travelers spellbound and hypnotized.

Suggested Read: 20 Road Trips During Monsoon In India That Every Biker Ought To Take

10. Mandapam – Rameshwaram

Journey Intersecting the Ocean

Image Source Besides thrill and adventure, train travel from Mandapam in Tamil Nadu to Rameshwaram on Pamban Island oozes calm and serenity. It is certainly one of the top ten best Indian train journeys. One of the most beautiful train routes in India, it passes over the second longest bridge of India, the Palk Strait, which is the only route that connects mainland India to Pamban Island.

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11. Mettupalayam – Ooty

Voyage in Landscapes of Nilgiris

Image Source Running since 1908, ‘Nilgiri Passenger’ still runs on steam engine, going from Mettupalayam to Ooty. As the train ascends the Nilgiri Mountain, thick pine, oak and eucalyptus forests, bends, curves and tunnels, it moves along Asia’s steepest track with maximum gradient of 8.33 percent. Nilgiri Passenger travels 26 km up the slope in almost 5 hours via stations like Kallar, Adderly, Hillgrove, Kateri, Runneymede, Kateri, Coonoor and Lovedale.

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12. Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley

The Tunnel Topography

Image Source The journey from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley through innumerable tunnels and sharp loops is quite an interesting one. Started as a mode to transport iron ore and other minerals to Vishakhpatnam from Chhattisgarh, this railway route in India is a treat for the eyes as well as the soul.

Train Journey Time : 3 hours

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13. Bangalore – Kanyakumari

The Malgudi Voyage

Image Source Another scenic journey through the typical landscape of South India – the picturesque villages, plantations, meadows and water bodies is from Bangalore to Kanyakumari. The Island Express travels 944 km in about 19.5 hours and surely take you the land of ‘Malgudi Days’, undoubtedly paving its way to the list of best train journeys in India.

Train Journey Time : 15 hours

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14. Hassan – Mangalore

Magical Malnad

Witness a pleasant train journey through scenic waterfalls, lofty mountains, palm plantations and rice meadows from Hassan to Mangalore. Railway voyage along this stretch of the Malnad region is truly refreshing and perfect delight for travelers.

Train Journey Time : 1 and half hours

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15. Bhubaneshwar – Brahmapur

The Serene Journey

Image Source Another of most beautiful train journeys in India is from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur, with lush green Malyadri on one side and serene Chilika Lake on the other. You may be lucky enough to see lots of migratory birds, so don’t forget your camera. You can capture the glimpse of the best lakes in Odisha while traveling through this train. 

Suggested Read : Mountain Biking In India: 10 Most Thrilling Adventure That Is A Must Try

16. New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling

The Heritage Voyage to the Summer Resort of British Raj

Image Source How good does it feel to ride through hill stations connected by train? A pleasant upslope journey from the foothill region through loops, turns and bends can be experienced from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The 78 km long quaint journey takes almost 8 hours and passes through Siliguri Town, Siliguri Junction, Sukna, Rangtong, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Kurseong, Tung, Sonada, Ghum, Rongbul, Jorebunglow and Batasia Loop.

Though the journey, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sluggish but certainly leisurely. The surrounding hill-valley topography, especially from Ghum (the highest narrow gauge railway station in India) and Batasia Loop, adds extra flavors of delight to your trip.

Train Journey Time : 7 hours

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17. Alipurduar – Jalpaiguri

Jungle Safari on the Wheels

Want to pass through dense forest and see elephants and rhinos while passing by? Plan a train journey in the foothills region of North Bengal. Travelling to Alipurduar, Jayanti, Moorti, Samsing, Baux and Jalpaiguri will take you through the reserve forests of Gorumara, Jaldapara, Mahananda and Buxa while crossing seasonal streamlets.

Suggested Read : 20 Unbelievable Experiences In India That You Must Add On Your Bucket List To Enjoy An Offbeat Escape

18. Guwahati – Silchar

Awes of Assam

Image Source This journey meanders through river Jatinga, lush green Assam Valley, tea plantations and undulating Haflong valley. The route from Guwahati to Silchar via Lumding and Barak Valley makes it one of the most beautiful train journeys in India. The train makes you witness the beauty of hill stations in Assam .

Train Journey Time : 9 hours

Further Read: 23 Types of People You Meet While Travelling in an Indian Train

Aren’t all these beautiful train journeys in India absolutely stunning? If you have more to the list, share us with them in the comments below, and let the word spread. But for now, plan your holiday in India  with TravelTriangle to experience these wonderful train rides. We have no doubt that these rides will sweep you off your feet and make your heart skip a beat.

Disclaimer : TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Train Journeys In India

Is it safe to travel in Indian trains during COVID times?

You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure your safety. Wear mask while traveling in train or being at the railway station, avoid crowds and maintain social distancing. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly. You can also carry a disinfectant spray to disinfect your seat and surroundings.

Which is the best train in India?

This is no definite answer to this because of the way you define best. It could be in terms of service or the route it runs on. If you have to pick one, Samjhauta Express would be the best train of India as it connects India and Pakistan displaying the amazing coordination between the two countries with communal tensions. It connects Amritsar with Lahore.

Which is the long-distance train in India?

Vivek Express is the longest distance train in India that connects Dibrugarh in Assam with Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The train runs weekly and takes about 79 hours to complete a journey of 4234 km. It has 57 intermediate stoppages. Whoa! Imagine the journey that would be on this train.

Which are the dangerous train routes in India?

Chennai - Rameswaram route is considered to be the most dangerous train route in India. It is ironic because it is also a pilgrimage route. So, your faith in God is put to test when you travel on this train. The 2.3 km long stretch of this train runs over the ocean fighting strong winds and tides that make this journey dangerous and testing.

Which are the best train journeys from Bangalore?

The train journey from Bangalore to Kanyakumari is the most scenic one. Ditch the car ride and take the train instead if you want to enjoy the scenery

Which is the longest rail bridge in India?

The longest rail bridge in India is the Vembanad Rail Bridge that connects Vallarpadam and Edappally in Kerala’s Kochi. The bridge is 4.62 km long and dedicated only to good trains.

Is the Indian railways run by private or public?

The Indian railways is a public railway organization run by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

Which is the fastest train in India?

The Vande Bharat Express or Train 18 is currently the fastest train in India with a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h. The average speed of the train is around 102 km/h.

Which railway station has the most number of platforms in India?

Howrah Junction in Kolkata, West Bengal is one of the largest junctions in the country and a perfect bridge between North, South, East and West India. It has 23 platforms that spread in a huge area.

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The 9 most scenic train journeys in India

By Tvisha Sharma and Toshita Sahni

Air travel may seem more convenient and time-effective, but it cannot replace the undeniable charm of travelling by train. One of the most enjoyable parts of train journeys is sitting by the window and taking in the beauty of the landscape while sipping a hot beverage. In those moments, with hills, forests, brooks and villages rolling by your window, the world slips away, and peace reigns for a little while. If you want to experience this kind of serenity, there are many routes you can take, as India boasts of an extensive railway network. Here’s a look at some of the prettiest train journeys in the country:

Himalayan Queen

Also known as the Kalka-Shimla ‘toy train,’ the Himalayan Queen features in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tracks stretch across the steepest altitude. From your vantage point up high, you will get a glimpse of picturesque pine forests, deep valleys and small towns along the way. This seven-coach train covers a distance of 96km, crossing 82 bridges and 102 tunnels. In 2008, UNESCO added the Kalka-Shimla railway line to its Mountain Railways of India World Heritage site.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this train runs from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal. As you travel at an altitude of more than 2000m, you will be treated to stunning views of sprawling tea plantations and the breathtaking Mt. Kanchenjunga. The route is famous for its loops, where the train turns in a full circle and thus climbs 20ft higher.

Kashmir Valley Railway

A train passing by the Pulwama district in Kashmir.

On this trip from Jammu to Baramulla, feast your eyes on the snowy mountainscapes of the region. This is actually one of the most challenging tracks built by the Indian Railways. The train passes through many earthquake zones, high-altitude mountain passes and rocky terrains.

Sethu Express

Pamban Bridge

If you don’t want a mountainous journey, choose this train that goes from Chennai to Rameswaram in less than 12 hours. You will get the opportunity to traverse the sea, as the route includes crossing the Pamban Bridge—the second-longest in India—built over the water.  You may recognise it from the 2013 Bollywood film Chennai Express .

Konkan Railway

Arundhati Ail , Condé Nast Traveller India

Condé Nast Traveller

Geetika Sachdev

This iconic railway line mainly connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Get ready to enjoy the varied sights outside your window: the Sahyadri mountains, the Arabian Sea, lakes and waterfalls. A classic choice for travellers going from Mumbai to Goa is the  Mandovi Express . The train travels through 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges, including the Panvalnadi bridge, which is one of the highest in India. With landscapes covered in lush greenery, a Konkan Railway journey is a treat, especially during the monsoon season.

Goa Express

For an awe-inspiring glimpse of Dudhsagar Falls, take this train from Vasco de Gama in Goa to Londa, Karnataka. It crosses the bridge over that massive waterfall in the early evening, so keep an eye out. The journey is less than 4 hours long and takes you through the charming Western Ghats and serene beaches.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

If you want to travel by the train where the popular song ‘ Chaiya Chaiya’ was filmed,  choose this one from Mettupalayam to Ooty. You will have lots of time to enjoy the gorgeous views of forests and plantations, as this ‘toy’ train takes around 5h to cover 46km. Considered “the  slowest train  in India”, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway has the steepest gradient of any railway line in South Asia, climbing from an elevation of 325m to 2,240m along the way.

Kollam-Sengottai Chord Line

For another amazing south Indian experience, take this train from Kollam Junction in Kerala to Sengottai in Tamil Nadu. You will see moss-covered bridges, untouched forests and Kerala’s cardamom hills. The route also takes you over the Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge, or the 13 Arch Bridge, which is more than 100 years old.

Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur

Many trains run along this specific route, like the Intercity Express, Prashanti Express, Konark Express and the famous Howrah-Chennai Mail. The most attractive highlight of the journey is Lake Chilika, the second-largest in the country and a popular destination for birdwatchers. As your train passes by, you can often spot different species of birds quenching their thirst in the lake. Don’t forget to sit on the left side of the train going southward to catch the best views.

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10 of the Best Train Journeys in India (and How to Take Them)

One of the quintessential travel experiences in India, you don’t want to miss these: the best train journeys in India from luxury trains, toy trains and “regular” trips, from all around the country!

Choosing the Best Train Journeys in India

We don’t keep it much of a secret that hopping on a train is our favourit-est way to travel, especially in India, where you can be assured of smiles, lots of people, great views, and probably a spot of adventure along the way.

Despite the advent of flying in India, we’d rather take the train any day: It’s much more scenic, fun, is better for the environment, and you’re guaranteed to go home with stories to tell vs sitting in yet another plane.

Choosing this list of our recommended train journeys in India for visitors was not the easiest of tasks – simply because there are so many worthy contenders! And so, we drafted in a little help from other travellers and writers, and asked them to share their best train journeys in India too. We’ve covered toy trains, “regular trains” and luxury trains from all corners of the country to light up your train travel wanderlust.

Planning train travel in India is not always straightforward (we’ve written EVERYTHING you need to know about that over here – so make sure you keep it bookmarked). But fortunately, arranging train travel in India is getting easier, with the advent of online agencies that can book tickets for you without you having to sign up for an IRCTC account: We use and recommend 12go.asia for booking train tickets in India as a foreign traveller.

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

Best “Regular” Train Journeys in India

No bells and whistles here, these are some of our favourite “regular” Indian train journeys with great views and more that we recommend taking if you can!

Jan Shatabdi Express from Mumbai to Goa

Does the idea of rolling out of sweaty, busy Mumbai at daybreak and arriving by the sea in Goa in time for your prawn curry for lunch sound appealing? Thought so. Many people fly from Mumbai to Goa, but in our humble opinion they miss the best part.

The train from Mumbai to Goa travels what’s known as the Konkan railway, and it’s actually one of India’s most recent railways. It was thought for decades to be too difficult terrain to build a railway through to connect Mumbai and Panjim, and the British declared it un-feasible and impossible. It was not until 1998 that services fully began, and Mumbai was finally connected to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala on a direct line.

This line winds through the western ghats (hills) in south Maharashtra before entering Goa for the most scenic part of the trip, across rivers and backwaters with glimpses of the ocean.

Many trains ply the route from Mumbai to Madgaon (south central Goa), Thivim (for North Goa) and further south to Canacona. If you travel overnight, you’ll miss the views (the best part of this journey) so we recommend taking the day train if you can, the best of which is the Jan Shatabdi . The Tejas Express is one of the new high-end trains but has sealed windows and automatic sealed doors – so hardly great for photos!

How to take this train: The Jan Shatabdi (12051) leaves Dadar in Mumbai at 05.25 daily, arriving in Madgaon at 13.50. You could also take this journey in reverse from Madgaon to Mumbai which is also beautiful. In winter (Nov-Feb) sit in non-ac chair car class for fresh air and views out of the open windows. At other times, opt for the AC option. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Search and book tickets here for Mumbai – Goa on 12go !

The Deccan Queen from Pune to Mumbai

My first solo train journey in India left quite an imprint on my memory. Clambering on to the Deccan Queen while it was still dark in Pune to begin the 3 hour journey in Mumbai I’d been told that the pantry car (catering) on this train was good, and not to miss the chance to have breakfast.

Happily filled by my masala baked beans on toast (no I didn’t get sick), I happily dozed on the train as the sunlight started to creep in. I woke up to see the train twisting through the dramatic ghats with stunning views out onto the hills of Maharashtra in the morning light. I curse myself to this day for not being quicker with my camera. Just after 10am, the train creeps in to Mumbai’s best known and best-loved railway terminus – CS(M)T (formerly VT), and the heart of south Bombay .

Many trains run the popular route between Pune and Mumbai, but we recommend this one because of a) the morning light against the hills in winter and b) the food. Plus, there’s a certain something about taking a train named after a queen…

How to take this train: The Deccan Queen (12124) leaves Pune at 07.15 and arrives in Mumbai (CST) at 10.25. In winter, you can take non-AC chair car class (2nd Sitting) for mountain air and better views. In hotter months / monsoon we recommend AC. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Search and book tickets here for Pune – Mumbai on 12go!

The Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra

Contributed by Soujanya from thespicyjourney.com

Similar to a shatabdi express , The Gatimaan Express is one of the first high-speed trains in India, and is the currently second fastest train in operation in India. It’s a high speed all air-conditioned train that runs between Delhi and Jhansi, stopping at Agra along the way.

The train originates at Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in the south of Delhi, and ends at Jhansi Junction railway station, stopping in-between at the Agra Cantonment Railway Station. It is highly recommended to take this train while going to Agra from New Delhi.

One of the main reasons why the train is preferred is because it’s the fastest train between Delhi and Agra – covering a distance of 188 km in 100 minutes. Secondly, the train is clean, fully air conditioned and there are (free / included) meals served on board by attentive staff, which are fine to eat. There are two classes available for the Gatimaan express which are executive AC tickets priced at INR 1500 and regular AC tickets costing INR 750. The main difference between the two is legspace, and more food in executive class. Regular AC is fine. The train operates on all days, except Fridays (seeing as the Taj is closed on fridays).

How to take this train: The Gatimaan Express (12050) leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi daily except fridays at 08.10, arriving at Agra Cantonment at 09.55. In the reverse direction (train number 12049), the Gatimaan leaves Agra Cantonment at 17.50 and arrives back at Delhi Hazrat Nizamuddin at 19.30. Tickets need to be booked in advanced, preferably at least a few days. If this train is fully booked, a good alternative is train #12002 from New Delhi station to Agra.

Search and book tickets here for Delhi – Agra on 12go!

Bangalore to Goa

Contributed by Madhurima of orangewayfarer.com

Because India is a world in itself, different rail routes will give you a taste of different terrain. From window scene to quick snacks, even the taste of Chai differs on Indian train journey. One of the most scenic Indian train journey is the one from Bangalore to Goa.

With cheap airfares and frequent bus service, many people want to make it quick to Goa. I say, slow down. And make the most of spiraling railroad through the Western Ghats, which will gradually descend to the white sandy beaches kissing Arabian sea.

One of the most rewarding rail journeys to Goa is passing the Dudhsagar falls. Come monsoon, the fall regain all her Vigour and stage a fantastic show. Monsoon also means restricted access to Dudhsagar trek, making the rain journey to be the sole chance to view the falls. The train usually slows down as it approached the fall. You’ll be able to see a lot of people peeping out of the window in awe. Dudhsagar (ocean of milk, literally) appears twice, on both sides of the train. But Dudhsagar is short lived. Beyond that, the 10 hours long journey still proves its worth, when the train enters numerous stone tunnels and gradually ascends to a world of mist and lush green verdant valley of the Western Ghats.

How to take this train: There are several trains running from Bangalore to Vasco da Gama in Goa, but to be able to see the falls at Dudhsagar, you want one that arrives in Goa during daylight hours. (The nearest station to where the train passes by the falls is Kulem). Train #17316 from Chennai does that, or train #17603 depending on the day of the week. The falls and scenery are at the most lush during monsoon (July-September). Tickets must be booked in advance.

Search and book tickets from Bangalore to Goa on 12go here!

Odisha, Kendujhar to Bhubaneswar

Contributed by Renuka from Voyager for Life

My favourite train journey was in Odisha, an eastern state of India – from Kendujhargarh to Bhubaneswar. While Kendujhargarh is a small town known for its many waterfalls, Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. It’s a 5-hour journey in a chair car coach, which is quite comfortable and fun.

The highlight of this train journey is the constant sight of beautiful landscapes that one gets to witness along the way. Although the entire state of Odisha has amazing natural beauty and there are several train routes that you can take to enjoy the scenic landscapes, the Kendujhargarh-Bhubaneswar route is perhaps the most captivating one. There’s a certain mellow quality about the hills and open fields that you pass by. Since the train departs in the afternoon from Kendujhar and reaches Bhubaneswar towards the evening, there’s a prospect of enjoying an evocative sunset, too.

To make the most of your train journey, ensure to book a window seat! It’s a delightful experience to be glued to the outside view until a  chai  or coffee guy sneaks you out of your daydream, which is not a bad deal either. The coffee that you get to have on this route is fantastic.        

How to take this Train . There are four daily trains, the one coinciding with sunset being the 18415 Barbil – Puri Express. Classes are Chair Car (AC) or second sitting. Tickets are available on the IRCTC website or in person at the station, book a few days before if you can.

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Delhi to Kota, Rajasthan

Contributed by Priyanka of On My Canvas .

Delhi to Kota is one of my train journeys in India that has stayed with me for a long time. As the train leaves the chaotic stations of Delhi, it goes through a range of terrains. The life going on around the small stations in between is enough to make any traveler curious. Houses perched on the roadsides are shaken to the core when the train rambles through the town. Children in the streets, waiting for the train to pass over, wave as it does. 

Getting down at the Mathura junction to get some peda (sweets) isn’t more customary than getting off the train at Bharatpur to get some early taste of the lemony poha (beaten rice) that is typical of Rajasthan. Travelers who visit the Pushkar mela would know all about the poha . 

But after the train crosses further into Rajasthan, it crosses a desert landscape. The landscapes become dry, and vegetation is sparse. Dry winds blow in, but one could only experience the change in these if the coach is non-air conditioned, as scrub and bush surprisingly creeps in, as the train heads further south in India’s desert state .

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The journey was my favorite for it took me from the warmth of my house to the strange city of Kota where I studied as a little girl. Between the comfort of home and hard student life, the train journey was a transit that I wished would never end. And then there were the station snacks that would lure any child to keep going back and forth by train.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous railway journey while enjoying some local snacks on the way, Delhi to Kota is a good one. The journey is special for the sharp contrast between the scenery and the culture of Delhi and Rajasthan.

How to take this train: To get the effect of the changing climate, book a non-ac class such as ‘Sleeper’ or 2S (2nd sitting). The train journey lasts between 6-7 hours, depending on which train you take, and there are many different trains leaving from both New Delhi station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin station in the south of Delhi. For a reliable train with a non-air conditioned option, you can take the Jan Shatabdi train #12060 which leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin daily at 13.15.

Search & book tickets from Delhi to Kota here on 12go!

Best Toy Train Journeys in India

Otherwise known as mountain railways of India, India is home to several toy train journeys that were built on narrow gauge, to transport primarily holiday makers to the country’s hill stations to escape the sweltering summer temperatures.

Two of the most famous are the Kalka-Shimla railway and the Darjeeling Himalay railway. Another mountain railway from Srinagar (Kashmir) to Leh (Ladakh) is planned for the future, making it the highest railway in the world, but construction has yet to begin.

Nilgiri Toy Train

Contributed by Sapna from My Simple Sojourn .

The Nilgiri mountain railway is a UNESCO world heritage site. The train runs with steam locomotive engines and its speed varies between 15 to 30 Km. The Nilgiri mountain railway has the steepest track in Asia with a maximum gradient of 8.33%. This railway track has the Abt rack and pinion system to climb this gradient. 

These trains operate between Mettupalayam and Udhagamandalam. (Ooty). The initial 7 Km journey is through the plains, where you will see the Paddy fields on both sides. Afterward, the train enters the Nilgiri Mountain range and passes through the mountains.

I love this journey because of the scenic beauty. You will see lush green mountains, deep valleys, cross 250 bridges and pass through 16 tunnels in 46 Km. There are several curves and hairpin bends on the way. As the train crosses Coonoor, you will see the beautiful tea gardens on both sides of the track. The toy train journey is an extremely joyous experience. 

There are general class and First class category in this train. The main difference between the two classes is space. In the first-class, you will get more space to sit and keep the luggage in comparison to the general class. Otherwise, both are more or less similar. It is advisable to book the tickets in advance because the train has limited seats, which get filled very fast. Traveling by this train should be on everyone’s list when in the South of India.

How to take this train: Tickets are bookable via the IRCTC website in advance, or in person at one of the stations at least two hours before. The train does get busy, so advance booking is preferable (you’ll need an IRCTC account). Timetable and more info on the route can be found here .

Kalka Shimla Railway

Contributed by Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers

Train journeys in India can be a bag of mixed feelings. While some train journeys can be a wonderful experience, others can be quite hectic. Nevertheless, I have always loved train journeys. There is a subtle romanticism and charm in train journeys that I cannot find in other modes of transport. One of my favourite train journeys in India happens to be the Kalka Shimla Railways – the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla. I had however taken the journey on the other way from Shimla to Kalka after completing the Rupin Pass Trek.

Kalka Shimla Railways was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 as it is quite an engineering feat, considering the fact that it was opened for public in early 1903. This mountain railway runs on narrow-gauge tracks (2 feet tracks). The railway has 988 bridges, 919 curves and 102 tunnels in the 96 km it runs. 

The train journey is an experience of a lifetime. As the slow train chugs through the mountains bridges manoeuvring the curves, there is a feeling of thrill and excitement. Also, the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh is unmatched. There are 16 stations between Shimla and Kalka. These stations look quaint and like picture postcards, the best one being Barog. The train moves through the forests, villages and some rugged terrain. The railway stations give a feeling of the old colonial days. The six hours train journey through surrounded by pine and forest trees is definitely one of the most pleasant train journeys in India. 

How to take this train : There are several different trains that run from Kalka to Shimla, from regular passenger trains with basic unreserved seating, to tourist trains with vista dome coaches attached. Tickets can be bought up to 120 days in advance via the IRCTC website. This article has a full breakdown of the different trains and comfort levels.

Best Luxury Trains in India

For those looking for the wow factor of life on the rails in India.. the country has some world class luxury trains. If you dream of sipping sweet chai from your full length bed in a private cabin in silk dressing gown… look no further than these!

The Golden Chariot

Contributed by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey

The Golden Chariot stands out among the four luxury trains of India as it’s the only one in its category that operates in the south of the country.

The aptly named Pride of the South and Southern Splendor routes are epic and majestic 8-day journeys that pass through some of southern India’s most beautiful places. They both start and end in Bangalore with the former passing through Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebidu, Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami caves and finally Goa. The latter makes stops at Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Kerala and so much more.

Rooms are decorated, as well as named, after the different dynasties that ruled Karnataka, for example Ganga, Sangama and so on. Travelers can choose between a twin or double room, which are more suited for couples sharing a single bed. Both have large ensuite bathrooms that are spacious for a train and have enclosed showers. Beds are full length and not the usual fold up types that one finds on other trains in India.

The train even includes a sampling of gym facilities. Food is served in two separate restaurants (dining cars) and there are even two kitchens onboard that feed up to 80 guests at a time – one for Indian cuisine and the other for Western-style cooking. And the food is absolutely delicious, both the large Western menu and the local Karnataka cuisine from the south of India are some of the best you will find.

The best part of the Golden Chariot is the fantastic service, where passengers are treated like royalty. While locals can hop on and off at will, foreigners have to book the entire 8-day journey, but riding in luxury in India’s south is a once in a lifetime experience and is absolutely worth it. 

How to take this train : Tickets/tours can be booked on the Golden Chariot’s website or through select travel agencies.

The Palace on Wheels

Contributed by Natalie from Love and Road .

The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train journey through Rajasthan and Agra: It’s a 7 day trip on board a vintage luxury train that whisks you back in history to a grander era of train travel. On board you will find draped curtains, silver cutlery, and butlers that will take care of everything you need during this luxury adventure.

The Palace on Wheels journey starts in Delhi and every day you will wake up in a new place. Most of the traveling is overnight, so you will arrive fresh and ready to explore a new destination. In every destination, guides and transport will take you to the main attractions, including the most impressive forts in Rajasthan. Along the way you’ll learn about the culture and food of this beautiful part of India. 

The train crew organizes all the activities and entrance fees; you only need to follow the instructions and have fun. The price of the train trip includes all meals; you’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner served onboard or in a restaurant/hotel in the destination you are visiting. And every time you go back to the train your butler will be waiting for you with fresh tea/coffee and biscuits. 

Every room has an assigned butler that will organize your schedule, maintain your cabin, and help you with everything you might need or want. The train offers luxury double rooms and standard twin rooms. There are two rooms per carriage, and in the cabins you will find a bed, wardrobe, sitting area, and a private bathroom.

My husband and I loved the Palace on Wheels experience. The hassle-free train journey is perfect for travelers that want to see the best of Rajasthan in a short time and without worrying about booking transportation, hotels, and activities by themselves. 

How to take this train : Tickets/tours can be booked through the Palace on Wheels website and through select travel agencies.

In addition to the above luxury trains, there is also the Maharajas Express which covers a range of classic itineraries in northern India, and the Deccan Odyssey which tours beautiful Maharashtra.

Have you travelled by train in India? Which was your favourite journey? Let us know in the comments below!

Read more about travel in India on Soul Travel India:

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Travel In India By Train - A Complete Guide To Travel By Indian Railways

How to book a train ticket in india, cost of train tickets in india.

Luxury Train Travel in India 

1. 'maharaja's express.

2. Palace on Wheels

3. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

4. The Deccan Odyssey

5. Golden Chariot

6. Royal Orient Train

7.  Fairy Queen Express

Other Train Travel in India With Classes 

1. first class ac or 1a.

2. AC two tier or 2A

3. ac three tier or 3a.

4. Executive Class Chair Car or EC

5. AC Chair Car or CC

6. sleeper class, 7. second seater or 2s.

Well then get ready to embark on one of the most memorable train travels in India which you are sure to cherish forever!

This post was published by Priyanka Chugh

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Top 25 Scenic Train Routes in India

The third largest railway network in the world (read India) has a number of interest facts that not many are aware of. Around 161 years old, if the tracks of the train routes of India would be laid, they would circling the earth around 1.5 times. The trains of India join 65000 km of the country and carry around 30 million passengers. A train journey is always a memorable experience. As the train chugs on its track, its rhythmic vibration takes the travelers to another world. Some of the train routes of the country are known for offering some breathtaking views, ensuring an unforgettable experience. The blog enlists 25 of the most beautiful train routes in India:

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

Journey: New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling

The World heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train also boasts of being India’s oldest mountain railways. Circular loops are an amazing feature of this rail route that offers it an accession. Batasia Loop is the most famous one, known for offering mesmerizing views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the town. When the train is travelling upwards from Sukna, it passes a number of small towns, crossing tea factories, lush tea estates and mini forests of cherry, chestnut pear and maple. You can also have a look into some of the Gurkha settlements. The toy train also gulps past the hustling-bustling highway, offering a lovely experience.

2. Train Journey amid Snow

This is an enchanting part of the Kashmir Railway, working from Jammu to Qazigund in the present times. Once the train route would be completely operational, this journey is going to join the plains to the pristine valley that means Jammu to Baramulla. The train is going to make its way traversing through snow-covered mountains peaks placed at a distance, the tall Chinar trees sprinkled here and there and entering into the Heaven on Earth, Valley of Kashmir. This route is a real to the eyes of the onlooker in the winter months when there is snow all around like a pure white sheet.

3. The Goan Soujourn

Journey:  Vasco Da Gama – Londa Junction

The beach state of Goa is world-renowned for its lovely beaches and carefree atmosphere, nonetheless this state also has another attraction that you surely cannot miss out on. The dense forests, verdant villages and plentiful waterfalls in the region are the magical attractions that fall on the Goan Rail routes. The train journey begins from Vasco Da Gama passing by the pristine beaches and taking you to curvy rugged paths of the Western Ghats from you can offer an enchanting view of the Dudhsagar Falls. This 4-tiered waterfall is one of the highest falls in the country.

A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s highest and most exquisite falls.

4. The Kangra Valley Journey

Journey: Pathankot – Kangra – Palampur – Jogindernagar

The sub-Himalayan area in the state of Himachal Pradesh has the Kanga Valley Journey. The train starts chugging from Pathankot Junction (Punjab), covering a distance of 164 km before it reaches Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh state. On the way, it makes way through lush valleys, rivers and various passes. Though the speed of the train is a little on the slow side but the mesmerizing views make the journey a worthwhile. Once you cross Palampur, the sight of snow-clad Dhauladhar hills completely charms you. Kangra Valley Passenger is the sole train right now that runs on this route.

5. The Kashmir Railway

Journey: Jammu – Udhampur

It is no exaggeration that the Kashmir Railway is one of country’s most challenging projects but it surely is one of the most mesmerizing too. Extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain make this route an exciting train journey. This route meanders through 20 tunnels and 100 bridges over the mighty Himalayas that would later include the tallest railway bridge in India, which is currently under construction. This journey includes views of valleys, rivers and Shivalik Ranges.

6. The Konkan Odyssey

Journey: Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore

Exciting scenic beauty, views of the splendid Sahyadari hills, striking curves and a number of water bodies form an amazing part of the Konkan Odyssey. Apart from offering panoramic views, this train route can also be seen as the amazing work done by the Indian engineers who constructed this amazing route after crossing challenges such as frequent landslides.

7. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Journey: Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam

As the blue and cream colored train slides- up the Nilgiris, the combination looks really pretty. This train journey has been running for more than 110 years and must be experienced at least once. The train covers the distance of around 46 km to Ooty that is of four and a half hours. Enjoy yourselves when the train traverses through the rugged terrains and then the expansive tea gardens. The sound of the steam engine spells an old-world charm on the travelers and gives the feel of the time of the British rule.

8. Matheran Hill Train Railway

Journey: Neral-Matheran

Lying amid the Western Ghats, Matheran is one of the most popular weekend destinations for the people of Mumbai. The place has abundant scenic beauty as vehicles are not allowed inside the hill town.  To reach Matheran, once can simply walk or opt for a pony ride. Matheran Hill Train Railway, a narrow gauge track, boasts of being Maharashtra’s only heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1907 by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy, this 20 km long rail link connects Neral and Matheran. The distance of the journey is around one and a half hours and offers lovely views including huge stretches of forests. Savor the peace spread around.

9. Himalayan Queen: Kalka-Shimla Toy train

Journey: Kalka – Shimla

Country’s only mountain railway that is still being used, this rail route between Kalka and Shimla finds its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for owning the steepest altitude rise in the distance of 96 km. Bounded by the lofty Shivalik ranges on each side, this rail track was established in the year 1903 and crosses 864 bridges and 107 tunnels. The scenery on the way casts a charm on you with fresh air, maple, oak and pine trees. It surely is a ride of a lifetime.

10. Dooars Voyage 

Journey: Siliguri – New Mal – Hasimara –Alipurduar

Small falls gushing down from the hills of Sikkim, cascading River Teesta dissecting the lush tea estates and huge stretch of thick jungle housing varied wildlife make Dooars a natural wonder that is worth-visiting. Recently made a broad gauge with very little traffic, the journey crosses some of the most popular wildlife reserves such as Chapramari Forest, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary that are bustling with a varied flora and fauna. Admire the various streams that pass by. As the speed of the train is slow, one can also get down at Rajabhatkhawa, Chalsa and Hasimara and enjoy the surroundings.

11.Through the Desert

Journey: Jaipur-Jaisalmer

Nicknamed as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer is known to be the hub of camel safaris in the expansive Thar Desert of Rajasthan state. A train sojourn from the Pink City of Jaipur to Jaisalmer through the sterile expanses of the Thar is going to be a superb experience. The vibrant settlements of colorful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life.

12. Aromas of Assam 

Journey: Guwahati – Lumding – SilcharThe aromatic fragrance of Assam fills your nostril as the train moves towards the verdant Haflong valleys that stands attached. Next the train chugs along the Jatinga River, flowing along. After running for a few more hours, you can admire the tea estates of the valley of Barak and then finally, you get to see the plains. The journey now moves southwards connecting Agartala to the remaining country.

13. Araku Valley Railway

Journey: Vizag – Araku

The lovely Araku Valley is extremely popular for its aromatic tea plantations and dense jungles, often explored by nature enthusiasts. The important Eastern Indian port city of Vishakhapatnam has a rail route to this valley that lies on Kothavalasa and Kirandul Line. Treat your eyes to the panoramic views of cascading waterfalls and a number of caves.  One of India’s broad hill railways, it was laid down for the transportation of iron ore from Chattisgarh mines to Vishakhapatnam or Vizag.

14. The Sea Bridge Odyssey

Journey:  Mandapam – Pamban – Rameswaram

The sea bridge connecting Tamil Nadu’s Mandapam to Pamban Island is the country’s second longest sea bridge. The view from above, while the train is crossing the Gulf of Mannar, is going to leave you spellbound.

15. Malnad Charm 

Journey: Hassan – Mangalore

Malnad region is a perfect combination of Areca nut palm trees and quaint lush paddy fields. During this rail journey, the best stretch is from Sakleshpur station and Subramanya station. Between these railway stations, the train crosses 57 tunnels where you can treat your eyes to the pretty views of the crystal clear waterfalls and mist-clad peaks mountains spread all over.

16. The Western Ghat Wander

Journey: Karjat – Lonavala

Starting from Maharashtra’s Karjat as the train passes the place, it chugs into the locality of the lofty Western Ghats that are known for their rich biodiversity.  During the rainy season, this rail route becomes all the more beautiful with gushing waterfall and several clear streams. The thick green vegetation with the hills in the background create a lovely scene from your train’s window. Before the ascending journey up the Monkey Hill starts, the train crisscross through Thakurwadi village, passing dreamy Khandala and then finally reaching Khandala.

17. The Coastal Kerala Experience

Journey: Ernakulam Kollam – Trivandrum

A train ride beginning from Cochin or Ernakulam and up to Kollam or Quilon is one of the most mesmerizing ways to experience the charm of Kerala state. This odyssey is almost like complete vacation that includes the crystal clear lakes, the placid backwaters, a glance into the life of the Kerala villages, the lush coconut grooves, paddy field and more. This journey along the long coast of the Arabian Sea would be a memorable one.

18. The Chambal Experience

Journey: Agra to Gwalior

Ill-famed as Chambal ki Ghati, the Chambal region has always been under scanner for several decades because of the notorious dacoits (group of robbers) who have been popular for huge number of crimes like robberies, extortions and murders. However, that is not all that is famous about Chambal, there is something else too. The dense green patches give an extremely soothing feeling to the eyes. Chambal River has fed the ravines for ages. A train journey that starts from Agra and end at Gwalior passes through the green Chambal region, not only offering a beautiful sight but also creating a feeling of excitement and adventure in one’s self.

19. The Travancore Express

Journey: Kollam – Punalur – Sengottai

The first train on this route chugged off, way back in the year 1907 when the then Maharaja of Travancore had inaugurated the event. The stretch of this journey is between Punalur and Sengottai. This section is a treat to the eyes of the on-looker as one can savor the sights of lush greenery and a number of architectural wonders. The picture of a bridge with 13 arches is going to stay with you. Earlier the journey was up to Punalur only but in 2013 the journey extended and the route became the fastest way connecting Trivandrum and Chennai.

20. Andhra Odyssey

Journey: Guntakal – GunturThe route from Guntakal to Guntur takes you through the lovely Eastern Ghats offering a beautiful sight, mainly between Dhone and Cumbum. Though most of the express trains make to this stretch during night hours but there are some trains that offer the passengers a chance to savor this lovely side of Andhra Pradesh state. Cumbum station offers a lovely view of the Cumbum Lake, known for being Asia’s oldest man-made lake.

21. Viewing Lake Chilika 

Journey: Bhubaneswar to  Brahmapur

In Orissa, if you travel from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur, the grand Eastern Ghats would be on your right side and the Chilika Lake would on left. A paradise for the migratory birds in India, Chilika Lake is the planet’s second largest lagoon. If you like bird spotting, do not miss to look out of your train window through your binoculars.

22. Tribal Orissa Experience 

Journey: Koraput to Rayagada

Koraput-Rayagada line or the popular KR line is a brach of the the Kirandul- Kothavalasa railway line. While Rayagada is over 200 m above the sea level, Koraput is at an elevation of around 800 m. When the train slides down from Koraput to Rayagada, the downhill view looks pretty. Horse-shoe shaped curve and thick jungles are added attractions.

23. Aravali Escapade 

Journey: Himmatnagar – Udaipur/Mavli – Marwar

The old Aravali ranges boast of rocky ridges that made because of the erosion of an age-old folded mountain. In the Rajasthan state, the Aravali hills run from north to south. These hills have been witness to the rich history of this royal state. Get aboard a train to a journey in the interiors would offer you a chance to interest with the locals.

24. Shindavane and Ambale Adventure

Journey: Pune to Satara

Shindavane Ghats are popular for the lofty sterile Sahyadari Mountains. This train journey passes through these hills and crosses past rocks on all its sides, forming a thrilling sight. This railway stretch is a part of the Central Railways, starting from Pune and ending at Satara.

25. Gir Safari Route

Journey: Junagarh to Delvada

Traverse through the wild hills of Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat while on a train that is chugging on a Meter gauge railway from Junagadh to Delvada.  A laid-back train journey, it is the best chance for you to take a halt at Gir as well as get an insight into the western region of the state, called Saurashtra. As the train stops at Sasan Gir Railway Station, make your way to the National Park for wildlife spotting. As the train runs along the western coast of Gujarat, you can also visit Diu.

Related Post: Best Train Journeys in the World World’s Most Spectacular Train Stations World’s Best Scenic Train Trips in  Winters Top 10 Great Rail Journeys in the World Top 10 Luxury Train Journeys in the World

Comments (2)

Hi Priyanka

Thanks for your precious comment. Train journeys in India are always memorable and a great experience.

As far as mentioning Vasco Da Gama- Londa Junction journey is concerned…if you read the Blog carefully, the Third train route-The Goan experience, very much is Vasco Da Gama- Londa Junction journey.

@Geetika Handa

Great Routes in India . I have only been 4 of these route but you did not mention ( Vasco Da Gama – Londa Jn, ) in this list.

Regards Priyanka

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The Man in Seat 61

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in india.

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The best way to see India is at ground level on the incredible Indian railway system, not from 35,000 feet.  Experience the bustle of Indian railway stations and a comfortable journey on an Indian express train with the tea seller's cry of Chai, chai, garam chai wafting down the aisle.  Forget media images of crowded local trains with people sitting on the roof.  In an AC Chair Car or AC1 or AC2 sleeper on an express, all seats & berths are reserved and it’s safe, civilised, inexpensive & comfortable.  Even journeys such as Mumbai to Delhi or Delhi to Jaisalmer can be covered time-effectively by overnight sleeper, centre to centre, saving a hotel bill too.  Book Indian train tickets online at 12go.asia

Useful country information

Train routes & maps.

India's passenger rail network is the third biggest in the world after Russia and China, with 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations.  In terms of passenger kilometres, it's the biggest in the world.  Indian Railways are the world's biggest employer, with over 1.5 million staff.

The trains in India go almost everywhere, and it's generally safe to assume that you can travel between any two Indian cities or major towns by train, the length and breadth of the country.

Most of India's rail network is broad gauge with rails 5' 6" apart, wider than standard gauge (4' 8½") used in Europe, allowing Indian trains to be wider than European trains.  Parts of the country such as Rajasthan used to be served by an extensive metre-gauge network, but most metre-gauge routes have now been converted to broad gauge.  A few hill railway such as Kalka-Simla and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling use narrow gauge, either 2' or 2' 6".

For an Indian railways route map see surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Railway map_Eng_C.jpg (please let me know if this stops working).

Also try www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/india-railway-map.htm , or indiarailinfo.com/atlas .

Back to top

How to check train times & fares

It can be easiest to check train schedules & fares for the main tourist routes at agency website 12go.asia , this can also sell you a ticket, hassle-free.

For train times & fares for any journey in India use www.indianrail.gov.in .

This is one of the various official Indian Railways websites, an amazing site but a little bewildering, not helped by there being another official site, www.indianrailways.gov.in .  It's a good training course for your travels in India.

To check train times, look for Reserved Train Between Stations at the top of their home page.

To check fares, first find a train and note the train number, then click Fare enquiry at the top of their home page.

To check availability over various dates, first find a train and note the train number, then click Seat availability at the top of their home page.

Or download an app for your phone.  There are many apps to choose from, the official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India so try these 3rd-party apps for checking Indian train times on the go.  They're ad-heavy, but they work, I find Ixigo the best.

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Indian Rail IRCTC for Android .

Ixigo for iPhone or Ixigo for Android .

You can also buy the famous Trains at a Glance timetable booklet for 100 rupees at any station bookstall (it makes a great souvenir), or click here to download the pages you need for free .  This shows times in printed form for most major stations on all the main routes.

Tips for checking Indian train times

Which station in which city .

Kashmir originally had no rail connection, but a line to Srinagar and beyond has now been completed with more under construction.  The line heads through tough terrain, and features the highest railway bridge in the world.  Srinagar's station code is SINA (not to be confused with another smaller Srinagar in Rajasthan with station code SNAR).

Khajuraho (a much-visited temple complex) now has a station, station code KURJ.  There's a daily overnight train called the Kurukshetra-Khajuraho Express leaving New Delhi station at 18:20, picking up at Agra Cantonment around 21:35 and arriving in Khajuraho at 08:00 next morning.  It  returns from Khajuraho at 18:35 arriving New Delhi at 08:45.

Example train times

Example fares from delhi.

£1 = 105 Rupees, €1 = 90 Rupees, $1 = 82 Rupees.

Shatabdi Express = Premier daytime train, special fare payable, meals included.

Rajdhani Express = Premier overnight train, special fare payable, meals included.

Child fares on Indian trains since April 2016:   Children aged 0 to 4 inclusive travel free.  Children aged 5 to 11 inclusive travel at half fare if they do not take up a reserved seat or berth, but as from April 2016 they must pay the adult fare if they travel with their own reserved seat or berth.  I do not recommend that any child aged 5 to 11 travels without their own seat or berth in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair car or Sleeper Class, so this effectively means you must now pay the adult fare for children aged 5 and over.  Children aged 12 and over pay the adult fare in all cases.

Classes explained

Which class to choose.

Above, a typical long-distance express or mail train with older carriages (not a premier Rajdhani or Duronto express).  You can just make out 3 cars in the centre of the train with different windows.  These are the AC cars, perhaps one AC1, one AC2 & one AC3 car.  The rest of the train is Sleeper class.  Courtesy of Albert Höchst.

Types of train

Which train to choose.

Executive Chair (EC) class on a Vande Bharat Express.  These are India's most modern trains, capable of 160 km/h (100 mph) & used at up to 130 km/h (80 mph).  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vande_Bharat_Express .  Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip , see video of Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Express .

AVL, CNF, RAC & Waitlist

You need a reservation to travel on Indian long-distance trains, you can't just turn up and hop on.  Reservations are fully computerised using the world's largest computer reservation system.  Trains get fully-booked weeks in advance, so buy tickets as far ahead as possible.

When do bookings open?

Bookings for most Indian long-distance trains currently open 120 days before departure.

It was 60 days until 2008, when it was experimentally extended to 90 days, then it was experimentally extended even further to 120 days in 2012, reduced again to 60 days in 2013 to make ticket 'scalping' by agencies harder, but restored to 120 days as from 1 April 2015. 

Some short-distance inter-city trains may open for bookings less than this, for example Delhi-Kalka & Kalka-Simla may open only 30 days or in some cases just 15 days ahead.

The remarkable Indian Railways system

Indian Railways have a unique system with 4 possible statuses for seats/berths/bookings:

AVL = Available , these are seats or berths that are unsold and available for booking.

CNF = Confirmed .  When you book an available seat or berth, your PNR status (Personal Name Record) becomes CNF, confirmed.  You're safely booked on the train with a specific seat or berth.

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation .  When all the seats or berths on a train in a given class have been sold, a certain number of tickets in that class are sold as Reservation Against Cancellation, or RAC.

WL = Waitlist .  When all the RAC places have been sold, further prospective passengers can buy Waitlist (WL) tickets.

If you go to www.indianrail.gov.in & click Seat availability you can see how many seats remain available in each class on a given train.

For example, today is 26 January, let's say I want to go from Delhi to Kolkata on the best train, the overnight Howrah Rajdhani in AC 2-tier. Tomorrow's train is fully-booked in AC2 and shown as NOT AVAILABLE.  I can buy Waitlisted tickets for this train on 28 and 29 January.  I can buy RAC tickets on any day between 30 January & 5 February and if I buy those I can definitely board the train and travel with (in practice) maybe a 90% chance of ending up with a berth to myself.  The first day on which AC 2-tier is shown as AVL so I can buy a ticket and instantly get a confirmed berth is 6 February.  The Foreign Tourist quota would help me here, there are 7 or 8 FT quota places shown as AVL every day from 27 January onwards, but I'll explain that in the quotas section .

Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)

With an RAC ticket, you're allowed to board the train and travel.  Whatever happens, you know you're safely booked on that train.  So if you're offered an RAC ticket you should take it, even though you won't have a specific seat or berth number at this stage.

In the vast majority of cases, one of the confirmed passengers will cancel or unsold tickets will be left in one of the more obscure quotas on departure day and you'll be promoted from RAC to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth on the train.

Your name will then be shown against a specific seat or berth number on the reservation list pinned on the notice board at the boarding station on the day of travel when the train is charted , or you can check your PNR (Personal Name Record) status online .  A waitlisted passenger will be promoted from WL to RAC in your place.

In the unlikely event that nobody cancels, you'll be given a place to sit (but not a berth) in a carriage of the class you've booked.  For example, two RAC passengers might be given seats on a bunk that would normally be for one person.  In most cases, at least one of the confirmed passengers will fail to show up for the train and the on-board staff will allocate their berth to the passenger holding ticket RAC1.  The passenger holding ticket RAC2 will then be left with a berth to themselves, solving two RAC passengers' problems!  In the worst case scenario, if there were no no-shows the RAC passengers would have to sit up all night or take turns using the berth to snooze, but in practice this seldom happens.  Like I said, if an RAC place is available, you should take it.

A downside of buying RAC tickets as a couple, family or small group is that you might be split up, because you get the places freed up when people cancel or which are left when tickets remain unsold in special quotas.  But there's usually only one or two AC2 or AC3 cars on a given train, so in those classes you probably won't be far apart.

Incidentally, RAC tickets exist in AC2, AC3 & SL, but not in AC1, EC, CC or FC.  In AC1, EC, CC & FC, passengers are always CNF or WL.

Waitlist (WL)

With a WL ticket you cannot travel, unless you are promoted to RAC or CNF before departure.

Each WL ticket has two numbers at any given moment in time, for example WL10/WL3.

The first number is the ticket's original Waitlist number.  In this example, WL10 means you bought the Number 10 Waitlist ticket allocated to this train, 10th in the queue when the train opened for booking.  This number won't change, even if you are promoted to a confirmed place (CNF), your ticket will always be WL10 and shown as such on the reservation list.

The second number is your current position in the queue, this number will reduce as people cancel.  On websites & apps that show only one WL number rather than two, this is the number it shows.  In this example WL10/WL3 means that 7 people have already cancelled and you are now 3rd in line for promotion to RAC.  If 3 more people cancel, you'll be promoted to RAC and can travel.

If more people cancel you may even be promoted to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth.  With a low-numbered WL ticket you've a good chance of this happening.  For example, one traveller reports having Waitlisted places between WL1 and WL10 on numerous trips, and always successfully got promoted to CNF with a confirmed place on the train, usually in the 24 hours before departure as that's when all the movement takes place from tickets in unsold quotas being used to reduce the number of WL & RAC passengers.

Keep checking your PNR status online .  Even if you're only promoted to RAC, you can at least travel.  If the train is charted and you're still only Waitlisted, then you can't travel and your fare will automatically be refunded, less a minor clerkage fee.

How likely is a given WL ticket to be confirmed?

There are now several websites that claim to predict how likely it is that a given WL ticket will be confirmed and allow you on the train, based on historical data.  Try entering your PNR into trainman.in , or use it to see what the current availability of a given train is, and how likely it is that if you bought WL tickets they'd be confirmed by departure.

The Vikalp scheme (ATAS)

There's yet another process to help Waitlisted passengers.  When you buy a WL ticket, you may be asked if you want to opt in to the Vikalp scheme, also known as Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme or ATAS.  Vikalp is Hindi for option .

If you tick the Vikalp box, you're offered a selection of possible alternative trains and you can choose which of these you'd be willing to take if you can't get a berth on the train you've booked.  Then, if you are still Waitlisted (WL) when your original train is charted (so you can't travel on it), and if space is available in the same class on one of your chosen alternative trains, you'll be given a confirmed (CNF) berth on that instead.

An alternative train is one between the same or similar origin & destination leaving between 30 minutes & 72 hours after your original choice of train.  For example, a train leaving from Old Delhi or Delhi H.Nizamudin might be considered alternatives to a train from New Delhi.

If there are several of you on one PNR, either all of you will be given places on an alternative train or none of you will, so don't worry, you won't be split up.  However, once you opt in to Vikalp, you can't opt out again.  And if you are transferred to a CNF place on an alternative train and decide you don't want it, you can cancel but only in line with the terms & conditions of a CNF place, which means a partial refund less the CNF cancellation fees (as an unsuccessful Waitlisted passenger on your original train you'd normally have been refunded almost all of your money).

Charting is the process of drawing up the final passenger list for each carriage of a given train, allocating names to berths.  The list is posted on the reservations notice board at stations or you can check your PNR status online .

During this process, any unsold tickets in quotas such as handicapped, military or parliamentary are released, freeing up places so RAC passengers can be moved up to Confirmed (CNF) and WL passengers to RAC or CNF.  So if you have a WL ticket and haven't already been promoted to RAC or CNF as passengers cancel, this is when you discover whether or not you're on the train.

It's also at this point that specific berth numbers are allocated to AC1 sleeper passengers, which is why you can't choose between an AC1 2-berth coupé and an AC1 4-berth compartment when you book.

Charting for trains leaving their origin station between 12:00 & 23:00 takes place around 4 hours before departure from that station.

Charting for trains leaving their origin between 23:00 & 12:00 takes place 19:00-21:00 Monday-Saturday or 13:00-15:00 Sundays & holidays.

How to check your current status

You can confirm your current PNR (Personal Name Record) status as WL, RAC or CNF at www.indianrail.gov.in/pnr_Enq.html or using one of the apps suggested above , by entering the PNR number shown on your ticket.

Remember that things can change even on the day of departure, most movement happens shortly before departure, when the train is charted.

When you buy a ticket, it comes from a specific quota.  A quota is simply an allocation of tickets for a particular type of traveller such as  senior, handicapped, military or government, on each train in each class.  By default, tickets come from the General quota.

General (GN) quota

Remote location (rl) & pooled (pq) quotas, handicapped, senior & ladies quotas.

The Senior quota is only for Indian seniors so don't use this if you're not Indian.

The Ladies quota only exists in Sleeper class & AC3, it gets you berths in one small bay reserved for women, it's hardly worth bothering with.

The Lower Berth quota is for anyone with mobility issues who can't use the ladder to the upper berths, so absolutely needs a lower. 

When a train is charted and the final reservation list is compiled, any unsold seats or berths in these quotas will be freed up used to reduce the RAC/Waitlist, promoting RAC passengers to CNF and WL passengers to RAC and (once all RAC passengers are confirmed) CNF.

Foreign Tourist (FT) quota

Many important trains have a small Foreign Tourist (FT) quota of seats or berths available only to foreign tourists.  The purpose of the FT quota is to allow foreign tourists to book trains at short notice notice when the General quota is fully-booked.

It's not a foolproof way to travel around India without pre-booking:  There's an FT quota on only 200 trains a day out of some 9,000 trains, and the quota might be just 2 places, seldom more than 12, in one or two specific classes, typically AC1 & AC2 or CC.  So even using the FT quota, you may have to wait a day or so before there is a berth available to your chosen destination in your chosen class.

For example, today is 25 January, the earliest date for which AC2 tickets available from the General quota on the Delhi-Varanasi Swatantrtwa Express is 11 February. But if I look at the Foreign Tourist quota, although there are no tickets today, there are two tickets available in AC2 tomorrow, and on each of the following few days.

If you buy an FT quota ticket at a ticket office or tourist reservation centre, you must pay in US Dollars, pounds sterling, or rupees backed by an exchange certificate proving they've come from a bank or bureau de change in exchange for foreign currency.  Rupees backed by an ATM receipt and foreign bank card are usually sufficient.  You can now book tickets from the Foreign Tourist quota when booking online .

Let's be clear, as a foreign tourist, you don't have to book from the FT quota.  Anyone of any nationality can book from the General quota whenever it's available.  And FT tickets are a little more expensive than tickets from the General quota, too.

Indeed, if there are still seats available in the General quota when you book, you shouldn't use the FT quota .  Because later on when the train is fully-booked, some other overseas visitors may urgently need those precious few FT places, desperate to get a train back to Delhi for their flight home.  If you used up all the FT places weeks ahead when you didn't need to, those travellers may be stranded!

Tatkal (TQ & PT) quotas

To allow travel at short notice on trains that are often fully-booked weeks before departure, Indian Railways introduced a system called Tatkal (Hindi for immediate ).  A number of tickets on key trains are held back and released at 10:00 one day before departure (originally 72 hours before departure, reduced to 2 days back in 2009 and just 1 day in 2011).  They are sold with a Tatkal fee of 10% of the fare in 2nd class or 30% in all other classes.  There are in fact two Tatkal quotas, regular Tatkal (TQ quota) with fixed fares, and Premium Tatkal (PT quota) with variable fares that increase with demand.  Tatkal places can also be booked online .  If there are seats available in the Foreign Tourist quota then the Tatkal quota may be irrelevant for you, if not, the Tatkal system can be useful.

How to buy tickets online

Indian trains often get fully-booked weeks in advance as demand usually exceeds supply.  So if you have a fixed itinerary and limited time you should buy tickets in advance before you get to India.

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as option 1 for good reason:  It's hassle-free, even though it only does the principle trains on the routes usually requested by visitors.  It only sells confirmed tickets, it doesn't sell RAC or WL places.  It happily accepts overseas credit cards.

However, for complete access to all routes, trains, ticket types & quotas including Waitlisted & RAC , you must face the challenge of registering with the official Indian Railways booking website irctc.co.in, which is option 2.  I provide detailed instructions below.  Be warned, the process may drive you nuts.  Some people give up, others manage it in the end, but once registered you can book anything.

Option 1, buy at 12go.asia

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as the quickest & easiest way to buy tickets for the principal trains and routes used by tourists, it makes booking trains as easy as booking flights.

You can check prices & availability online, pay with an international credit card and get the same e-ticket you'd get if you booked directly with irctc.co.in, but without the frustration of having to create an account and register with irctc.co.in.

Booking opens 120 days ahead , although some short-distance inter-city trains have a shorter booking horizon.  You can't buy tickets before reservations open.  Indian trains get fully booked weeks ahead, so book as far ahead as you can to be sure of a place.

How it works

12go.asia 's system shows fares & availability in real time, taken from IRCTC's system.  You select your train & class and click to buy.  Tickets are then manually secured by 12go staff using IRCTC's business-to-business booking system.

You can choose to see prices & pay in Indian Rupees, USD, GBP, Euros & several other currencies.

Limitations

12go.asia sells tickets for all the major routes of interest to visitors, but not between every possible station.  For that you need irctc.co.in.

Option 2, buy at www.irctc.co.in

You can buy train tickets direct from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in .

Registering to use www.irctc.co.in is a time-consuming and frustrating process, but once registered you'll have access to all routes, trains, classes & ticket types.

Irctc.co.in has accepted overseas (non-Indian) credit cards since 2016, although it occasionally goes through periods when international cards don't seem to be accepted, just to keep everyone on their toes.  You must select the payment option which mentions International cards powered by PayU at the payment stage.

How to register for an IRCTC account

Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right.

Now enter the details to create an account.

Choose a username , some trial and error may be needed.

Enter your mobile phone number - your home country's international dialling code goes in the box marked ISD (this box says '91' until you have changed India to your own country in the box above).  The ISD for the UK is '44'.  Then enter your mobile phone number without any leading '0'.

Pin code means postcode .  Use 123456 as it won't accept UK-style postcodes.  Under Post Office , just enter your city & phone number again.

Payment problems paying the SMS verification fee

Just after I test-registered they imposed a fee for sending the OTP to a non-Indian mobile.  A few people have had credit card acceptance problems in paying this fee, but others find paying the fee works fine.  Again, I don't know why, but it could be problems with your own bank detecting and blocking a 'suspicious'  foreign transaction.  Give them a call!

How to buy tickets at www.irctc.co.in

When you click to see availability on a particular train, you will see places shown as AVL , RAC or WL , see the explanation of Reservation Against Cancellation & Waitlisting here .

AVL = Available , this means there are tickets available for confirmed seats or berths on that train. 

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation , this means that the train is theoretically full, but Reservation Against Cancellation tickets are available for that train which allow you to board and be allocated a berth by the conductor.  So if you only see RAC tickets available, my advice is to go ahead and book, you'll still be able to travel on that train.

Tip:  Download the IRCTC app for your phone.   Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app for iPhone (if it's available in your region, it may not be) or IRCTC Rail Connect app for Android onto your phone.  You'll probably find you can't buy tickets with overseas credit cards using the app, but tickets bought online at the IRCTC website will show up in the app and can be shown to the conductor.  You can check train times, and see the current status of your booking if you are waitlisted or RAC.  Feedback appreciated .  I recommend some other apps that are available outside India in the travel tips section .

Option 3, Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com , Ixigo.com

How to buy tickets at the station.

The main stations in big cities and tourist centres such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau where foreign travellers can book trains away from the crowds and queues at the normal booking office.  There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport.

For a list of stations with an International Tourist Bureau & opening times, see www.indianrail.gov.in , select Information then International Tourist .

New Delhi International Tourist Bureau ( temporarily closed )

U pdate 2024:   The New Delhi International Tourist Bureau remains temporarily closed due to the pandemic and low numbers of tourists.  A notice directs tourists to the international tourist counter at the Rail Reservation Centre 300m down the road, see the section below .

When open, the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi railway station makes it easy for foreign visitors to buy tickets.  They could often sell you places out of the tourist quota, even when a train is fully-booked for Indian passengers.  Before the pandemic, it was normally open 06:00-23:00 every day, it's now temporarily closed.

How to find it

Enter New Delhi main station entrance on the Paharganj side (shown in the photo below left), veer slightly to the left and go up one flight of stairs to find yourself outside the International Tourist Bureau, as shown in the photo below right.  It's above platform 1.  If it doesn't look like the photo below, it isn't the real International tourist office.

New Delhi international tourist counter

Mumbai csmt, formerly bombay victoria terminus.

A station to rival London's St Pancras, Mumbai CSMT is an attraction in its own right.  Completed in 1887, its full title is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or (officially) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, station code CSMT .  Known as Bombay Victoria Terminus until 1996 and still known as 'VT' by many, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatrapati_Shivaji_Terminus .

Foreign Tourist Counter:   At Mumbai CSMT you can easily buy tickets from the foreign tourist quota at the Foreign Tourist counter, counter 4 downstairs in the Reservation Centre at CSMT.  It moved from counter 20 upstairs in 2018, please let me know if it changes again.

Tips for train travel in India

Checking your reservation.

The reservation system is very efficient and the days of finding your reserved berth already occupied by several passengers are long gone.  Your train, coach & berth number will be printed on your ticket - unless you're travelling in AC1 in which case the reservation list with your allocated berth numbers is only compiled a 2-4 hours before departure.

Reservation lists for each class in each long-distance train are posted on the notice board at each station about two hours before departure, showing the name, age and sex of each passenger reserved in each berth in each coach.  The age and sex help the ticket inspector identify that the right passenger is in the right berth.  A reservation list for each coach used to be pasted next to the entrance door on the train itself, but this is no longer done.

If you need to check your reservation, you can do so on your phone or laptop by entering your PNR (= booking reference) a PNR status-checking website such as www.railyatri.in/pnr-status or etrain.info/in , or using one of the Indian railways apps.

Download an app

I recommend downloading an app for your phone.  There are a bewildering number to choose from, some official, some 3rd party.  The official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India, so try these:

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Ixigo for iPhone .

Indian Rail IRCTC for Android or Ixigo for Android .

With these you can:

Check train schedules between any two stations.

Check a train's schedule at each of its calling points.  It also shows the train formation and carriage numbering to help you find your seat or berth.

Check your PNR status to see whether a Waitlisted ticket has become RAC or Confirmed.

Check real-time train running to see if your train is on time.

Check the platform for your train using the Live Station Info button, so you won't have to rely on the station departure displays to find your train.

Set a destination alarm to warn you a certain number of kilometres before your destination.

Luggage on Indian trains

Luggage is not a problem on Indian trains, you take your bags with you onto the train and place them on the overhead racks or underneath the lower berths.

The free luggage allowance is generous:  You can take to 70 Kg in AC1, 50 Kg in AC2, 40 Kg in AC3, AC Chair class or Sleeper class, 35 Kg in 2nd class seats.  Most western travellers are unlikely to exceed that, but if you really need to, you can pay an excess luggage fee and take up to 150 Kg in AC1 or 100 Kg in AC2.  However, the maximum is 40 Kg in AC3 or AC Chair class.

Theft of luggage is rare, but for peace of mind take along a bicycle lock or medium-sized padlock to secure your bags.  In the sleeping-cars, there are wire hoops hanging down underneath the seats to which you can padlock your luggage while you sleep.

Carriage numbers

The carriage numbers shown on tickets, on reservation lists and on the side of each coach consist of a letter and a number, for example H1, A1, A2, B1, B2, S1, S2, S3 and so on.  The letter shows the class of accommodation in that car.

A = air-con 2-tier (2A).

B = air-con 3-tier (3A).

AB = composite coach, half air-con 2-tier, half air-con 3-tier.

C = air-con chair car (CC).

D = non-air-con 2nd class reserved (@S).

E = executive chair class (EC).

G & J are used for AC 3-tier & Air-conditioned Chair class on Garib Rath trains.

H = air-conditioned 1st class (1A).

HA = composite coach, half AC1, half AC2.

S = sleeper class (SL).

There's typically just one air-con 1st class sleeper on a given train, so that's usually numbered H1.  If there were two air-con 2-tier cars on a train, those cars would be numbers A1 & A2.  So if you booked an AC2 ticket you'd expect to be given a car number 'A1' or 'A2', if you booked AC1 you'd expect to be in car H1 or HA1.

Food and drink on Indian trains

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food.  He will note down your order (usually a choice of 'veg' or 'non-veg') on a bit of paper.  An hour or so later he will reappear with some rice and curry in small foil containers from the kitchen car.  It is not expensive - you can reckon on £2-£3 per meal.  Attendants also regularly pass down each car selling soft drinks, snacks, or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam chai) for a few rupees.  On the premier Rajdhani Express trains (linking Delhi with Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.) and the premier daytime Shatabdi Express trains (linking Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, etc.), food is included in the fare, served at your seat.

Pre-order your food from a restaurant of your choice.   Alternatively, there are now several Indian websites that allow you to pre-book food to be delivered to your seat on the train from various vendors along the way.  If you have a confirmed train booking you can go to railrestro.com , enter your PNR, select a vendor you like the sound of who is located at a station where your train calls at a suitable time, and select specific items from their menu to be delivered to you on board the train at that station - reports so far have been very positive, but feedback is always appreciated !

Cleanliness, toilets & crowding

The efficient reservation system means that you can safely forget any pictures you've seen of overcrowded Indian trains with people on the roof or hanging on the side.  These these photos show suburban or local trains, or unreserved 2nd class on long-distance ones.  On fast long-distance trains in AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC Chair Class, all passengers have an assigned seat or sleeping berth so there's no overcrowding.  Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition, see the train interior photos below.  On the other hand, Sleeper Class gets much grubbier than the AC classes and unreserved passengers can sometimes enter the coaches making it crowded.  2nd class unreserved can be incredibly crowded.  Toilets in sleeper class or basic non-AC 2nd class seats can leave a lot to be desired.

Safety & security

Indian trains are safe to travel on, even for families or women travelling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems.  As in any busy place anywhere, pickpockets operate at the major stations (for example Delhi and New Delhi), so take care.  Oh, and be prepared:  If anyone tells you that your train is cancelled, that the ticket office has closed or has moved to a travel agency across the road, or your pre-booked hotel has burnt down or been abducted by aliens, please politely ignore them, even if they look 'official', to avoid ending up in a travel agency paying for a car and driver at vast expense, or booking their 'alternative' hotel which of course will luckily have a room available.  These are all well-known scams (yawn...) to get travel agency business, usually obvious to any regular India hand, but first-timers have been known to fall for them.

Do Indian trains run on time?

Indian Railways are generally remarkably efficient, but Indian trains do run late, sometimes hours rather than minutes.  To get a feel for it, why not go to either www.trainenquiry.com or www.erail.in and see how late yesterday's Delhi-Jaisalmer Express arrived, or last Thursday's Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express?  At www.erail.in , select the origin and destination that interests you, and bring up the train list.  Now find the train that you want and click on it.  Now select a date and click the 'train running status' button.  It will show you a table of scheduled times and actual times at each station.  Data is only held for the last few days, not weeks or months ago.  At www.trainenquiry.com , you simply enter the train number or name, then select from a list of possible trains.

Alternatively, these examples from my own travels may give you a feel for the likely delay:  Delhi-Varanasi overnight express spot on time, Bombay-Howrah Mail 1½ hours late, Chennai-Mumbai Chennai Express 40 minutes late, Kolkata-Delhi Rajdhani Express spot on time (Rajdhani Expresses get priority and are pretty punctual), Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express spot on time (Shatabdi Expresses also get priority and are pretty punctual), Jaisalmer-Delhi Express 2 hours late starting and 3 hours late arriving, Delhi-Kalka-Simla Himalayan Queen spot on time, Varanasi-Agra-Jaipur Marudhar Express 50 minutes late, Chennai-Delhi Grand Trunk Express 1½ hours late.

Recharging mobiles & cameras

There are shaver sockets in most AC1/2/3 sleeper cars and many Indian trains now have power outlets for mobiles and laptops.  However, I never travel without an Anker powerbank which can recharge your phone several times over if you're on the move and can't get to a power outlet.

Other Indian train tips

Bring your own toilet paper.  You'll normally find one western toilet and one squat toilet at one or both ends of the car.  In AC1, AC2, AC Chair Class and even AC3 the toilets are normally reasonably clean by Indian standards, and in full working order.  Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter!

Make sure you research when to visit India carefully - in summer it can be unbearably hot, and you also want to avoid the monsoon rains.  And in January & February in Northern India that there can be major disruption to road, rail & air due to thick fog, so bear that in mind.

Finally, forewarned is forearmed

In India, if someone asks which hotel you're going to, then announces that this hotel has been flooded, burnt down, or abducted by aliens, they are of course trying to get commission from sending you to another hotel - that's often painfully obvious and it's almost funny!  Smile, ignore them, and persist in walking to your own hotel, which will of course be open as usual.  But similarly, especially at big stations such as New Delhi, if an official-looking person (they may even show you a badge) says your train has been cancelled, or says you can't board without a boarding pass (with an e-ticket you can get on the train, there's no such thing as a boarding pass), smile, ignore them, walk past, and persist until you see the actual departure indicators and get your train.  If necessary, go and see the station master!  Although this has never happened to me, there are occasional reports of travellers being conned into buying new tickets from a nearby travel agency, being sent to a nearby travel agency when they wanted the genuine New Delhi foreigners booking office, or being conned into hiring a private car and driver for hundreds of dollars when they already had trains booked, which of course weren't really cancelled.  So smile, ignore, persist, go and see the departure boards with your own eyes, find and get on your train, and have a giggle about it later!  If you encounter any of this, feedback (and a good laugh) is always appreciated!

The 11 classes on Indian trains

There are 11 classes of accommodation on Indian trains or at least, 11 different class codes in the system.  You can argue that 3E is a variation of 3A, EA a variation of EC and that 2S & GN are the same (both are 2nd class seats, one reserved, the other unreserved).  But that's still 8 classes!

Only a small selection of classes is available on any given train, a typical long-distance train might have one AC1 car, one or two AC2 cars, perhaps an AC3 car, then a long line of 6, 7 or 8 Sleeper class cars and maybe one GN or 2S car at the end.  But it varies, of course.

Here are the classes, in roughly descending order of cost, together with the usual 2 & 3-letter abbreviations.  A request:  If you get any clear interior photos of AC2, AC3 or Sleeper class which would better illustrate these classes, please get in touch !

Air-conditioned first class (AC1 or 1A)

Air-conditioned 2-tier (ac2 or 2a).

AC2 is relatively clean & comfortable, with room to spread out.  It's the class typically used by middle class Indian families and a good choice for most western visitors.   AC2 is found on almost all decent long-distance trains including the premier Rajdhani & Duronto expresses.

AC2 offers padded leatherette seats by day which convert to flat padded bunks at night.  AC2 coaches are open-plan with berths arranged in bays of four on one side of the aisle (two upper, two lower, transverse across the car width), and in bays of two on the other side of the aisle, arranged longitudinally along the coach side above and below the windows.  If you're tall, you should book a transverse berth.

Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, clean sheets and blankets in the evening.  Update:  Curtains were removed  as a Covid-19 precaution and may still be absent.

Click for car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .

Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3 or 3A)

AC3 has a similar layout to AC2, but instead of upper & lower berths it has 3 tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and longitudinal bays of two - upper and lower - along the wall on the other side of the aisle.  As in AC2, an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening.  Berths convert to seats for daytime use.

With 3 people sitting on each bench seat during the day rather than just 2, it feels a lot more crowded than AC 2-tier, and at night there is less height-space between each bunk - the top bunks are significantly higher up near the ceiling.  AC3 may lack the privacy curtains and individual berth lights usually found in AC2.  As in AC2, you should avoid the longitudinal berths if you are tall.  Still, if you find AC2 fully-booked, most western travellers will find AC3 an acceptable fall-back.  See car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .  Photos courtesy of Rachel Poschi.

Air-conditioned 3-tier economy (3E)

Executive anubhuti chair car (ea), ac executive chair class (ec).

AC Executive Chair Class is only found on the high-quality Shatabdi Express , Vande Bharat Express & Tejas Express trains.  Seats are arranged 2+2 across the car width, basic pre-packaged food & drink is included in the fare, served at your seat.  It's also known as First AC Chair class.  Seat numbering plan for AC Chair cars .

AC Chair class (CC)

AC Chair class is a good choice for daytime journeys.  Comfortable & air-conditioned, they have seats arranged 2+3 across the car width.  AC Chair Class is found on the Shatabdi Expresses, Vande Bharat Express, the several Tejas Express trains and a number of other inter-city daytime trains, for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Kalka for Simla.   Seat numbering plan, AC Chair cars .

Sleeper Class (SL)

This is the way the bulk of the Indian population travels on long-distance trains, but it's also used by many more adventurous backpackers who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth.  The majority of cars on a typical long-distance mail or express train will be sleeper class.

Sleeper class consists of open-plan berths, arranged in bays of 6 bunks (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, and bays of 2 bunks (upper & lower) along the coach wall on the other side of the aisle.  Bunks fold away to form seating for daytime use.  It's the same basic layout as AC3, but without the air-con and without any privacy curtains.  Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping-bag.

Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier Rajdhani & Duronto services.  Sleeper class can be crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic.  On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted and sometimes dirty.  In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows.  In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold.    Berth numbering system, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class cars .

1st class (FC)

Traditional non-air-con 1st class has now almost disappeared, as Indian Railways have progressively phased it out in favour of AC 2-tier.  But for the record, ordinary first class consists of non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches with lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, a similar layout to AC1 but without the AC.  Bedding is not provided, and it's much grubbier than AC1, AC2 or AC3 as it's not sealed against the dirt .

2nd class seats (2S = reserved or GN = unreserved)

Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats, sometimes reserved and shown online as 2S, sometimes unreserved and shown online as either GN or II.  Not recommended for long distance overnight journeys (you'll see the huge scrum of Indians all trying to bag a seat in unreserved 2nd class), but quite acceptable for daytime journeys of up to a few hours if you're on a budget.

IndRail pass es:  Discontinued in 2017

Where to go in india.

First-time visitors often wonder where to start in such a vast country and they're sometimes told to tour only a small area, for example stick to Rajasthan or perhaps the beaches of Goa.  But I suggest a bolder approach.  Use the remarkable Indian train network to see a varied cross-section of India's highlights, picking one example from each type of place:  A big city, a colonial hill station, a princely city or two in Rajasthan, then Agra of course for the Taj Mahal, and also Varanasi, the classic Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  This way, you'll see some incredible highlights and complete contrasts, with overnight trains minimising both daytime travelling time and hotel bills.

A suggested itinerary

Here's what I personally consider the best itinerary around Northern India, taking in an amazing variety of classic Indian cities in as little as 2 weeks.  Highlight after highlight in a 2-week itinerary.  If you have longer to spare, add an extra day or two here and there and/or add one more Rajasthani city, Udaipur.

Delhi 1-3 days.  Contrast the bustling old city with Lutyens' gracious New Delhi.

Take the Swatantrta S Express leaving New Delhi at 21:15 arriving Varanasi Junction at 08:05 next morning. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Varanasi 2-3 days.  Formerly called Benares, Varanasi is the must-see Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  Make sure you stay in a local Indian riverside hotel such as the Hotel Alka , with its terrace overlooking the Ganges.  Western chain hotels are usually located in the new town, well away from all the amazing riverside action.  The Hotel Alka is one of the better hotels in this top riverside location, and eating a Thai on the terrace as the Diwali fireworks went off overhead and Lilly pads with candles drifted down the Ganges was an unforgettable experience.

Take the Marudhar Express from Varanasi Junction around 18:25 arriving Agra Fort at 06:40 next morning. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.  No AC1.

Agra 2 days, remembering to visit the fantastic deserted royal city of Fatephur Sikhri 30km away by bus or car.  Agra may be the most touristy place in India, but the Taj is utterly beautiful and well worth the tourist tout hassle.  Agra fort and the ‘baby Taj’ are also worth a visit.

Take the Marudhar Express from Agra Fort around 06:45 arriving Jaipur at 11:50 the same day. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class (No AC1).

Jaipur 2-3 days.  The 'Pink City' is one of the most wonderful princely cities in Rajasthan, and indeed in India.

Take the daily Raniket Express leaving Jaipur at 10:10 arriving Jaisalmer at 22:30 the same day, with AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Or the Shalimar Express on Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun leaving Jaipur 17:45 arriving Jaisalmer 05:30 next morning, with AC1, AC2, AC3 & sleeper class.

Jaisalmer 2-3 days.  This is Rajasthan’s ultimate fairytale city and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of India, in the desert close to the Pakistan border.  For many years it had no airport so only those who made the effort got to experience it, although sadly it may now have flights using the military airbase nearby.

Take the Shalimar Express leaving Jaisalmer at 23:25 on Mon, Wed, Thus, Sat and arriving at Old Delhi at 16:50 next day. AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class.  Spend the night in Delhi.

Take the Kalka Shatabdi leaving New Delhi at 07:40 arriving Kalka at 11:40. AC Executive chair class and AC Chair class, meal included served at your seat. Change onto the waiting narrow-gauge Simla toy train leaving Kalka at 12:10 arriving Simla at 17:20 with (non-AC) 1st class, AC Chair class, 2nd class. The journey to Simla by narrow gauge Toy Train is an absolute delight.

Simla 2-3 days.  Cool relaxation and colonial mock-Tudor charm in this lovely Himalayan hill station from the days of the Raj.  The ideal final destination for your trip!  The upmarket colonial-style Clarkes Hotel is wonderful.

Take the toy train leaving Simla at 18:05 arriving Kalka at 22:40. Change onto the mainline Netaji Express leaving Kalka at 23:55 and arriving Old Delhi at 06:00. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

How to book this itinerary

Option 1 is to arrange it all yourself .  First sketch out your itinerary, perhaps using the technique explained here .  Then book each train journey at 12go.asia (hassle-free, although naturally they charge a reasonable agency mark-up) or get yourself registered with IRCTC and book as explained here .  Then book each of your hotels separately using Booking.com .  This is the budget option, if you don't mind the legwork and managing it yourself.

Option 2 is to have it all booked for you, hassle-free .  I've arranged for train specialists Railbookers to offer this exact itinerary as a package, with trains, hotels, transfers (and if you like, your flight to India) all sorted for you.  This costs more than sorting it all out yourself, but it saves a lot of effort (and possible frustration) and as it's then a package, if anything affects one part of the tour Railbookers will sort things out for you.  Their suggested tour can be customised to your own requirements, to spend more or less time in each place.  Railbookers is an ABTA member and holidays including flights are ATOL protected.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk . 

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., alternative versions.

Alternatively, just pick on big city, one hill station, a couple of cities in Rajasthan, and a couple of places from the 'other' list below and create your own itinerary.  How about:  Kolkata - (overnight sleeper train to New Jalpaiguri then the famous Darjeeling Toy Train) - Darjeeling - Varanasi - (overnight sleeper train) - Agra - (daytime train) - Jaipur - (overnight sleeper train) - Kolkata?

The big cities

The royal cities of rajasthan, old colonial hill stations, other places to see, two personal favourites:  a ride to darjeeling.

A personal favourite is the ride to Darjeeling on the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalaya Railway (DHR), and a night or two at the wonderful Windamere Hotel .  The DHR is now a UN World Heritage Site.

Travel from Kolkata's Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on the broad gauge Darjeeling Mail, leaving Sealdah at 22:05 and arriving NJP at 08:15 next morning.  The Darjeeling Mail has AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class and 2nd class accommodation.  Then take the connecting DHR 'toy train' up to Darjeeling, leaving NJP at 10:00 daily, arriving Darjeeling at 17:30.  It's a long ride on a narrow gauge train, sometimes next to the hill road, sometimes through jungle, and sometimes through the streets.

You can check the current status of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org/page4.html - it has it's ups and downs, if you'll pardon the expression.

Once in Darjeeling, the place to stay is the Windamere Hotel .  Originally a boarding house for bachelor tea planters, it became a hotel in 1939.  Meals are served by white-gloved, turbanned waiters and eaten by candlelight to the sound of Cole Porter tunes on the piano.  Even if you can't afford it, make sure you come along for afternoon tea - probably the best cup of tea you will ever drink.

...and a ride to Simla.

A little bit more robust than the line to Darjeeling, the similar toy train up to Simla in the Himalayan foothills is the way to reach Simla, once India's summer capital.  Take a fast broad-gauge train from New Delhi to Kalka and change there onto the Toy Train up into the hills.  The train ride to Simla is one of Simla's highlights on its own.  If you get the chance, use the Shivalik Deluxe Express on the way back down from Simla (it connects with the overnight express to New Delhi going forward next day to Kolkata).  The Shivalik Deluxe has plush fabric-covered first class armchairs, and a meal is served at your seat, included in the price.  Although it gets dark as you descend, at stations without electricity the signalmen hand the single-line token to the driver whilst holding burning torches, the shimmering flames lighting up the side of the train.  It's wonderfully atmospheric.

Tours of India by train

The cheapest option is to arrange everything yourself, independently, but this takes time and effort.  If you want a customisable itinerary with all your train tickets, up-market hotels and transfers arranged for you, you can do this through train specialists Railbookers.  Their website has various example itineraries including a one-week Golden Triangle one visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but have a look at the suggested itinerary above covering Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer & Simla as I think it's the best 2-week itinerary around northern India that you'll find, and I've arranged for Railbookers to offer it.  Railbookers takes good care of their clients and gets very good reviews.

Escorted tours in India by train

If you'd prefer to travel with a group of fellow travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, check are Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries , www.raildiscoveries.com , 01904 730 727.  Both offer popular escorted tours covering India's 'Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal and Jaipur in Rajasthan.  At the time of writing, Great rail Journeys also do an escorted tour covering Delhi, Amritsar for the Golden Temple, Agra for the Taj Mahal, Lucknow, Varanasi on the Ganges and Kathmandu in Nepal, with departures on various dates through the year.

Tourist cruise trains

There are now several luxury cruise trains catering for tourists and offering sightseeing itineraries around Indian cities.  All of these trains are in effect 5 star international hotels on wheels, allowing you to see India in great comfort.

The Palace on Wheels

See www.palacesonwheels.com and see the Palace on Wheels video .  This is India's first and most celebrated cruise train, voted as the world's 4th best luxury train by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.  All suites feature private shower & spotlessly clean toilet, TV & CD player, and the train's two elegant restaurant cars offer both Indian and international cuisine.

Prices range from $2,750 for a 7-night 8-day tour around key cities in Rajasthan such as Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur & Jodhpur with all meals, off-train tours and on-board accommodation included. 

You can book the Palace on Wheels through recommended train holiday specialist Railbookers who can also arrange flights, hotels and other Indian trains for you.

If you'd prefer to use the Palace on Wheels on an escorted tour with friendly group of travellers and a professional tour guide are available from Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , in the UK call 01904 527 120).

Other luxury cruise trains

The Palace on Wheels is no longer the only cruise train in India, and it's not even the best.  Others have sprung up, though prices are sky-high.  Be warned that most of these companies quote a rate per night, not for the whole tour!

Maharaja's Express , see www.the-maharajas.com - See the Maharaja's Express video .  Runs various 3 or 7 night tours from Delhi back to Delhi or between Delhi & Mumbai, via places such as Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Khajuraho.  From $3,580 per person.  This train is run by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), originally as a joint venture with Cox & KIngs.  Gets very positive feedback, 'ten out of ten' from one correspondent.  You can now book the Maharaja's Express through train holiday specialist www.railbookers.co.uk .

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels , www.royalsrajasthanonwheels.com - See the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels video .  Offers 8-day (7-night) itineraries with weekly departures from Delhi back to Delhi, stopping at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho & Varanasi.  From around $4,130 per person for two people sharing, $5,775 single occupancy for the least expensive suites.  Has also had great feedback, and can also be booked through www.railbookers.co.uk .

Golden Chariot , www.goldenchariot.org - see the Golden Chariot video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Bangalore for a week-long tour to Goa & southern India.

Deccan Odyssey , www.deccan-odyssey-india.com - see the Deccan Odyssey video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Mumbai for a week-long tour to Goa, Pune, and the caves at Ajanta & Ellora.

Indian Maharaja , www.theindianmaharaja.co.in .  Offers 8-day 7-night 'land cruises' between Delhi & Mumbai in either direction on various dates between October & April, with stopovers & tours at Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora & Ajanta Caves, starting at around $4,095 per person for two people sharing or from $5,229 single occupancy.

These trains can also be arranged through Railbookers.  On their website, select 'Private trains'.

Inclusive luxury train escorted tours

If you'd like a deluxe train-based holiday to India, but would like to do this as part of an organised tour, Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com ) is a well-known company offering inclusive upmarket escorted tours to India, including the Palace on Wheels or a number of other special Indian 'cruise trains', five star hotels plus flights to/from the UK.  There are a number of different tours available, departing on a range of dates throughout the year.  Check the holiday details online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form .  Seat61 gets some commission to help support the site if you book your holiday through this link and phone number.

International trains, buses & ferries

There are international trains to Pakistan & Bangladesh, and buses to Nepal.  Here's a quick summary:

Delhi - Amritsar - Lahore, Pakistan

Take a train from Delhi to Amritsar, there are lots to choose from.  See www.indianrail.gov.in for times & fares. 

Take a bus or taxi the 26km from Amritsar to the India/Pakistan frontier at Atari.  Walk through the border posts to Wagah on the Pakistani side.  You may want to hang around Wagah to see the spectacular ceremony at sunset when the border closes.  Indian and Pakistani guards try to outdo each other with their performances, watched by Indians and Pakistani crowds!

Take another bus or taxi the remaining 20km to Lahore.  Allow plenty of time for this deceptively short journey. 

There used to be a cross-border train, but tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi - Jodhpur - Karachi, Pakistan

A weekly international train called the Thar Express started in February 2006 from Jodhpur to Karachi via the border at Munabao.  But it's currently suspended.

Eastbound:   The Thar Express leaves Karachi every Friday at 23:00, arriving at 'Zero Point' on the Pakistan/India frontier at around 08:00 next morning.  After customs checks, the train goes forward to Munabao on the Indian side, arriving around 11:00.The Indian train departs Munabao at 19:00 after customs formalities, arriving Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) at 23:50 Saturday.

Westbound:   The Thar Express leaves Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station, about 4km from the main station) every Saturday morning at 01:00 arriving Munabao at 07:00, leaving Munabao at around 14:30 on Saturdays, reaching Karachi at 02:15 on Sunday morning. 

The sleeper fare from Jodhpur to Munabao/zero point is about Rs170, and from Munabao/zero point to Karachi is about Rs230.  No more information is yet available, but feedback would be appreciated!  The train has one sleeping-car and several economy cars.

Update :  Tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal

It's quite easy, cheap, and an adventure to do this journey overland.  You take an overnight train from New Delhi to Gorakpur, then a bus.  For details, see the Nepal page .

Kolkata to Dhaka, Bangladesh

A new direct train from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Dhaka started in April 2008, see the Bangladesh page .

India to Sri Lanka by ferry

After many years of being cut off from each other (with at least one short-lived attempt to start a ferry service in 2011), a new ferry service started in late 2023, linking Nagapattinam (mainland India) with Kankesanthurai (on Sri Lanka, near Jaffna).

The fast ferry Cheriyapani sails from Nagapattinam (India)  at 07:00 arriving Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 11:00.

She sails from Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 13:30 arriving Kankesanthurai (India) at 17:00.

Crossing time 3 hours for the 60 nautical miles.  Service will be suspended during the monsoon season in November-December.

Fare around 8,000 Indian rupees, luggage allowance 40 Kg.

Online booking will be available starting in January 2024, website not yet known.  Until then, call +91 978 987 9971 at least 24 hours in advance. You will be required to send a copy of your passport and visa details via WhatsApp to confirm the booking.

Be careful with e-visas when using this ferry, they will not initially be accepted at these entry points, but may be in future.

India to Burma (Myanmar)

The India/Burma border is closed to foreigners.  It is not possible to travel to Burma overland from India.  For train and river steamer service within Burma, see the Burma page .

India to China

The direct route from India into China is difficult and mountainous, there are no trains, you need some serious permits to be in that part of India, and most if not all border crossings are closed to foreigners.  If you wish to travel this way, do your research before attempting it! 

For most practical purposes, you are better off going from India to Kathmandu in Nepal ( see the Nepal page ), then taking an organised tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet ( see the Nepal page ), then a train to Beijing.  For train service within China, including Lhasa to Beijing, see the China page .

Europe to India overland

Europe to india via istanbul, iran, pakistan.

It's possible to travel from Europe to India overland by train and bus via Turkey, Iran & Pakistan, along what in the 1960s & 70s was the hippy train.  However, these days there are serious security problems affecting this route in Turkey, SE Iran & Pakistan.  If you are foolhardy enough to brave these, it takes a minimum of 2-3 weeks and you should consider it as an adventure or expedition rather than a routine way to travel there. 

Administratively, the main issue is getting an tourist visa for Iran - see the London to Iran page for agencies to contact to get one.  Finally, there are major security issues in southeast Iran to be aware of - see the official travel advice for Iran and Pakistan at the British Foreign Office website, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .  If you are still interested, see the Europe to India overland page .  I'd suggest planning the trip out carefully before you start to book anything - this may help:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .

Europe to India via Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Beijing & Lhasa

A safer though somewhat round-about way is London to Moscow by Eurostar and onward trains to Moscow (2 nights, £300, daily departures), Moscow to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian Railway (6 or 7 nights, £500, two per week), Beijing to Lhasa by train (2 nights, £100, daily), then an organised tour by bus from Lhasa to Nepal (7 nights, maybe $400), then bus and train to Delhi .  Again, you may find this helpful:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .  Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Hotels in India

Personal hotel recommendations, tripadvisor hotel reviews.

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Flights to India

Overland travel by train around India is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But if you need a long-haul flight to reach India in the first place.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

For independent travel, the best guidebook to take is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide .  I gave Sarah the Lonely Planet and Karen the Rough Guide and we road-tested both of them head-to-head across India.  The result was a tie, with similarly excellent levels of both practical travel information and historical and cultural background.  I personally prefer the Lonely Planet, but Karen preferred the Rough Guide.  Just make sure you take one of these two guides with you..!  If you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61.com gets a small commission to help support the site.

Buy Lonely Planet India at Amazon.co.uk    Buy Rough Guide India at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Also for your reading list

Travel insurance & other tips, always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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12 Scenic Train Routes that one must experience in India

With a total route length of 67,956 km, India has the fourth-largest rail network in the world that carry around 30 million people from across the country. The train journey is one of the most relaxing and relatively inexpensive ways to experience some picturesque views and adventurous routes in the country which gives you a lifetime of memories. As the train chugs on its track, its rhythmic vibration takes the travelers to another world and passes through gushing waterfalls, steep mountain slopes, narrow valleys, wide seas, lush tea plantations, and snow-capped mountains. If you’re planning a rail journey soon, just go through our list of the 12 most scenic train journeys to embark on at least once as part of India Tour Packages .

New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling / Darjeeling Toy Train

A UNESCO World Heritage, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, is a 2 feet narrow-gauge railway based on zig zag and loop line technology that runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, among the top places to visit near Kolkata . Established in the late 19th century, the Darjeeling Toy Train is the oldest mountain railway in India and among the top places to visit in Darjeeling . It was originally used to transport tea and rice down to the plains. Today, this 78 km long train route takes you through some of the most beautiful tea gardens in India, forested hills, and valleys. Running up to a height of over 7,000 feet, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the oldest and highest railway lines in the world.  A particularly thrilling section of the track, the Batasia Loop, is an engineering marvel worth witnessing. Still operating with the original steam engine, the toy train journey is an experience that shouldn’t be missed as the entire circuit is filled with scenic views and loops where the train turns around 360°, offering a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayas.

Vasco da Gama to Londa

Fondly called the beach capital of India, Goa is world-renowned for its lovely beaches and party atmosphere. Besides, this tiny state also has another attraction i.e., the scenic train journey from Vasco Da Gama to Londa that you surely cannot miss out on as this stretch of train takes you through the verdant villages, mysterious tunnels, and rugged paths of the Western Ghats. The main attraction of this journey is the wonderful sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of the top places to visit in Goa , and among the tallest waterfalls in India. Once the train reaches the waterfall, you will be amazed at the cascading beauty, and the force of the gigantic waterfall. If you decide to enjoy it closely, quickly get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar Falls, among the best places to visit near Mumbai .

Kalka to Shimla

Popularly known as the Himalayan Queen, the train journey from Kalka to Shimla is the second one among the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Indian Mountain Railways. Built by the British in 1903, this beautiful train journey which starts from Kalka in Haryana covers a distance of 96 km and passes through 20 stations, 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and an incredible 900 curves. The meter-gauge train finally pulls into the station at Shimla, among the top hill stations in Himachal Pradesh . This five-hour journey is one of the most scenic train journeys in India, and among the must-experience things to do as part of the Shimla tour as it treats passengers with breathtaking views of rugged mountains, lush pine forests, waterfalls, valleys, and picture-perfect hill stations along the way.

Chennai to Rameswaram

The Chennai-Rameshwaram train connection, also known as Sethu Express, is another memorable train journey you can have in India. This route is quite dangerous as the train passes through the Pamban bridge, a narrow train bridge built over the Palk Strait, which is the only route that connects mainland India to Pamban Island, among the top places to visit in Rameswaram . The sea bridge connecting Tamil Nadu’s Mandapam to Pamban Island is the country’s second-longest sea bridge. Besides, Rameshwaram is regarded as one of the top places of pilgrimage in India, and among the prominent places to visit near Trichy . According to mythology, Lord Rama stayed here and built this bridge to rescue Sita from Lanka. The view from above, while the train is crossing the Gulf of Mannar, is going to leave you spellbound.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Mettupalayam – Ooty)

Nilgiri Mountain Railway that runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty, is one of the popular train journeys in India. Fondly called as Toy Train, it is third one among the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Indian Mountain Railways, and one of the top Ooty tourist places . Developed by British engineers in 1908, the sound of the steam engine spells an old-world charm on the travelers and gives the feel of the time of the British rule. Covering 42 km in length, the train route winds its way through 108 hair-raising curves, 16 fearful tunnels, 250 bridges and deep ravines full of verdant vegetation, gurgling streams, and tea gardens. Just keep your camera handy to capture some amazing views while embark on your journey to Ooty, one of the most popular places to visit near Coimbatore .

Jammu to Udhampur

Jammu to Udhampur is the most special train journey that one must experience at least once while in India. Starting from the picturesque Jammu Valley and ending at Udhampur, this Kashmir Valley train route covers a distance of around 53 km and takes its passengers to more than 20 beguiling tunnels, and 158 bridges giving passengers breathtaking views of rivers, valleys, mountains, and forests. The main highlight of this journey is passing through the tallest railway bridge in India. Don’t miss this exciting experience as part of Jammu & Kashmir Tour Packages .

Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar

Guwahati to Silchar is one of the most picturesque train journeys in India. The route from Guwahati to Silchar via Lumding and Barak Valley meanders through river Jatinga, lush green Assam Valley, tea plantations, and undulating Haflong valley. If you happen to take this train journey during the monsoon, you will get to see the carpet of green that spreads for miles around making for a beautiful view. Besides, this train journey takes you to witness the beauty of hill stations in Assam.

Matheran Hill Railway (Matheran – Neral)

Lying amidst the Western Ghats, Matheran is an eco-friendly hill station in Maharashtra where all vehicles are banned; so the only way to reach this quaint hill station is to opt for a pony ride or hop on the Toy Train from Neral. This narrow-gauge railway line was built by Akbar Peerbhoy way back between 1901 to 1907. This is the only heritage railway in Maharashtra, and among the best places to visit near Pune . This 20 km narrow gauge railway running between Matheran and Neral passes through the rugged terrains of the Western Ghats and provides travellers with a view so scenic, that it is hard to take your eyes off it.

Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

Popularly called the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is known to be the hub of camel safaris in the expansive Thar Desert. If you are in short of time and want to enjoy a desert safari, then hop on to a train called the Desert Queen which runs between Jaisalmer and the blue city of Jodhpur, among the best places to visit near Udaipur . This train route takes you through the sterile expanses of the Thar with views of grazing camels, settlements of desert inhabitants, and the sands that are spread beyond your vision. The passengers will surely get a feel of the desert safari before reaching the Jaisalmer / Jodhpur, among the must-include places in Rajasthan tour packages .

Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur

Another most memorable & serene train journey in India is between Bhubaneshwar and Brahmapur. Flanked by the Eastern Ghats on one side and serene Chilika Lake on the other side, a morning train ride from this route is more than sufficient for Orissa to prove its grandeur. While traveling through this route, you can capture a glimpse of Chilika Lake, one of the top places to visit in Puri , and among the best lakes in Orissa. The Chilika lagoon is also a bird watcher’s delight as it is home to lots of migratory birds as well as resident birds.

Konkan Railway (Mumbai – Goa)

With the amazing Sahyadri hills on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, the train route from Mumbai to Goa is perhaps the most scenic train ride in India. The route traverses through 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges, sleepy villages, and lush green landscapes filled with innumerable small rivers and verdant meadows. This entire ride is about 580 km which takes around 12 hours to complete. To enjoy the tranquil moments in the lap of nature during the train journey, hop on to Mandovi Express and travel to Goa, among the top places to visit in India .

Kanyakumari-Trivandrum

Kanyakumari to Trivandrum is another scenic journey through the typical landscape of South India that includes picturesque villages, plantations, meadows, and water bodies. This 2-hour short train journey is all about the charming beauty around, the freshness of the natural beauty, and the most rustic feel of local life as part of Kanyakumari Tour Packages . One can spot the typical Tamil and Keralite architecture, beautiful Keralite churches, and ornately decorated temples on this journey as part of Trivandrum Tour Packages .

Visakhapatnam-Araku Valley

Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley is yet another interesting train journey in India and among the most experiences things to do as part of Andhra tour packages . The route passes through the majestic Eastern Ghats, and lush coffee plantations via the highest Broad gauge railway station of Shimiliguda and reaches Araku Valley which is known for its scenic beauty and inhabited tribes. Covering a distance of 116 km, the train departs from Vishakhapatnam which takes around 4 hours to reach Araku Valley via Borra caves in Araku, among the most prominent tourist places to visit near Vizag . The route also offers several bridges and tunnels to keep you excited through the way. The Government has introduced the glass train so that tourists can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of this region to get a lifetime experience.

Featured Source

The Ultimate Guide to Train Tours in India

Go on a Train Tour to Some of India's Most Popular Destinations

Going on one of the many train tours in India removes the hassle from sightseeing. You'll be taken to some of the country's most popular places and attractions. Better still, there are India train tours for every budget. Read on to find out what's on offer.

Luxury Trains in India

If you have some spare cash, explore India in style on a luxury train tour. It's an excellent way to see the country without having to compromise on comfort. These luxury tourist trains, which offer every indulgence imaginable right down to customized cutlery, inject glamor and romance into seeing some of India's best tourist attractions.

Toy Trains in India

India's toy trains are small trains that run on historic railway lines to various hill stations in India. Although these trains are slow and can take up to eight hours to reach their destinations, the mountain scenery is beautiful, making the journeys really worthwhile.

Desert Circuit Semi Luxury Tourist Train

This train is currently not running. The Desert Circuit tourist train is focused on heritage tourism, by providing an affordable and accessibly way of visiting the desert cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur in Rajasthan. This four night/five day all-inclusive train tour departs from Delhi and covers ancient forts, architecture, and desert culture.

Tiger Express with City of Lakes

This train is currently not running. This special new semi-luxury tourist train aims to create awareness about wildlife in India, particularly tigers. It's a four night/five day all-incusive train tour that visits Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, as well as Chittorgarh fort (widely regarded as the greatest fort in Rajasthan) and Udaipur, the stunning white city of lakes and palaces. It runs from October to March and departs once a month from Delhi.

Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train

The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special tourist train that takes passengers on a one week spiritual tour through Buddhist India, where Buddhism originated more than 2,500 years ago. The train's sacred journey includes visits all the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as well as a stop in Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri . It's a fabulous way of going on a pilgrimage without the hassle of organizing it yourself.

Bharat Darshan Tourist Train

The Bharat Darshan train provides an affordable option for people to see the country, as costs are kept as low as possible. There's a wide range of all-inclusive packages to choose from in north and south India. Most are targeted at domestic Indian tourists wishing to visit holy pilgrimage and spiritual sites. The tours on offer change every year and usually run for around 10 nights.

Historic Fairy Queen Steam Express

India's historic Steam Express train (previously the Fairy Queen) is pulled by the "oldest steam locomotive in regular operation in the world". The locomotive dates back to 1854, when it was commissioned by the East Indian Railway Company. The train takes passengers on day trips from Delhi to the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum in Haryana. It runs twice a month from October until April. Passengers get to spend a few hours at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum before being taken back to Delhi.

India's Steam Express (Fairy Queen) Train: Essential Travel Guide

Your Ultimate Trip to India: The Complete Guide

Indian Railways Desert Circuit Tourist Train Guide

14 Famous Forts and Palaces in India that You Must See

The Best Day Trips to Take From Delhi

20 Top Things to Do in Diverse India

An Overview of Transport in India for Tourists

16 Best Tourist Destinations in India

The Ultimate Guide to the Taj Mahal in India

6 Romantic Hotels and Honeymoon Places in India

17 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Rajasthan

Your Trip to Udaipur: The Complete Guide

India Travel: Issues to Know at Top Tourist Places

Guide to India's Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Circuit Train

Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway Toy Train to Ooty

15 Ways and Places to Experience Rural India

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10 Beautiful Train Journeys in India that are Worth Taking

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > India > 10 Beautiful Train Journeys in India that are Worth Taking

There are certain childhood memories that stay etched in our minds forever. For many of us, they are those exciting train journeys that we used to take with our loved ones before flying became the norm. In those golden days, travelling by train meant buying our favourite comics and munchies, sipping on chai, playing card games, and admiring the changing landscapes outside. Since India is a country that boasts diverse topography, a train journey offered and still offers you unique experiences and awesome sights. So, if you wish to relive your childhood and take things a little slow, get ready for these 10 amazing train journeys. Their scenic routes will leave you mesmerised and asking for more.

1. Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway)

Mumbai to Goa (Konkan Railway) Train Journeys in India

When it comes to taking a short break from the busy Mumbai lifestyle, Goa, the party capital of India, is the first destination that comes to mind. While you can always take the flight, a train journey from Mumbai to Goa promises a different experience altogether. This unique and scenic route encompasses some amazing natural marvels, including Sahyadri Ranges, Arabian Sea, lush green meadows, tunnels, small rivers, bridges, lakes and waterfalls, among others. The route is so scenic that you will find yourself marvelling at the beauty of nature throughout. If you are a photography enthusiast, remember to carry your camera as the route offers photo ops every few seconds.

• Train Route: Mumbai CST – Thane – Khed – Ratnagiri – Pernem – Madgaon

Suggested Read : Top 15 Beaches in Goa to Enjoy Sun, Sand and Sea

2. Bangalore to Goa

Bangalore to Goa Train Journeys in India

This picturesque route is a must-take for every nature enthusiast, especially during the monsoon season. The highlight of the Bangalore to Goa train route is the majestic Dudhsagar Falls which is in its full glory during and after the monsoon. And since trekking to the falls can be risky at this time of the year, taking the train journey is the best way to see this beautiful waterfall up close. The train usually slows down near the falls, giving travellers a chance to soak in the beauty of this wonderful creation of nature and capture some stunning photos. However, the train route from Bangalore to Goa is not only about the waterfall. You can also see the lush green Western Ghats, pass through numerous stone tunnels, and admire the beauty of the changing landscapes throughout.

• Train Route: Yesvantpur Junction – Hubli Junction – Castle Rock – Kulem – Madgaon – Vasco-Da Gama

Suggested Read: North Goa or South Goa – How to Make a Choice?

3. Vasco Da Gama to Londa

Vasco Da Gama to Londa Train Journeys in India

The train journey from Goa’s Vasco De Gama city to Karnataka’s Londa town is always a delightful experience for nature lovers and travel buffs. This beautiful route passes along the spectacular Konkan Coast and the majestic Western Ghats, offering stunning views of dense forests, lush green fields, beach towns and Goan villages. If you are travelling during the monsoon season, you can see many stunning waterfalls gushing down with lush green hills as their backdrop, creating some of the most mesmerising views.

• Train Route: Vasco Da Gama – Madgaon – Castle Rock – Londa Junction

4. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Queen)

Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (Desert Queen) Train Journeys in India

When you are exploring the vibrant state of Rajasthan, make it a point to travel from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur on the Desert Queen train. This 6-hour-long journey will take you through diverse landscapes and leave you in awe. From xerophytic plants, golden sands and sand dunes to grazing camels and deer, you can see them all. There are also some scattered settlements on the way where you can see locals in their traditional attire. Hence, a train journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is more like a long desert safari, offering some of the finest views of this region.

• Train Route: Jaisalmer – Ramdevra – Phalodi Junction – Jodhpur

Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

5. Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen)

Kalka to Shimla (Himalayan Queen) Train Journeys in India

Attention all nature lovers! This picturesque train journey is something you can’t afford to miss. The Himalayan Queen train that runs between Kalka and Shimla is more like a toy train that runs on a narrow gauge. It starts from Kalka and travels around 96 km upslope, treating passengers to stunning views of lush pine forests, rugged mountains, verdant valleys, milky-white waterfalls, pretty flowers and serene hill stations. The train makes its way over 864 bridges, through 102 tunnels and around 919 curves, making the journey an amazing one. You can also see some fascinating sights and hamlets on the way that are impossible to witness otherwise. The route holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest rise in altitude throughout the distance of 96 km. It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

• Train Route: Kalka – Barog – Kandaghat – Shimla

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Nilgiri Mountain Railway Train Journeys in India

Running between Mettupalayam and Ooty, Nilgiri Mountain Railway promises one of the most scenic train journeys in the country. What’s special about this train is that it runs on steam locomotive engines, at a speed of 15 to 30 km per hour. The train journey starts from the plains with paddy fields on both sides. After covering about 7 km, the train enters the Nilgiri Mountain Range. The route boasts exceptional scenic beauty with majestic mountains, deep valleys, tea gardens and abundant fauna. The route comprises around 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, multiple curves and hairpin bends. Hence, a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the best way to reach the beautiful hill stations of Ooty and Coonoor. This popular mountain railway with the steepest track in Asia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

• Train Route: Mettupalayam – Coonoor – Ketti – Ooty

7. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (Island Express)

Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (Island Express) Train Journeys in India

Although a short route of 2 hours, the train journey from Kanyakumari to Trivandrum is among the most picturesque ones in the country. This route will take you through the most beautiful parts of Kanyakumari and Trivandrum. Apart from coconut trees, palm trees, paddy fields and forest-like areas with dense greenery, you can also see some villages, elaborately decorated temples and beautiful churches on the way. Hence, taking this short yet exciting train journey is one of the best ways to experience the real beauty of these popular places in the southern part of India.

• Train Route: Kanyakumari – Kulitthurai – Neyyattinkara – Trivandrum

8. New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)

New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) Train Journeys in India

The toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling is one of the most amazing train journeys in the country. This beautiful route encompasses a series of scenic landscapes that will leave you mesmerised. The toy train starts from the plains of Jalpaiguri and passes through Siliguri, Sukhna, Kurseong and other places before reaching the highest point called Ghoom and then descending towards Darjeeling. Lush forests, tea gardens, cold air and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga add a surreal charm to the journey, something worth experiencing. The train also passes the popular viewing point called Batasia Loop which offers stunning panoramic views of the entire town. Although the toy train moves at a slow pace and along multiple loops and zigzags, it is a top attraction of this region. Moreover, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999.

• Train Route: NJP – Siliguri Junction – Sukna – Rangtong – Kurseong – Ghoom – Darjeeling

9. Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur (Chilka Route)

Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur (Chilka Route) Train Journeys in India

With the Eastern Ghats on one side and Chilka Lake on the other, the 3-hour-long scenic train route from Bhubaneshwar to Brahmapur is a treat for nature lovers. The beauty of lush green mountains, the massive serene lake, and charming landscape will keep your eyes glued to the train’s window for most of the ride. Chilka Lake, a blackish water lagoon, happens to be the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent as well. So, you may even get lucky enough to spot some beautiful birds on the way. Photography enthusiasts must keep cameras handy to capture the beauty of the lake and the changing landscapes.

• Train Route: Bhubaneshwar – Kuhuri – Chilka – Brahmapur

10. Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway)

Jammu to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway) Train Journeys in India

Constructed on major earthquake zones and mountainous terrains, this 356 km long route from Jammu to Baramulla is counted among the most challenging and picturesque projects of the Indian Rail System. The train passes through multiple scenic towns in the Kashmir Valley and offers a glimpse into the lives of Kashmiris. You can also see several high-altitude mountain passes, tunnels, snow-capped mountains, Chenab River and over 700 bridges on the way. The topographical diversity during this 13-hour journey will make the experience enjoyable and worthwhile. However, the region experiences extremely cold winters with heavy snowfall, so keep this in mind when you’re planning a trip.

• Train Route: Jammu – Katra – Banihal – Baramulla  

Apart from the above, there are many other scenic train routes in India that are worth taking. Some popular ones include Matheran to Neral, Visakhapatnam to Araku Valley, Guwahati to Silchar and Ratnagiri to Mangalore, among others. No matter which one you decide to take, the best thing about train journeys is that they help you see places that are not easy to reach otherwise. Hence, when it comes to enjoying the real beauty of India, embarking on a train ride is the best option. Just keep the weather condition in mind and book train tickets as well as hotel rooms at the destination in advance to get good deals.

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12 of the best luxury train journeys in India

There’s no better way to experience the stunning sights of india than from one of the country’s palatial trains – here are twelve of the best trips.

W e get it: train travel in India can be a mixed bag, especially if you don’t know where to start. On the one hand, it’s the most affordable way to see the country and the people who make it what it is; and on the other, it can be a staggeringly opulent “Palace on Wheels” (no, really — keep reading.) Nowadays, sleeper trains can be fully functioning luxury hotels — replete with personal butlers, laundry services and on-board spas — plus a few added bonuses; namely jaw-dropping views of everything from palm-fringed coastlines to forested national parks, and insider tours both on and off the tourist trail. Here’s our pick of the best luxury journeys to book.

Main photo: the Maharajas’ Express in Mumbai (Alamy)

1. Heritage of India

Best for India first-timers You wouldn’t necessarily think that eight days would be enough to visit most of India’s poster-board attractions, but aboard the country’s most opulent train, the Maharajas’ Express, anything seems possible. You’ll travel from Mumbai to Delhi — via medieval Bikaner, the otherworldly Rajasthani desert and Jodhpur’s cobalt walls — in the sort of splendour that harks back to a bygone era (albeit outfitted with modern creature comforts such as USB sockets). Keep your eyes peeled for Bengal tigers prowling their Ranthambore hunting ground.

maharajas-express-india.com

2. Treasures of India

Best for the Golden Triangle Make sure your camera’s charged for this three-night round trip from Delhi , ensconced in a glamorous cabin on the Maharajas’ Express; you’ll likely be snapping away throughout. Whether it’s the photogenic interiors of your cabin — all intricately carved wood, gilt and leather finishings and plush textiles — or a visit to some of India’s most famous attractions, including the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, this is an experience you won’t want to forget. You’ll explore the pink city of Jaipur in similar style; with a guided tour of the Amber Fort and a slap-up lunch.

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3. Indian Odyssey

Best for families This seven-night trip, beginning in Delhi, is a magnificent way to tick off the Golden Triangle’s biggest hitters before heading to the Maharashtrian coast. You’ll visit the world’s most famous love letter, the Taj Mahal, as well as the Agra Fort, before climbing back aboard for day trips to Jaipur and the lakeside city of Udaipur. Before arriving in Mumbai , you’ll also get the chance to explore the archaeologically rich city of Vadodara — a Unesco-listed site in Gujarat — as well as the Ellora Caves, where temples have been carved into the rock face.

4. Pride of Karnataka

Best for Karnataka This six-night fling around Karnataka — a region so pretty it’s referred to as “The Pride of the South” — is a lot of fun. As part of your round trip aboard the sophisticated Golden Chariot train from Bangalore, you’ll visit Mysore Palace, temples in Hampi and the terracotta-toned caves in Badami, before seeking shelter under swaying palms in sun-drenched Goa . Plus, you won’t have to forgo comfort, returning each evening to everything from laundered clothes to a fully-equipped gym.

goldenchariot.co.uk

5. Jewels of the Deccan

Best for culture This seven-night round trip from Mumbai on the Deccan Odyssey will take you on a whirlwind tour of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. You’ll spend your days exploring Mughal palaces in Bijalpur, shopping in Hyderabad, visiting anything from the ruins in Hampi to the Ajanta Caves and the Gandhi Research Foundation in Jalgaon, and your nights sipping expertly mixed cocktails and dressing up for dinner in the lap of luxury.

luxury-trains.co.uk

6. Palace on Wheels: Golden Triangle, Khajuraho & Varanasi

Best for old-world style This heritage-style train, modestly named Palace on Wheels, feels like it could make a Maharaja (or, indeed, a Maharani) out of anyone; its decor is distinctly old-world and gloved service is the gilded cherry on top. You’ll alight at Delhi for a 14-night trip to spiritual centre Varanasi via culturally significant and less-visited spots (like Old Delhi, Rajasthan’s rugged Aravalli hills and the Thar Desert) as well as all the bucket-list regulars. Expect to mix it up on this guided trip; it incorporates overnight hotel stays and an internal flight.

palaceonwheels.in

7. Jewels of the South

Best for South India This six-night sojourn, aboard the opulent Golden Chariot train, does what it says on the tin; takes you around some of South India’s prettiest spots in style. On a round trip from Bangalore you’ll visit three staggeringly beautiful Unesco world heritage sites — Hampi (outside Chennai), Shore Temple in Pondicherry and Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur — before heading to picturesque Cochin and hitting the lush Keralan backwaters on a houseboat in Alleppey.

indianluxurytrains.com

8. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Best for a trip back in time This old-world Palace on Wheels route is a great way to explore bygone Rajasthan; it’s a seven-night round trip from Delhi that focuses on the royalty and majesty of the region. Expect guided tours of lakeside palaces in Udaipur and the imposing forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur, visits to Ranthambore and Keoladeo national parks, dinner at jewel-toned havelis in Jaisalmer, and a trip to the most palatial of them all — the Taj Mahal.

9. Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey

Best for adventure This eight-day tour is an alternative for those wanting to explore a different side to Maharashtra, a state that’s rich with architecture, culture and almost otherworldly nature. You’ll visit the protected Pench National Park, the Bengal tiger reserve at Tadoba and both the Ajanta and Ellora caves, as well as India’s wine capital Nashik — all the while cosseted in refined glamour aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

deccan-odyssey-india.com

10. Steam Express: Fairy Queen

Best for train buffs The word “heritage” is thrown around often these days, but in this case it’s justified — the Fairy Queen is the oldest rolling locomotive in the world. There are only two carriages, so its 50 passengers stay overnight at a hotel along the two-day route from Delhi through Alwar and Rewari — near the Sariska wildlife sanctuary, where tiger safaris are available — and enjoy cultural activities during the days.

11. Glimpses of Karnataka

Best for a quick journey This three-night round trip from Bangalore is a whirlwind tour of picturesque Karnataka. Passengers will hit the region’s most famous spots — including a safari at Bandipur National Park, a tour of the imposing Mysore Palace and a visit to Unesco world heritage site Hampi — while enjoying the amenities of the regal Golden Chariot, which include double beds, personal butlers and an on-board spa.

the-golden-chariot.com

12. Indian Panorama

Best for couples An unforgettable route, this six-night round-trip from Delhi aboard the lavish Maharajas’ Express will make you wish you’d freed up more space in your camera roll. The aptly named Indian Panorama provides exactly that; jaw-dropping views of some of the country’s most famous sights. You’ll gawp at the Taj Mahal, bathe at the ghats on the banks of the Ganges at holy city Varanasi, spot Bengal tigers at Ranthambore and see the sacred monuments at Unesco heritage site Khajuraho — and plenty more. It’s a trip of a lifetime.

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Train & Rail Tours in India

Relax and admire breathtaking views in India only accessible by train journey. With 31 India train tours lasting from 1 days up to 34 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

31 Train tour packages in India with 102 reviews

• Train & Rail
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Golden Triangle on Wheels Indian Railways

Overall a great tour. Highlights were the train rides, the guides, and the monuments. Hotels could have been better, I wish all of them were as good as the hotel in Jaipur. Amit was excellent and accommodating in every aspect of the tour. Best guide was Mr. Kashana in Jaipur.

Golden Triangle Tour By Train/Rail - Taj Mahal and Train Ride 5 days

Rajasthan Wildlife Tour: Ranthambore National Park by Train - 5 Days

Awesome Ranthambore Jungle Safari, an experience to remember for a lifetime !

Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour for 2 Days by Express Train

We are back home now after a brilliant time in Delhi and Agra last week. I want to say thank you to the Delhi driver Riyaz and the Agra driver Sonu for their service. Also a special thanks to Aayush the guide as he was very knowledgeable and attentive. Everyone made our Agra trip very special and we have fantastic memories to come again one day. Please can you extend our thanks to them when you next speak to them. Finally I want to thank you and Raj Tours as the way we were able to organise the trip was seamless and easy. We will use you again and recommend to others. Unfortunately I cannot make a TripAdvisor review as I explained to Aayush, I do not have or want to have a TripAdvisor account.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Amritsar Tour From Delhi By Shatabdi Train

We Have no any other option to take the Amritsar Tour from Delhi by Shatabdi Train and I must say, it was an incredible experience. The tour was well-organized and everything went smoothly from start to finish. The journey from Delhi to Amritsar on the Shatabdi train was comfortable and convenient. The train was clean and well-maintained, and the seats were spacious and comfortable. The on-board service was also excellent, with friendly and efficient staff catering to our needs. Upon arrival in Amritsar, we were greeted by our tour guide who was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the city. He gave us a brief introduction to Amritsar and its history, and then we proceeded to visit the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple was a sight to behold. The magnificent structure, the serene atmosphere, and the devotion of the people made it a truly spiritual experience. Our guide took us around the temple and explained the significance of each part of the complex. We also got to witness the langar (community meal) which is served to all visitors for free. After the Golden Temple, we visited the Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial to the tragic massacre that took place there in 1919. Our guide gave us a detailed account of the events that took place and it was a somber and moving experience. The tour also included a visit to the Wagah Border, where we witnessed the famous Beating Retreat ceremony. It was a thrilling experience to see the soldiers from both India and Pakistan perform their drill with such precision and patriotism. The tour ended with a visit to the local markets where we got to indulge in some shopping and try out some delicious Punjabi cuisine. Our guide took us to some of the best street food stalls and we were not disappointed. Overall, the Amritsar Tour from Delhi by Shatabdi Train was a memorable experience. The well-planned itinerary, comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guide, and the beautiful city of Amritsar all made it a perfect trip. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to explore the vibrant culture and history of Amritsar.

Journey Through Time: Exploring India's Heritage by Satabdi Train

Taj to Varanasi

Train Tour: 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour with 4 Nights Accomodation

I enjoyed this tour very much. It was a very easy way to get around the Golden Triangle. Meetups with drivers and guides and delivery to hotels and railway stations was impeccable, very reassuring for me travelling solo. The itinerary was quite dense, making good use of the time available in each city. My brain was buzzing by day three. All three guides were excellent with good english, knowledgeable and flexible. Drivers also were excellent, careful and not cowboys. Hotels were mostly adequate with the Agra Hotel being very nice. Trains were fine, with meals booked where available or available to buy. The Agra to Jaipur train was a sleeper Two tier so comfortable for the few hours of evening travel. All up, an excellent trip. Recommended.

Incredible Golden Triangle Rail Tour

Tour Guide Hilal was Guide for Agra and the Taj Mahal. Hall was Incredible Historian and a Great Photoghapher. Jugal Kishore was my Guide in Jaipur to view the Amber Fort and by my request Jugal obtain permission for me to climb the Great Wall surrounding the city and Fort. Jugal climbed the wall with me. Not an easy thing to do. Well done Jugal Kishore.

Delhi to Rajasthan with Goa by Rail

We took the Travel and Tours India "Delhi to Rajasthan with Goa by Rail" tour. We selected this because the travel was done all by train and because the trip can be taken on almost any day of the week, which allowed the trip to fit in with our other trip plans. The trip was very well planned, with all the destinations and trains we took booked and specified before we left. The choice of destinations was very good. We were met outside our train car at every station and taken to our hotel or tour. This is a very good feature of the tour, as Indian train stations are large and have lots of exits. Particularly for visitors, they can be a bit confusing, so the guidance is very useful. For all the local tours, a driver was supplied and sometimes a guide as well. The drivers were very helpful and would cheerfully accomodate special stops for shopping or to take photographs. The hotels were all really good and comfortable and many had good views, like the Udaipur hotel, with a great view of the lake. Our tour organizer, Ashu was available by 'phone or text message at any time. If we went to India again, we would take one of the Travel and Tours tours.

• €126 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

14 Days Rajasthan Tour By Local Trains

From Delhi: Taj Mahal Private Tour By Gatiman Express Train

We were friends and on a tour to Taj Mahal by train. We all were from England and Ireland. It was a first trip after pandemic and I have never ever write a review for any of my trip so far but the tour guide has served us outstanding , tour operator was fantastic , Taj Mahal is amazing and the tour as fantastic. We all has enjoyed a lot on the tour. Everyone got friendly with Mohd who was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and explained us about the history of the Taj Mahal. The time we all entered into the Taj Mahal we were amazed to see beautiful Taj Mahal and it was looking awesome. We also went to the fort which was good. It was a great tour

All Inclusive - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort by Superfast Train: Private Day Tour from Delhi

Faiz was a fantastic guide. He was very knowledgeable about each of our sights tours. He was great at taking some amazing pictures for us. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Explore Varanasi Overnight Tour By High Speed Train From Delhi

Haridwar & Rishikesh Reverie: A Sacred Train Tour from Delhi

What people love about train & rail tours in india.

The idea of travelling by train to different cities and getting picked up by different tour guides was a great idea. Tour guides had different strengths and weaknesses. Overall good experience although a little on the pricy side.

So, I kind started the tour with a bit of a rough start. My Delhi driver didn't seem to know how to get to the train station, then I felt pressed to take a tuk-tuk that I couldn't afford, to get dropped off. Then was pressed by him to get money from the ATM, which none of the three at the station worked for me. I was feeling pretty skeptical about the tour I had purchased and that I had been thrown out there on my own,but my tour guide in Agra, Faz, quickly decreased my worries and immediately brighted my mood for the rest of the time I spent with him on the tour. He pleasantly welcomed me to Agra with a beautiful flower garland and was very professional and polite. He spoke perfectly clear English and was easy to understand. He clearly has a lot of knowledge, passion and pride in the historical, religious and artistic beauty of the cities sites. He had a lot of special insights and knew best how to plan things. He was great at both offering to take pictures and at taking them, some unique and fun. Additionally, he was very considerate and carried my bag and sweatshirt for me so I could enjoy taking my own pictures and not have to deal with them, such a gentleman. He was very easy to talk to and open to questions. As mentioned earlier, I had cash/ATM issues and he stepped right up until we were able to resolve this, paying for entry fees. Then he was more than patient when this unfortunately took several stops to successfully resolve. I really felt he went above and beyond. He was very kind and understanding, despite my embarrassment that this couldn't get easily resolved. He had an engaging, fun, but very professional quality. I was highly impressed. He's the most delightful and professional guide and I highly recommend him. I was very saddened that I would be getting a new tour guide as he was wonderful. He always wanted to make sure I was enjoying the sites and was feeling good with how things were going. Definitely a top notch professional, highly knowledgeable and great character. I absolutely loved my tour with Faz. I'd give him over 5☆☆☆☆ My guide in Fatehpur sikri, was also quite pleasant. I was only with him for a few hours in the city, but he guided me through things well and was helpful. He had a great knowledge of the area and seemed to enjoy the history. He even helped me get rid of an obnoxious peddler, which was appreciated. I did however feel that he was a bit pushy in a shop we went into and I spent more money than planned/could afford. My driver, Chetan, was always punctual and I had no complaints. Although, he didn't speak much he was always polite and professional when he did. I really appreciated him expertly maunvering through all the crazy traffic. He did amazing. ☆☆☆☆☆ The hotel was fabulous and had a beautiful rooftop pool and spa. You could even see the Taj Mahal from there (just barely through the smoke). The restaurant and breakfast were both good. No complaints at all. The train was fine, not luxury or similar to US. Food was not bad considering it was train food, which I compared to being similar to plane food. Everything was great really, except my drop off in Delhi and my pickup in Delhi were I never connected with the driver and ended having to pay to take a chilly ride in a tuk-tuk. They did try and contact me when I arrived in Delhi (my service is inconsistent),but it would have been better to have this information before Ieft Agra. I believe this would have negated the problem as could directly go where I needed to go. This was done before I left for Agra, why not Delhi. So, the guides, hotel, driver in Agra and train I had no issues. Just a bit with the drop off driver in Delhi and confusion over pickup, but overall good tour.

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The 15 most spectacular places to visit in India

Dec 11, 2023 • 14 min read

Expect fairy-tale-like drama against a desert backdrop in magical Jaisalmer, Rajasthan © Andrii Lutsyk/ Getty Images

India’s astonishing variety of sights has to be seen to be believed. Travelers have devoted lifetimes to exploring the famous places and forgotten corners of this incredible country, driven onwards by the certainty that there’s always more to see.

Mughal palaces, towering Hindu temples, mountain monasteries, lost kingdoms, cultured cities, and genteel hill stations in the foothills of the Himalayas all jostle for attention in a country that is proudly shaking off the legacy of colonialism and repositioning itself as a global superpower. With such incredible diversity on offer, there’s just one question – where do you start?

Well, our advice is to not take on too much during a single visit. Pick an area – the tropical south perhaps, or the northern plains, or the mountain valleys of the Himalayas – and give yourself time to pause and soak up the atmosphere as you work through your must-see list .

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a mind-expanding and exhilarating blast of color, soul-soaring splendor, earth-shaking history and moments of pure serenity. Equal parts magic and mayhem, this mix is what makes traveling to India such an intense and addictive experience.

While this was no easy list to compile, we’re proud to present our pick of the ten best places to visit in India.

1. Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Best for romantics and fans of Mughal history

At the top of everyone’s bucket list, the Taj Mahal is as glorious as people imagine it would be – a magnificent monument to lost love, executed in pearl-white marble. Views of the world’s most beautiful building framed by a Mughal archway or floating above the misty Yamuna River will be one of the defining moments of any trip to India.

But there’s more to the former Mughal capital than the Taj. Add on a couple of days so you can visit the architecturally stunning tomb of  Emperor Akbar , his rose-red sandstone former capital at Fatehpur Sikri and sprawling Agra Fort , one of India’s most epic fortifications. Thronged by millions of visitors, Agra is not always relaxing, but it’s eternally fascinating.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Best for intense spirituality

There are few places as beguiling and bewitching as the sacred Hindu city of Varanasi . Millennia-old death rituals play out daily at the cremation ghats that line the bank of the sacred River Ganges, while the maze-like alleyways of the nearby old town reveal dizzying surprises at every turn. We defy anyone to visit without experiencing some internal soul-searching about their place in the universe.

Be ready for some challenges. The hard-edged realities of life and death and the inequalities that continue to cause hardship for many in India are obvious on the streets of the world’s oldest living city. But there are also moments of gentleness – rise at dawn and wander the ghats (riverside steps) and you’ll see Varanasi at its most spiritual, with its attention focused on the sacred river, before the tourist bustle changes the mood.

Planning tip: The best way to appreciate Varanasi’s famous ghats is from a rowboat. Boatmen offer their services from first light at boat stations along the west bank of the Ganges, providing views of a riverfront that has changed only superficially in seven centuries.

3. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Best for urban explorers and Bollywood hopefuls

Mumbai is the perfect place to take the pulse of modern India. The most densely populated city in the subcontinent is home to Bollywood film stars, enterprising market vendors, bankers and executives rushing to work in offices, and fishing families who can trace their origins back to the days when this mighty metropolis was just a humble village.

To understand more about the disparities of life in contemporary Mumbai, take a socially responsible tour through the city’s huge and disadvantaged Dharavi district with Reality Tours & Travel ; 80% of the profits go back to social projects providing opportunities for those left behind by Mumbai’s push for success.

The city’s can’t-miss excursion is the boat trip to the 1500-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-cut temples of Elephanta Island , but fantastic street food is the city’s great leveler. Don’t leave without sampling Mumbai's signature snack, bhel poori – puffed rice and fried dough with lentils, onions, herbs and savory chutneys, best sampled on the beach at Chowpatty or Juhu.

Detour: With time to spare in Mumbai, head to the northern suburbs, where Sanjay Gandhi National Park protects a sprawl of dry forest, home to leopards, deer, monkeys and serene Buddhist cave temples.

Best for an extraordinary taste of Tibet

In the far northwest of India, sheltered from the monsoon by the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the former Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh is culturally and geographically closer to western Tibet than anywhere in India. In this high-altitude moonscape, towering Tibetan monasteries melt into a landscape of barren rock and wind-sculpted hoodoos (don’t miss fabulous Hemis and Thiksey on the road linking Ladakh to Himachal Pradesh ). 

Most visitors start in the atmospheric capital, Leh , before roaming to neighboring valleys for homestay treks and trips to view turquoise salt lakes and colorful masked dances at ancient monasteries. Ladakh wasn't touched by China’s Cultural Revolution, so this is perhaps the closest independent travelers can come to experiencing the original culture of Tibet.

Planning tip: Getting to Ladakh is half the fun. Flights run to Leh even in the depths of winter, but the most enjoyable way in is overland, by road from either Srinagar in Kashmir or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Buses and shared 4WDs run as long as the passes are open from June to the end of September, or you can tackle the route on a rented Enfield motorcycle.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal 

Best for culture vultures

The capital of colonial British India until 1911, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is India’s third-biggest metropolis and the country's intellectual and artistic capital. Spend a few days exploring the energetic bazaars, cultured museums and British-era landmarks, and you’ll soon fall in love with Kolkata’s irrepressible energy.

To really get to know Kolkata, sign up for a Bengali cooking course and visit the revered temple at Kalighat , where the goddess Kali is appeased with sacrifices. With more time to spare, book an overnight wildlife-watching tour to the nearby Sundarbans Tiger Reserve , a legendary stalking ground for royal Bengal tigers.

Planning tip: Try to time your visit to coincide with the festival of Durga Puja in September or October, when vividly colorful effigies of the goddess are displayed in pandals (ceremonial tents) all over the city.   

6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Best for desert drama

The desert state of Rajasthan shows India at its most romantic and soft-filtered. Expect a mirage of camel caravans, ornate palaces, mighty forts, turbaned traders and intense colors, set against a backdrop of shifting desert sands. It’s unbelievably photogenic, but also firmly on the tourist map, so expect to share the experience with a crowd.

The pink-sandstone monuments of Jaipur , the ice-white lakeside palaces of Udaipur , and views of blue-hued Jodhpur from its lofty fort are all stunning experiences, but the city that delivers the biggest jolt to the senses is Jaisalmer , seeming sculpted from the living rock of the desert.

Its tangled lanes, towering fortress and beautifully ornate haveli (traditional houses) could have been plucked from the pages of One Thousand and One Nights , and the surrounding desert is the evocative setting for overnight camel safaris.

Planning tip: While it is possible to stay inside the fortified city, visitor numbers are having an impact on Jaisalmer’s historic heart. We recommend staying outside the walls instead – there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses within strolling distance of the fort.

7. The Kerala Backwaters

Best for lovers of slow travel

After the dusty, densely populated northern plains, tropical South India offers a lusher, more laid-back travel experience. The quintessential trip here is a slow-paced canal cruise through the emerald-green backwaters of Kerala , a 900-mile network of languid, coconut-fringed waterways, offering views of an ever-changing tableaux of South Indian life.

Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha for a multiday trip, then settle in for a succulent Keralan seafood curry prepared by your personal chef as the sunset blushes over shimmering waters and silhouetted palm fronds. Post-cruise, it’s just a short hop up the coast to historic Kochi (Cochin) , with its cantilevered fishing nets and Kathakali dance theaters.

8. Bodhgaya, Bihar

Best for budding Buddhists

As the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism (plus countless smaller faiths), India is defined by sacred geography. Even here, however, few places resonate more powerfully than the Bodhi tree where Prince Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment to become the Buddha (Awakened One).

The town that has grown up around this sacred spot is home to dozens of Tibetan and Southeast Asian–style temples and monasteries, with a busy program of Buddhist teachings and courses. It’s the ideal destination for any spiritual explorer.

To get a feel for Bodhgaya ’s rhythms, come early to the Mahabodhi complex and settle in beside chanting Tibetan pilgrims to meditate on the nature of impermanence. Travel experiences don’t get much more profound than this.

Planning tip: Bodhgaya is just one stop on the so-called "Buddhist circuit," taking in key locations from the life of the historical Buddha. Local buses run to nearby Rajgir, the site of one of the first Buddhist monasteries, and Nalanda's ancient Buddhist university complex.  

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Best for a premium cup of tea with a view

Fanned by the cool breezes of the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by manicured tea estates and basking in front of epic Himalayan views, Darjeeling is easy to fall for.

For a perfect day, watch the dawn break over 8586m (20,169ft) Kangchenjunga, learn the difference between first-flush and white teas on a plantation tour, linger over an afternoon cuppa at the  Windamere Hotel , then learn about the Tibetan experience at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre .

The classiest way to arrive is via the nostalgic, narrow-gauge toy train ; book tickets in advance and check to see if the steam service is running (the diesel train follows the same route, but has less charm). Don’t miss the Buddhist gompas (monasteries) dotted around the city. Below Darjeeling on the fringes of Ghum, historic Yiga Choeling Gompa has a special magic.

Planning tip: Darjeeling isn’t the only interesting stop in the area. Shared 4WDs buzz from Darjeeling to Kalimpong , another historic township with colorful Buddhist monasteries, Himalayan views and pretty flower nurseries. 

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Best for a full immersion in history

Between the 14th and 16th centuries CE, the capital of the Vijayanagar empire at Hampi was home to half a million people, but this ancient metropolis was almost completely abandoned, leaving 3700 stone monuments scattered across a surreal plain of boulders.

This is a place to linger, strolling between the boulders to find carved masonry, forgotten shrines and the handsome remains of some of South India’s most dramatic stone temples.

Glance up as you wander and you’ll see rock climbers tackling bouldering routes using chisel marks made by ancient masons. Rent a motorcycle or scooter and you can roam further afield, taking in the hilltop temple marking the spot where the monkey god Hanuman first met Lord Rama.

Planning tip: Hampi is a short bus ride from the town of Hosapete – get here by overnight train from Goa’s beaches, historic Hyderabad or the cosmopolitan southern city of Bengaluru .

11. Arunachal Pradesh

Best for stepping off the map

Tucked away near Bangladesh, the eight Northeast States – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim – are India’s wild frontier. Until the 1990s, this region of rugged mountain valleys was mostly off-limits to foreigners, and visitor numbers are still small – people who travel here earn the right to call themselves proper explorers. 

Sikkim is the most famous destination in the Northeast States, but we’d encourage you east towards the forested foothills and jagged mountains of Arunachal Pradesh , where tribal communities follow a diverse range of traditional belief systems, from the Buddhist Monpa people of Tawang to the animist Apatani people of the Ziro valley. 

Planning tip: Travel takes a bit of effort in Arunachal Pradesh; you’ll need to apply for a permit to enter the state, and local transport is patchy. By far the easiest way to explore is with a chartered 4WD and driver (easily arranged in Guwahati in Assam).  

12. Amritsar, Punjab

Best for experiencing the power of devotion

India has pilgrimage destinations to spare, but few come close to the vibrant energy of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The most sacred site for the Sikh religion is a gleaming jewel box, floating in a mirror-like sacred pool, thronged day and night by an unbelievable mass of pilgrims. You don’t have to be spiritually inclined to feel its powerful rhythms. 

Joining devotees at the Sri Harmandir Sahib – the gold-paneled shrine at the heart of the complex – is incredibly moving. Staying overnight in the pilgrims' hostels that flank the temple compound only adds to the intensity. A donation is much appreciated for accommodation if possible, though pilgrims of all means will be accommodated if space is available. You can also sit down for meals at the temple langar (kitchen), which provides cost-free nourishment to a staggering 100,000 people per day (again, a donation is appreciated if you have the means).

Planning tip: Don’t limit your explorations to the Golden Temple – the surrounding bazaars buzz with energy and atmosphere, with vendors selling everything from embroidered chappals (sliders) to brass and polished steel pots and pans.   

13. Mysuru (Mysore), Karnataka

Best for feeling like a Maharaja

The atmospheric South Indian city of Mysuru has multiple charms: towering temples, one of India’s most evocative marketplaces, and the almost impossibly extravagant crib that is Mysuru Palace , the ancestral home of the Wadiyar maharajas. No building conjures up the extravagant lives of India’s royal rulers quite so vividly – every room is a fantasy, every ornament an heirloom. 

Around the palace are busy bazaars, rewarding museums and a string of Hindu temples in the classic Dravidian (Southern Indian) architectural style. Devote several days to wandering the streets, hiking up to the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill and feasting on fiery vegetarian  thalis (plate meals) in Mysuru’s restaurants.  

14. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Best for tiger encounters

The national parks of Madhya Pradesh are some of the best places on the planet to get close to royal Bengal tigers. Seeing one of these striped superstars loping out of the jungle will stay with you for a lifetime – as well as leaving you heartbroken at the thought of how few tigers still survive in the wild.

Everyone has their favorite tiger reserve, but we rate Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve near Jabalpur for the density of wildlife in its central Tala range. Around 70 tigers roam these dry forests, alongside leopards, monkeys, deer and gaur – India’s gigantic wild buffalo. There’s a high likelihood of sightings if you devote several days to 4WD safaris (elephant safaris should be avoided as riding can be harmful to these vulnerable animals). 

Planning tip: The best time to see tigers is first thing in the morning – safaris start at 5:30am to catch tigers before they stake out a shady spot in the undergrowth to sleep through the heat of the day. 

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Best for religious splendor

South India's Hindu temples are a joyous celebration of the divine, decorated inside and out with vividly colorful depictions of deities and supernatural beings, both fearsome and sublime. In the southern city of Madurai , the towering gopurams (gateway towers) of the Meenakshi Amman Temple provide a three-dimensional guide to the main deities of the Hindu pantheon.

The current temple was constructed in the 17th century, but the site has been sacred to Meenakshi, the queen of the Pandya kingdom and an incarnation of the goddess Parvati, for at least 2000 years. Come early in the morning to watch sunrise bring the temple to life, then pop to the nearest branch of Murugan Idli Shop for some of the south’s best idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes).  

Detour: A short bus or train ride from Madurai, Tiruchirappalli – aka Trichy – is another top spot for temple enthusiasts. The looming Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines, covering 155 acres (63 hectares) and topped by 21 deity-encrusted towers. More temples crown the rocky outcrop at the heart of the city, offering epic views over the rooftops.  

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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20 Places To Visit In India By Train From Delhi

March 20, 2024

Rahul Gupta

I'm Rahul Gupta, a biotechnology student with a passion for SEO and content writing. I blend science and creativity to optimize online visibility and engage audiences effectively.

Explore India by embarking on a train journey from Delhi. From the historic charm of Agra’s Taj Mahal to the vibrant culture of Jaipur and the serene beauty of Shimla, discover diverse landscapes with our 20 Places To Visit In India By Train From Delhi.

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Beautiful Places To Visit In India By Train From Delhi

Nestled in the stunning terrain of Jammu and Kashmir, Udhampur is a scenic town surrounded by verdant hills. This route offers one of the best train journeys from Delhi.

Renowned for its ancient temples like Sudh Mahadev and historic landmarks like Ramnagar Fort, Udhampur offers a serene escape.

The town’s strategic location provides a gateway to the majestic Himalayas, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Udhampur? SVDK VANDEBHARAT
• What is the best time to visit Udhampur? Starting in October, winter is considered to be the best time to visit Udhampur. 

Amritsar is Punjab’s heroic heart and home to the revered Golden Temple. This spiritual and cultural hub of Sikhism hosts the vibrant Baisakhi festival, showcasing its finest food and celebrations.

It is a thriving city, it begins its peaceful days with spiritual prayers at Gurudwaras, reflecting the city’s enduring spirit. Known for agriculture, Amritsar stands well-connected to major Indian cities.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Amritsar? PASCHIM EXPRESS, SHANE PUNJAB
• What is the best time to visit Amritsar? For Amritsar, the peak season for travel is from October to March, while the moderate season extends from July to September.

Shivpuri is a historic city in Madhya Pradesh, holds a special place due to its connection with Hindu and Mughal rulers.

Named after Lord Shiva, it was once home to Kachhawaha Rajputs and later taken over by the Scindias. With a low population and situated 478 meters above sea level, Shivpuri is an ideal spot for a quick getaway.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Shivpuri? ASR INDB EXPRESS, CDG INDB EXP
• What is the best time to visit Shivpuri? Shivpuri in Winter around December to February is best to visit.

Suggested read: 5 Unforgettable Toy Train Rides in India

Pushkar, a quaint temple town in Rajasthan. It is one of the best place for day trips from Delhi by train.

Hosting the famous Pushkar Mela every November, it’s a backpacker’s delight with numerous cafes and hostels.

Home to the world’s only dedicated Brahma temple, it attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over the country.

You can enjoy evenings by the ghats, indulge in street shopping for silver jewelry, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Pushkar Mela’s festivities.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Pushkar? Haridwar Ajmer Express, Jammu Ajmer Express, Ranikhet Express, Ajmer Shatabdi, Varanasi Ahmedabad Express
• What is the best time to visit Pushkar? The optimal period to explore Pushkar, Rajasthan, is from October to November, coinciding with the renowned Pushkar Fair and the onset of the winter season.

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is Rajasthan’s royal capital, forming the famous Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra.

Housing UNESCO World Heritage sites like Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, it’s adorned with forts, palaces, temples, and vibrant bazaars.

The city’s culinary delights include Ghewar and Pyaaz Kachori, and it hosts the renowned Jaipur Literary Festival.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Jaipur? MANDORE EXPRESS, CORBET PRK LINK, HWH AJMER SHATABDI, BDTS GARIB RATH, JAT AII EXPRESS, VANDE BHARAT EXP
• What is the best time to visit Jaipur? Jaipur is blessed with pleasant breezes and moderate sunlight, making the period from October to March the most favorable time to visit.

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Varanasi is the world’s oldest living city and spiritual capital of India, is also known as Kashi and Benaras.

Along the Ganges’ western banks, its old city boasts narrow streets and numerous temples, with Kashi Vishwanath being the oldest and most visited.

Considered auspicious for death, Varanasi is believed to offer moksha. The city’s heartbeat lies at its ghats, where the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony unfolds at dusk.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Varanasi? VANDE BHARAT EX , POORVA EXPRESS, SWTANTRTA S EXP, Anand Vihar Terminal – Banaras Garib Rath Express
• What is the best time to visit Varanasi? Explore Varanasi’s tourist attractions during the period from October to February when the temperature in Varanasi decreases.

Agra is located on the Yamuna’s banks in Uttar Pradesh. It is a major tourist hub housing the iconic Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world.

Alongside Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers a glimpse into the Mughal Empire’s architectural legacy.

Beyond monuments, Agra attracts foodies with its famed Petha sweets and offers delightful marble artifacts in local bazaars.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Agra? Jan Shatabdi Express, Palamau Express, Ganga Damodar Express, Intercity Exp Express
• What is the best time to visit Agra? October to March is the ideal time for visiting Agra.

Chandigarh is a planned city and union territory, serves as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana.

It is known for its blend of Punjabi tradition and modernity, Chandigarh’s food and its culture are its highlights.

Sukhna Lake offers locals a favorite pastime of boating, while attractions like the Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, and Rose Garden draw tourists.

The Capitol complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases Le Corbusier’s influence and now houses a museum.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Chandigarh? SACHKHAND EX P, SHANE PUNJAB, SHANE PUNJAB
• What is the best time to visit Chandigarh? The post-monsoon period, spanning from September to November, is the perfect time to visit Chandigarh City.

Mathura is one of Hinduism’s sacred cities, is Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Stretched along the Yamuna River, Mathura boasts 25 ghats for holy dips and aarti ceremonies at dawn and dusk.

Festivals like Janmashtami and Holi attract crowds. Shri Krishna Janmabhumi, the birthplace display, and temples like Dwarkadheesh and Gita Mandir are key attractions.

Exploring Mathura’s old streets reveals its historic charm, while savoring local street food like kachodis, aloo-puri, and jalebis completes the experience.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Mathura? GOLDEN TEMPLE M, BHOPAL SHTBDI, BDTS GARIBRATH
• What is the best time to visit Mathura? October to March is the best time to visit Mathura.

Vrindavan is situated on the Yamuna’s banks, is among the oldest cities and a vital pilgrimage site for Krishna devotees.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna spent his childhood here. The name Vrindavan comes from Vrinda and van, alluding to groves at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj.

A sacred place drawing people seeking spiritual solace, Vrindavan hosts numerous Krishna and Radha temples portraying the playful nature of Lord Krishna amidst lush greenery along the Yamuna.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Vrindavan? Shakur Basti – Mathura Emu Express Special , UP SAMPRK KRANTI
• What is the best time to visit Vrindavan? January to March and October to December is the ideal time to visit Vrindavan.

Haridwar, one of India’s seven holiest cities in Uttarakhand, marks the Ganga’s entry into the plains.

Adorned with temples and ashrams, it’s a Hindu pilgrimage site where millions take a dip in the sacred Ganges at Har Ki Pauri to absolve sins.

Haridwar is also a Kumbh Mela venue every twelve years.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Haridwar? DDN SHTBDI EXP, HWH DDN SHTBDI EXP, DDN JANSHTBDI, LTT HW AC EXP, MDU CDG EXPRESS
• What is the best time to visit Haridwar? Haridwar is best experienced during the winter season, offering tourists a refreshing and cool climate from October to February.

Hill Stations Connected By Train From Delhi

Nainital, nestled in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon ranges, is a charming hill station and North India’s most visited.

The central Naina Lake, surrounded by Mall Road and Thandi Sadak, forms its heart. From boating on Naini Lake to enjoying local delicacies, shopping, and taking a ropeway ride for Himalayan views, Nainital offers a memorable stay.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Nainital? Kathgodam New Delhi Shatabdi Express, HWH KGM SHTBDI EXP, RANIKHET EXP, UTR SAMPRK KRTI
• What is the best time to visit Nainital? The optimal time to explore Nainital is from March to June and October to January.

Lansdowne, a serene Himalayan town, exudes old-world colonial charm amid lush greenery. It is one of the best places to visit in India by train from Delhi.

Nestled at 1,700 m, it’s adorned with pines and oaks, surrounded by charming churches, flowering thickets, and serene ponds.

The town invites exploration on foot, offering a central lake, nature walks, hidden temples, and churches, all against a backdrop of pristine mountain views.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Lansdowne? Garhwal Express, Mussoorie Express.
• What is the best time to visit Lansdowne? Winters around October to March is best to visit Lansdowne.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh’s capital, is a beloved hill-station for families and honeymooners, once the summer capital of British India.

At a height of 2200m, it exudes old-world charm with colonial architecture, a pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a bustling ridge lined with shops and eateries.

Nearby attractions include snowy Kufri, Chail with its grand palace, and the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla train route.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Shimla? New Delhi – Kalka Shatabdi Express, Sainagar Shirdi – Kalka Superfast Express, Pashchim Express
• What is the best time to visit Shimla? Visit Shimla during the months of May to June and December to January for the most enjoyable experience.

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, sits at the convergence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga rivers.

Famous for adventure activities, ancient temples, and as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” it’s a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.

Beyond spirituality, Rishikesh offers whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and serves as a base for Himalayan treks.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Rishikesh? YOGA EXPRESS, MUSSOORIE EXP
• What is the best time to visit Rishikesh? To maximize your Rishikesh experience, it’s advisable to visit between October and March.

Dehradun is Uttarakhand’s capital. This town sits at 1400 feet above sea level, offering a pleasant climate year-round.

Known as the “Educational Hub of Uttarakhand,” Dehradun hosts prestigious universities and boarding schools.

Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the city boasts caves, waterfalls, and springs. It has many popular spots for picnics, trekking, and birdwatching.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Dehradun? DDN SHTBDI EXP, OKHA DDN EXP ,KOTA DDN AC EXP
• What is the best time to visit Dehradun? The peak time to visit Dehradun is April to June, but expect crowds during this period.

Chakrata is a cozy hill town near Dehradun, Uttarakhand, sits at an altitude of 6948 feet.

With a rising popularity for mountain climbing and camping, it’s a haven for backpackers, especially known for the breathtaking Tiger Falls.

The highest peak, Kharamba Peak at 10,000 ft, is surrounded by lush forests housing diverse wildlife like panthers and spotted deer.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Chakrata? Dehradun Express, Dehradun Shtbdi, Uttaranchal Express, Ujjaini Express, Indore Dehradun Express
• What is the best time to visit Chakrata? The prime time to visit Chakrata is from April to June and then again from September to November.

Nestled amid dense Deodar trees, Landour in Uttarakhand is a charming town along the lower western Himalayas.

Named after the Welsh village Llanddowrer, it echoes British-era history. Landour, sitting at 980 ft above Mussoorie, collectively forms “The Queen of Hills” with its twin hill station.

It is a popular weekend retreat, Landour’s serene landscapes offer a perfect escape from city life, ideal for rejuvenation.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Landour? NA
• What is the best time to visit Landour? Mussoorie and Landour experience the highest influx of tourists during the summer months, primarily due to their geographical location.

Barog is situated at an elevation of approximately 1560 m in the Solan district.

This hidden gem promises a respite from Shimla’s seasonal crowds, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique blend of Himachal’s magic.

Barog offers options for you to trek, camp, and explore nearby wonders along with many local activities.

• Which trains run between Delhi to Barog? Hwh KALKA SHTBDI EX (12005),KLK SHATABADI (12011),NDLS CDG SHTBDI (12045),UHL JANSHATABDI (12057) 
• What is the best time to visit Barog? Barog is most inviting during the monsoon season, experiencing rainfall from July to September.

Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is a peaceful village with a special lake having nine corners. It’s about 1 km long and 40 m deep.

Naukuchiatal has lovely weather and pretty lakes and temples, making it a nice place to visit anytime for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

• Which trains run between Delhi and Naukuchiatal? NDLS KGM SHT 
• What is the best time to visit Naukuchiatal? The optimal time to explore Naukuchiatal is from March to June and then again from September to November.

This concludes our article on 20 Places To Visit In India By Train From Delhi. We hope you find this article useful. Make sure to like and share this article and don’t forget to comment down your suggestions below.

You may also like Top 10 Luxurious Trains In India. Ride Like A Maharaja

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Following are the best train trips in India: 1. Kalka to Shimla 2. Mumbai to Goa 3. Kanyakumari to Trivandrum 4. Matheran to Neral 5. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur 6. Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur 7. Mandapam to Rameshwaram

Chakrata, in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, is an unspoiled hill station, approximately 7-8 hours from Delhi. Its serene beauty and lack of commercialism make it a perfect getaway.

Nainital, acclaimed as the Lake District of Uttarakhand, boasts the stunning Naini Lake, a vast and breathtaking waterbody. A top weekend retreat within 300 km of Delhi, it offers unparalleled beauty.

The Maharajas’ Express, the premier luxury train of IRCTC, stands as India’s newest opulent rail experience. With its 23 carriages, the train offers Deluxe Cabins, Junior Suite Cabins, Suites, and Presidential Suites for a lavish journey.

Following are the hill stations connected by train from Delhi: 1. Mussoorie, Dehradun 2. Nainital, Uttarakhand 3. Bhimtal, Nainital 4. Naukuchiatal, Nainital 5. Sattal, Nainital 6. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 7. Chail, Himachal Pradesh 8. Almora, Uttarakhand

Following are the best places to visit in India by train from Delhi: 1. Udhampur 2. Barog 3. Amritsar 4. Naukuchiatal 5. Shivpuri 6. Pushkar 7. Landour 8. Chakrata 9. Jaipur 10. Dehradun

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As a former longtime Delhiite and frequent traveler to India, people often ask me what the country is like. I never know how to respond, for trying to sum up a nation as vast and diverse as India feels impossible. So, instead, I asked a few experts for their insights.

“If you visit India, you feel you have visited several countries, as every part is different,” says Mohd Shafi Billo, an inbound tour operator who specializes in helping international travelers plan their trips to the country. “It’s an exceptional destination, thanks to its culture, history, and inclusiveness of different people from different faiths, and it has everything to offer, from forts to mausoleums, wildlife tours to mountain adventures.”  

Shoba Rudra, founder and partner at hospitality consultancy Rare India , agrees. “The country is living a dynamic moment in history, ever-changing,” she says. “What's constant, however, is the vibrant culture lived through its festivals, cuisine, heritage, crafts, and performing arts.”

While it would take years to see it all, India is an approachable destination — if you can narrow things down. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best places to get you started on your sojourn to the subcontinent.

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Stretching along the southernmost part of India’s Malabar Coast, the tropical state of Kerala entices visitors with its marshy backwaters, which most people visit on overnight houseboat adventures. These popular cruises “showcase lush landscapes and peaceful villages, and [give visitors] a glimpse into local life amid tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings,” says Billo. While the backwaters are a star attraction, the state offers much more to explore, from the tea plantations of Munnar, known for its cool climate and seemingly endless rolling hills, to the historic city of Kochi, celebrated in equal measure for its rich coastal history and contemporary art scene . The beaches aren’t too shabby, either. “North Kerala is also famous, as the Malabar Coast is where the spice trade flourished,” says Rudra. “The coastal area is picturesque and this region is still unexplored.”

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On the opposite end of the country from Kerala, Kashmir offers entirely different — but equally captivating — landscapes. With its alpine climate, evergreen trees, and snowy winters, Kashmir is often likened to a mini Switzerland . Famed 13th-century Sufi poet Amir Khusrau once proclaimed in Farsi, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this,” and he may have been onto something. At the heart of it all is Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital city, which is known for its elegant gardens and watery centerpiece, Dal Lake. “Highlights include staying on a houseboat or taking a shikara [traditional Kashmiri boat] ride,” says Billo, who hails from the area. Don't leave without indulging in wazwan , an opulent, meat-heavy feast that can feature up to three dozen dishes in one sitting. 

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Occupying a high-altitude plateau in the northernmost reaches of India, Ladakh is characterized by otherworldly landscapes and big skies, punctuated by palatial stupas and monasteries. Many visitors come to Ladakh’s capital, Leh, during the short summer tourist season, but this surreal region offers plenty more to experience beyond the city. Billo suggests visiting the Nubra Valley, an isolated part of the old Silk Road that’s only accessible by crossing Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes. “The valley offers a glimpse into Ladakh's unique geography and cultural diversity with monasteries, quaint villages, and apricot orchards,” says Billo. The region is also rich with unusual wildlife, from elusive snow leopards to the scaled-down Bactrian camels that originated in the steppes of Central Asia.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

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On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the holy city of Rishikesh has held a place in the hearts of spiritually minded travelers — both from India and abroad — for generations. It’s the self-proclaimed “yoga capital of the world,” with a mix of traditional ashrams (spiritual rest houses) that cater largely to Hindu pilgrims and yoga centers that attract international visitors with teacher-training courses and meditation retreats. If you’re not into yoga, you’ll still find plenty to do here. Popular activities include visiting the ruins of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (dubbed the Beatles Ashram in honor of its most famous former residents) to whitewater rafting adventures on the mighty Ganges. It’s also a great place for a wellness getaway, and nearby Ananda in the Himalayas was voted one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite international spas in 2023.

Auroville, Tamil Nadu

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If you’re looking for a place that’s unlike anywhere else in India — or, frankly, the world — head to the intentional community of Auroville in South India. This UNESCO-recognized global township was founded in the 1960s with the goal of "realizing human unity," beyond the illusory divisions of creed or nationality, and it's home to generations of residents from around the world. Many visitors come for an hour or two, just long enough to view Auroville’s spiritual center — the golden, dome-shaped Matrimandir . However, it’s worth sticking around a bit longer to get a feel for what the community is about. As Akash Kapur, who grew up in Auroville and authored " Better to Have Gone " and " India Becoming ," puts it: "Come to Auroville if you're interested in alternative societies, sustainable living, or spirituality, but try not to just drop in for a few hours (as many do), and instead spend some time here, really getting to know the people and their work. The community rewards sustained immersion."

Andaman Islands

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Although most people associate the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea with Thai island getaways, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in this tropical region are under Indian control. This little stretch of paradise is full of gorgeous shorelines, but most visitors devote their vacations to the island of Swaraj Dweep (formerly known as Havelock). The most popular beach on the island is Radhanagar Beach , which offers just over a mile of white sand sandwiched between tropical jungle and warm, transparent waters. Getting to this remote island requires a bit of gumption: You'll need to fly from the Indian mainland to Port Blair on South Andaman Island, then catch a ferry or charter a seaplane for the final stretch. While visitors are welcome on many islands in the chain, a few — including secluded North Sentinel Island — are off-limits. 

While many travelers see India’s capital as a jumping-off point for visiting further-afield destinations, it’s worth sticking around for a while to truly appreciate what Delhi has to offer. There’s certainly never a dull moment in this busy metropolis, whether you’re shopping for handicrafts at one of its numerous markets or learning about medieval and Mughal history at one of its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Humayun's Tomb, Qutb Minar, and Red Fort. Although Delhi is undeniably rambunctious, it also has a quieter, more peaceful side that you can find amidst the trees and 15th-century tombs of Central Delhi’s Lodi Gardens or in the quiet interiors of the Baháʼí Lotus Temple.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Many travelers to India put the 17th-century Taj Mahal at the top of their list. This white marble mausoleum is easily India’s most recognizable structure — and it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . This popular attraction also has a romantic backstory. “This iconic symbol of love is renowned for its architectural beauty, intricate marble work, and the captivating story behind its creation by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal,” notes Billo. The bodies of the emperor and his wife remain interred in the Taj to this day. 

Jaipur. Rajasthan

The capital of Rajasthan and one-third of North India’s popular Golden Triangle tourist route (which also includes Agra and Delhi), Jaipur is a must-visit for those who love architecture and shopping. “The Pink City, as it's nicknamed, offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning [landmarks] like Amber Fort, vibrant bazaars, and intricate handicrafts,” says Billo. Many of Jaipur's key attractions are found in the historic walled part of the city, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Highlights include Jantar Mantar (a collection of oversized — and fully functional — astronomical instruments dating to the 17th century) and Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, a honeycomb-shaped palace designed with tiny windows that allowed air to flow freely through its interior.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

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Dubbed the Blue City because of the cerulean-colored buildings that extend for miles through the oldest part of town, Jodhpur has long attracted travelers eager to explore the ramparts of the larger-than-life Mehrangarh Fort. It’s also home to the grandiose Umaid Bhawan Palace , which made headlines in 2018 when Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas tied the knot there. While Jodhpur’s beautiful, regal architecture is reason enough to visit, there’s more to the city than massive forts and grand palaces. “The area around the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell in the old city is fun to explore,” says hotelier Sapna Bhatia, owner of Kaner Retreat and Jodhpur-area native. “For nature enthusiasts, there’s the Rao Jodha desert park near Mehrangarh Fort.”

Udaipur, Rajasthan

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T+L readers' favorite city in Asia and second favorite city in the world , Udaipur very much fits the bill of a fairy tale destination. Nicknamed the City of Lakes, thanks to its seven lakes, this gorgeous destination is home to some of India's finest luxury hotels plus historic whitewashed palaces, including the magnificent City Palace, an 11-palace complex that houses hotels, a huge museum with an impressive collection of European crystal, and a royal residence. A short boat ride from the palace lies the 18th-century Taj Lake Palace, an opulent palace-turned-hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola. It’s a quick drive from The Oberoi, Udaivilas , a purpose-built palatial hotel with onion-domed cupolas and a moat-like swimming pool that directly connects to some of the rooms.  

If you’re looking for a less-frequented, but no less amazing, alternative to more touristed states such as Rajasthan, consider Gujarat. “Under-explored but culturally rich, this state in India is a tapestry of festivals, textiles, architectural heritage, communities, and landscape,” says Rudra. Gujarat was also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who led the Salt March, one of his most famous acts of peaceful protest, through the state in 1930. Rudra suggests visiting the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial , which “honors the activists through murals, installations, sculptures, art, and related film.” It's also worth checking out the Kutch district, known for its distinct metal bells , which were originally used for keeping track of livestock and are now popular as decorative wind chimes.

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

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The northeast Indian state of Assam is home to a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts: Kaziranga National Park . This expansive, UNESCO-listed wildlife refuge near the borders of Bangladesh and Bhutan has the largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses on the planet, providing a home to roughly 2,000 of these massive beasts. Although rhinos are the star attraction on park safaris, all sorts of animals live here, including tigers, elephants, gibbons, sloth bears, and a small number of endangered Ganges River dolphins. 

Historic, glitzy, and positively gargantuan, Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is easily one of India’s most cosmopolitan destinations. This city by the sea is the nation's financial and entertainment capital, and while you’re unlikely to rub shoulders with Bollywood stars here, you're sure to see a lot of impressive attractions in very little time. Take a boat out to Elephanta Island to explore fifth– and sixth–century rock-hewn cave temples, marvel at the grand Indo-Saracenic architecture at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus , or see thousands of clothes hanging out to dry at Dhobi Ghat, the world's largest open-air laundry. Then, head to the sleek neighborhood of Bandra West, where many of Mumbai’s best restaurants and hotels are located, including Taj Lands End, voted T+L readers' favorite city hotel in India in 2023.

India’s smallest state, Goa, is arguably its top beach destination, where long days of swimming and sunbathing turn into longer nights of partying on the sand. While Goa has been known as a hippie haven since the 1960s, it's started to shed its reputation in recent decades. It’s still very much a party state, though it also draws in families and couples in search of sea and sun, sans nightlife. It’s a great place for history buffs as well, with numerous seaside forts and UNESCO-recognized churches that were built when Goa was under Portuguese rule. And while the destination has always been loved for its fiery dishes that combine traditional Konkani ingredients with Portuguese influences, it has also emerged as a culinary hot spot , where a new generation of chefs is showcasing everything from Japanese yakitori to jackfruit tamales.

10 Train Journeys From Delhi Under 10 hrs To 10 Places That Need To Be On Your Getaway Bucket-list

Weekends are for travelling. If you are anything like me, your Friday nights are reserved for overnight journeys, on the road to somewhere new. While ISBT Delhi is perfect for quick, spontaneous getaways, there's nothing like waking up in a beautiful place after a good night's sleep on your very own berth on a train.

Here's a list of (slightly) offbeat getaways from Delhi that can be reached within 10 hours on a train. Most of these journeys begin late at night; the idea is to make the most of the weekend by taking an overnight train. Uncomplicated, time-efficient and easy on the pocket - a perfect setup for a perfect weekend getaway.

1. Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir - 9-10 Hrs

Image Credits: Wikimedia

This beautiful city in the heart of Jammu is perfect to escape to the silence of the mountains and enjoy the murmur of nature on a quick, easy getaway.

Best Train To Reach Udhampur from Delhi : Dee Uhp Ac Superfast (22401)

Nearest Railway Station : Udhampur

The train leaves Delhi Rohilla at 22:15 (Perfect for a Friday night escape) and gets in at Jammu Tawi at 07:20. Nandini Wildlife Sanctuary is 28 kms from the railway station. Best places to stay near the Wildlife Sanctuary is Jammu

Suggested Places To Stay In Udhampur

Pine Villa Guest House - Rs. 600

2. Barog, Himachal Pradesh - 6 to 9 hrs

Image Credits: Saumya

Perched enroute Shimla, this hillside hamlet is the perfect hideaway, framed within Deodar forests and the magnificent Himalayas.

Best Train to Reach Barog: Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Mail ( 12311)

Nearest Railway Station to Barog: Kalka

The train leaves from Delhi (DLI) railway station at 21:25 and gets into Kalka at 04:30 in the morning. From here, take the gorgeous winding trip through Himalayan tunnels on the narrow-gauge(toy-train) tracks as the sun rises behind the mountains. If you manage to get on the 04:51 AM train, then you can enjoy a steaming cup of chai and hot breakfast at 07:00 AM amidst dewy Deodars and fresh mountain air. It doesn't get sweeter than this.

Suggested Places to Stay in Barog

The Pinewood (HPDTC) - Rs 3200

The Eyrie - Rs. 1600

3. Ranthambore, Rajasthan - 4 to 8 Hrs

Image Credits: Uday Tharar

Ranthambore teems with some of the planet's most prized inhabitants, that roam these subtropical forests, at the confluence the lush Northern Indian vegetation and Rajasthan's arid expanse.

Best Train to Reach Ranthambore from Delhi: Dehradun Express (19019)

Nearest Railway Station to Ranthambore : Sawai Madhopur

The train leaves Hazrat Nizamuddin at 21:55 PM and arrives at Sawai Madhopur 05:20 AM, just in time for sunlight. You get to have a good night's sleep (kinda) and wake-up to a countryside dawn. Ranthambore National Park is about 10 kms from Sawai Madhopur. You will find plenty of auto-rickshaws and a few taxis at the railway station. If it's still too dark outside for your comfort zone, consider waiting it out at the railway station till the day dawns in.

Suggested Places To Stay in Ranthambore:

Anuraga Palace, A Treehouse Palace Hotel

4. Amritsar, Punjab - 10 hrs

Image Credits: Sagnik Basu

Amritsar, home to the famous Golden Temple, is an enigmatic blend of the ineffable and the urbane, in a bustling city with a lot to say.

Best Train to Reach Amritsar from Delhi: Tata Jat Express (18101)

Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction

The train leaves New Delhi (NDLS) railway station at 22:00 PM and arrives Amritsar Junction at 07:50 in the morning. The Golden Temple Gurudwara is just under 2 km away. Arrive just in time for morning chai at the Gurudwara and witness life in one of the world's most sacred places as the day starts to unfold.

Best Places to Stay in Amritsar

Ranjit's Svaasa Amritsar - Rs. 5600

InnDia Boutique Hostel - Rs. 400

5. Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand - 8-10 hrs

Image Credits: Maryam Yasmin

Escape the crowds taking over the lakeside in Nainital and go back in time to serene waterside strolls and boating thorugh the mist. Naukuchiatal is a classic hill-station, complete with activities like paragliding and parasailing for adventure enthusiasts.

Best Train To Reach Naukuchiatal From Delhi - Ranikhet Express (15013)

Nearest Railway Station to Naukuchiatal - Kathgodam

The train leaves Delhi Cantt Station at 20:00 PM and gets in to Kathgodam at 05:05. Naukuchiatal is under two hours from Kathgodam railway station. Plenty of buses run from the bus station and taxis (shared and private) from the train station.

Suggested Places To Stay in Naukuchiatal

The Traveller's Paradise - Rs. 2625

La Belle Vie - Rs. 12,000 for 10 people

6. Shivpuri, near Rishikesh - 6 to 8 hrs

Image Credits: Neha Mishra

Rishikesh is an effortless getaway destination, but Shivpuri is just an hour away and offers the gushing adventure of the river Ganga along wth the serenity of the mountains in the backdrop.

Best Train to Reach Haridwar From Delhi : Delhi Haridwar Special (04057)

Nearest Railway Station to Shivpuri: Haridwar

The train leaves 21:10 PM from DLI station and gets into Haridwar at 05:00 AM. From here the journey to Shivpuri takes anywhere between 2-3 hours. Frequent local buses are available from the bus-station, which is just across the road from the Haridwar railway station.

Suggested Places To Stay In Shivpuri

High Bank Himalayan Retreat - Rs. 5000

Neemrana's Glasshouse on The Ganges - Rs. 8500

7. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh - 5 to 7 hrs

Enjoy Bundelkhandi hospitality in a riverside town so spectacularly integrated with the 16th century relics that decorate its streets, it takes you back in time. Be mesmerized by the local life that moves through the sandstone arches and lingers within fortified walls, like a beautiful painting from a time gone by.

Best Train To Reach Orccha From Delhi : Uhl Ned Superfast Express (22458)

Nearest Railway Station to Orchha: Jhansi Junction

The train leaves 23:45 PM from NDLS station and gets into Jhansi at 05:45 AM. Auto-rickshaws (shared and private) and pre-paid taxis are available from the railway station that take you straight to Orchha, which is about 15 km away.

Suggested Place To Stay In Orchha

Bundelkhand Riverside - Rs. 3000

8. Pushkar, Rajasthan - 7 to 9 hrs

Image Credits: Munish

Think camels, turbans and groomed moustaches, and leave plenty of room for images that escape the attention of travel photographs. Pushkar is Rajsthan's own cocktail of trendy and traditional, completely unpredictable but always on point.

Best Train To Reach Pushkar From Delhi : Sln Adi Express (19404)

Nearest Railway Station to Pushkar: Ajmer

The train leaves at 06:40 AM from DLI station and gets into Ajmer at 14:00 PM. Pushkar is under an hour from Ajmer and plenty of local buses and Auto-Rickshaws can be caught from practically anywhere in Ajmer.

Suggested Places to Stay in Pushkar

Kanhaia Haveli - Rs. 600 -Rs.2500

9. Landour, near Mussourie - 6 to 8 hrs

Image Credits: Sarbajaya

Just a few minutes from the tourist hotspot in Mussourie, is a tiny little place called Landour. Enjoy what's best about Mussourie, while escaping the tsunami of weekenders. While there, make your way up to Dhanaulti and nearby for a real taste of the hills.

Best Train to Reach Landour From Delhi: Nanda Devi Express (12205)

Nearest Railway Station to Landour: Dehradun

The train leaves at 23:50 PM from NDLS station and gets into Dehradun at 05:40 AM. The Mussourie Bus Station a short walk away from the railway station. Landour is about 5 km away from Mussourie. Taxis are available near Mussourie's Picture Palace.

Suggested Place to Stay in Landour

Redburn Lodge - Rs. 13600 for up to 6 people

10. Chakrata, Uttarakhand - 8 to 10 hrs

Image Credits: Dave Konwar

Probably among the least explored places to visit near Delhi , Chakrata is a delightful escape into the unspoiled wilderness of the mountains of Garhwal. Head Deoban and Tiger Falls to get the most out of your visit. Only citizens of India are allowed in to Chakrata due to the Cantonment restrictions.

Best Train to Reach Chakrata From Delhi - Nanda Devi Express (12205)

Nearest Railway Station to Chakrata: Dehradun

The train leaves at 23:50 PM from NDLS station and gets into Dehradun at 05:40 AM. Chakrata is connected to Dehradun by regular local buses from Dehradun ISBT which is a 15 min auto-rickshaw ride from the train station. Shared and private taxis can be hired from private taxi agencies near the train station.

Suggested Place To Stay in Chakrata

GMVN, Hanol - Rs. 580 and above

Have you discovered an amazing, uncomplicated place to visit near Delhi ? Share your discoveries and adventures with fellow travellers on Tripoto.

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*All prices are approximate and meant to serve as a guide. The information was last updated on 29th March, 2016.

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5 Trains From Delhi Which Take You To 5 Incredible Destinations In 5 Hours

Who doesn’t like a budget travel experience with loads and loads of memories to take home? Train journeys are one of the best ways to make these memories . While on a long-distance train journey, we can talk to our peers, gaze outside the window to catch the amazing views and munch on-the-go snacks while listening to the different journey sounds. We bring to you some of the magnificent trains that can take you to some incredible places from Delhi within around 5 hours:

1. Rishikesh: New Delhi-Dehradun Shatabdi

Delhi to Rishikesh takes around four and a half hours journey by train. This journey is best for a weekend getaway for Delhiites. The joyful train journey through the plateau, along with the views of the mountains will excite you to the core.

The New Delhi-Dehradun Shatabdi (02055) leaves from New Delhi station and reaches Haridwar in 4 hours 13 minutes. Another superfast train, Nanda Devi Express Superfast(02401) can take one from Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi to Haridwar in nearly 4 hours 8 minutes. Also, this spa resort in Rishikesh offers a marvellous infinity pool overlooking the Ganga .

2. Landour: New Delhi-Dehradun Janshatabdi

Landour is a small town in hills near Mussoorie. It is an unexplored destination to spend your weekend peacefully away from the hustle-bustle of the city. You can go some kilometres up from Landour to Dhanaulti as well. The train journey is studded with mesmerizing landscapes that will be a feast to your eyes. The weather here is also very pleasant, even if you visit in the rainy season. To reach Landour, you can first reach Dehradun from Delhi via New Delhi-Dehradun Janshatabdi which covers a distance of 5 hours 50 minutes. Dehradun to Landour takes nearly an hour via the Mussoorie Road.

 3. Barog: Sachkhand Special Train

Delhi to Barog would take around 6 hours. There are no direct trains to Barog from Delhi but the picturesque Barog, locked by hills, is worth a visit. Barog railway station is a visitors paradise in itself. The beauty of this station built during the British era will bring out the Instagrammer in you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6pwz6Ug_lf/?igshid=vezv3pn0lcil

Also Read:  5 Most Instagrammable Wildlife Reserves & National Parks You Can Visit From Delhi

4. Delhi To Jaipur

The pink city Jaipur is a quick 4 to 5 hour journey from Delhi. There are many trains that transit throughout the day to Jaipur and the journey is quite smooth without any discomfort. Reaching Jaipur by train means that you’ll see some of the striking plains along with some gorgeous views of the Alwar mountain range. After reaching Jaipur,  you can have a city tour of the majestic historic architectures of the city.

5. Delhi To Agra

The magnificence of Agra doesn’t need much introduction as it is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. Like Jaipur, Agra too has multiple trains from Delhi and the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours. Apart from the Taj Mahal, other noteworthy tourist attractions in Agra include Agra Fort, Tomb of Akbar, Itmad-ud-Daula, Chini ka Roza, Moti Masjid and more.

Also Read:  Agra’s Taj Mahal Is World’s Most Googled Monument

So pack your bags, book your train and flee away to one of these dreamlike destinations. Meanwhile, here are 7 Indian trains to experience luxury on wheels :

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Beautiful places that are under a 10-hours train journey away from Delhi!

TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA Updated : Aug 16, 2022, 23:20 IST

If you are someone who lives in Delhi and loves to travel, then consider yourself lucky as there are several interesting and beautiful places that can be reached under a 10-hours train trip from the country’s capital city.

Let’s checkout some of the most popular and coolest options:

​Ranthambore, Rajasthan (about 5 hours)

Ranthambore is among the most beautiful national parks in India, home to the gorgeous tigers. From Delhi, a number of trains are available for Sawai Madhopur, which is the nearest railway station to the park (about 10 km away). The earliest train takes about five hours to complete the journey.

​Jaipur, Rajasthan (about 5 hours)

Jaipur is another pretty and colourful city that can be easily reached from Delhi in less than five hours. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is all about pretty palaces, old forts and incredible temples.

​Amritsar, Punjab (about 8.5 hours)

Noted for being home to the famous Golden Temple, Amritsar is a beautiful historic city. There are numerous good trains available from Delhi for Amritsar, which take less than nine hours.

​Kathgodam, Uttarakhand (about 6 hours)

Those wishing to explore Nainital, Kathgodam is the nearest railway station serving the hill station. The city of lakes, Nainital is one of the most-visited hill stations in India. From Delhi, there are trains available that take around six hours. It’s easily the best weekend getaway from Delhi.

​Dehradun, Uttarakhand (about 6 hours)

Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, also makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi. A number of trains are available for the beautiful city which take around six hours. Mussoorie, the popular hill station, is only 35 km from Dehradun.

Corbett National Park, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand (about 5 hours)

One of the most sought-after national parks in India, Corbett is only a five-hour train ride from Delhi. The park is noted for spotting tigers and the wildlife safaris are quite famous here.

​Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (about 5 hours)

Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, is known for offering myriad adventure activities, such as river rafting and bungee jumping. Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas, Rishikesh is only a five-hour train journey away from Delhi railway station.

Though there are a number of trains available for Varanasi from Delhi, only Vande Bharat Express takes around eight hours to reach the destination. Other trains generally take upto 10 to 12 hours. So, Varanasi, one of the most ancient cities, is also an interesting place to explore.

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If you are someone who lives in Delhi and loves to travel, then consider yourself lucky as there are several interesting and beautiful places that can be reached under a 10-hours train trip from the c...

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India's Top 60 Places To Visit Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted: December 8, 2023 | Last updated: December 30, 2023

A land of extreme beauty

A country so vast is bound to have some breathtaking sights, and India has these in droves. The sheer variety is astonishing too.

From ancient temples and royal cities to sacred rivers, mountain glaciers, and a dizzying array of stunning landscapes in between, there’s plenty to choose from. The colorful, chaotic, spiritual, and often surprising country might evoke extreme reactions but there's no denying the beauty of these places.

Read on to see 60 of India's most beautiful places...

Chadar Trek Base Camp, Ladakh

Fancy walking along a frozen river in the Himalayas? Only for the brave, the Chadar Trek is a wild adventure. There's nothing quite like it in the world, as hikers take to the frozen surface of the Zanskar River to tour Ladakh's majestic mountain scenery.

The hike passes remote villages and caves, and there's even a chance you'll see a snow leopard.

Pangong Lake, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh’s high-altitude lake is renowned for its startlingly blue waters that seem to shift color throughout the day. This long and narrow stretch of water extends into western Tibet – stroll along the southern shore to appreciate the sight of the snow-capped Pangong Range reflected in the water.

Naga Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland

Hidden way up in northeast India, with little infrastructure and very few tourists, Nagaland is a fascinating place. Naga Heritage Village is thrilling to visit year-round, with its traditional houses and brilliant exhibitions on the local culture.

But come during December to see the village at its most vibrant, as the Hornbill Festival sees tribes come from all over the state to celebrate their colorful cultures, cuisines, and crafts. There are sports events, dance displays, and flower shows, and you'll get to meet hundreds of Indigenous people in incredible traditional dress.

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

This little-visited region in northeast India is rich in tribal heritage and lofty landscapes. Japfu Peak is one of the highest at 10,000 feet – trek up it for awe-inspiring views over the Dzukou Valley.

Visit in spring when the valley is carpeted in orchids and lilies.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is arguably India's most romantic city. Take a boat ride around Lake Pichola to admire the white City Palace, once home to the Maharani of Udaipur, and marvel at the Taj Lake Palace which seems to float on the water.

This marble beauty is now an extravagant hotel.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

The sprawling 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline of Jodhpur and is one of India’s largest palaces. Other must-sees in this desert city include the blue houses of the labyrinthine old city and the grand Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

One of India's most beautiful hill stations, Ooty is a fabulous mix of rolling green hills and swathes of pine forest, which wouldn't look out of place in the English countryside.

Settled by the Brits in the 19th century and chosen as the summer HQ of the Madras government, it was quickly nicknamed 'snooty Ooty.' Getting here is an equally beautiful experience – take the miniature train that winds its way around the green hills.

Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

The colossal, chariot-shaped temple was built by 13th-century King Narasimhadeva to carry the sun god Surya across the heavens. Complete with enormous intricately-carved wheels and horses, this is one of India's most famous Brahman temples.

The wheels are thought to have been used as ancient sundials. Keep a look out for some eye-opening wall carvings.

Gateway to India, Mumbai

Overlooking Mumbai harbor, this towering basalt arch is a city landmark and one of India's most significant monuments. It was built by the British for the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary and is where the last British troops marched through as they left.

Today it's a popular spot for locals and visitors to gather and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Orchha, Rajasthan

One of Rajasthan's most magical spots, Orchha doesn't appear on the usual Golden Triangle itineraries around the state, and it's all the better for it. The small town has a complex of towering temples, palaces, and monuments within its medieval fort, and ample legends and folklore add intrigue for visitors.

Come with a guide to make the most of it, and don't miss the sunset from across the river when the ancient towers will be silhouetted against a pinkish, yellowing sky.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

Agonda beach, Goa

Mysore, Karnataka

Jog Falls, Karnataka

One of India’s highest and most impressive waterfalls, visit the Jog Falls during monsoon season to see the water thundering down in all its glory at the head of the Sharavati River. Head to Watkins Platform to admire this force of nature, then hike to the base of the falls to take a dip in the river.

Kochi, Kerala

This charming old spice port has a historic fort, India's oldest European church (St Francis), fragrant spice markets, and a clutch of plush hotels. But it's Kochi's striking fishing nets dotted along the harbor that are its most famous and photographed sight.

These giant hammock-like contraptions were introduced by Chinese traders more than 400 years ago and are still used by local fishermen. Watch them rise and dip as the sun sets on the Arabian Sea.

Kumarakom Backwaters, Kerala

Kerala's maze of rivers, lakes, canals, and tributaries are a dreamy place to spend a few days. Most people explore and sleep on a rice boat but be sure to venture by canoe along some of the little-visited waterways, where you can slip into the jungle and glimpse local life in the villages as you paddle past.

Look out for the flash of blue as kingfishers dart down into the water around you.

Thar Desert, Rajasthan

This arid region covers 77,000 square miles of sand dunes and open skies and is fringed by gorgeous Rajasthani cities like Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The best way to see the Thar Desert is on an overnight camel trek with a local tour operator.

You'll trek for a couple of hours before stopping at an open-air camp, where you'll enjoy traditional entertainment, a serious Rajasthani feast, and then overnight under the millions of stars.

Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh

Bordering Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh feels a world away from the India we know in Delhi or Mumbai. This mountainous region has exceptional hiking and some really fantastic scenery.

Tawang is especially beautiful, with grassy slopes, blue skies, and waterfalls which feed the flow from the Nuranang River into the Tawang River. In the main town, Buddhist emblems and prayer wheels add intrigue and offer an insight into the region's fascinating culture.

Khajjiar, Chamba Valley, Himachal Pradesh

This scene looks more reminiscent of the forests of Alpine Europe or even Scotland, but it is indeed India. Khajjiar is a small meadow in the Chamba Valley, surrounded by lush deodar forests and regularly cited as India's "mini Switzerland" thanks to its lakes, mountains, and prairies.

A prime picnic spot, it's a gorgeous place to stop if you're hiking around Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh.

Panjim, Goa

The capital of Goa is often overlooked for the beach resorts further down the coast, but linger here and you'll discover another world of colonial architecture – built by the Portuguese during their occupation in southern India – and impressive whitewashed churches. The Fontainhas neighborhood is the place to stroll, where traditional houses, painted in reds, yellows, and pinks, line wide, quiet streets.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Watch the sunrise over the sand dunes at the honey-hued fort city which rises magnificently out of the Thar Desert. The color of the sandstone architecture has earned Jaisalmer the tag of the Golden City. It's known for its grand havelis – former mansions of the city's wealthy merchants, embellished with exquisite carvings.

Lakshadweep Islands, southwest India

Scattered off the Keralan coast in the Arabian Sea, this chain of islands, atolls, and reefs is about as idyllic as it gets. The isles are all coconut groves and sandy beaches with coral reef-edged shallow lagoons, rich in tropical fish.

Out of the 36 islands, only 10 are inhabited and visitors can only stay on three – Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat Islands.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

You could spend hours ogling the colorful, amusing, and sometimes grotesque stone figures of mythical animals, gods, and monsters that adorn the towers of this Hindu temple complex. Built between the 7th and 10th centuries, it's been added to over the years and is one of the most magnificent of South India’s many temples.

The seven-storied Chitra Gopura (pictured) is the tallest of the complex’s 12 gopurams (towers).

Nohkalikai Falls, Meghalaya

These magnificent falls are where rainwater collected on a small plateau tumbles down over precipitous cliffs that reach 1,100 feet. It's the highest plunge waterfall in India and is at its strongest from December through February after the rainy season.

The beautiful falls have a bleak folktale attached to them about an unfortunate woman who, after her daughter was murdered by her husband, was tricked into eating her remains and eventually ran off the edge of the cliff where the water now flows.

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Once the capital of the Chola dynasty, Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore) is home to many magnificent architectural monuments but most notably the Brihadeshwara Temple (pictured). One of India’s finest ancient temples, it was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century and is dedicated to the god Shiva.

It's packed with examples of the ancient dynasty’s elaborate architecture.

Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal

Much of this archipelago of idyllic isles, and the neighboring Nicobar Islands, are off limits to tourists to preserve their biodiversity and protect the tribal groups that inhabit them. But those isles you can visit are worth the journey.

The most popular are Havelock, with its long stretches of white sand, ideal for beach lazing, and Neil Island, which is all rice fields and plantations. Duck beneath the water to see the isle's rich marine life.

Munnar, Kerala

High in the Western Ghats, this hill station and former resort for the upper echelons of the British Raj looks out over lush plantations and mist-covered hilltops. There are lovely walks through the tea estates, which were originally established by the Scottish.

But do keep a watch out for elephants, which are often spotted (or heard) crashing through the greenery. Come to Munnar at the right time and you might even be lucky enough to see the neelakurinji flowers, which only bloom every 12 years. The next event is due to happen in 2030.

Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu

Wander around the evocative temple ruins and carved caves of this port city on Tamil Nadu's Coromandel Coast. The majestic 7th-century Shore Temple (pictured) faces out to the Bay of Bengal and the Pancha Rathas are a complex of rock-cut shrines and intriguing stone monuments, including an elephant.

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

Thousands of people each year make the pilgrimage to this ornate temple, which sits on a platform in a pool of holy water – the holy tank was excavated in 1577 and the temple and city of Amritsar followed. It's the holiest shrine in Sikhism and one of the country's most visited, as it houses the original copy of the holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib .

Zanskar Valley, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Starkly beautiful Zanskar is one of India's most remote mountainous destinations. Trekking here is not for the faint-hearted, but those who dare traverse its narrow footpaths are rewarded with heart-stopping views of arid valleys, deep river gorges, and glaciers.

You'll pass by little villages, monasteries built into cliff faces, and ancient meditation caves. It’s at its best, and most accessible, from June to September.

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

This fort, with parts dating from the 10th century, has more than beauty on its side. It's a treasure trove of history, with walls dating back to the 1400s, and an archaeological museum on site, and the second-oldest written use of the number 'zero' in an inscription in a small temple at its top.

It's an excellent example of a classic Indian fortification, towering over the city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, and was even described by a Mughal emperor as the "pearl of Indian fortresses." The panoramic views of the surrounding city are breathtaking too.

Champaner, Gujarat

The atmospheric ruins of this deserted ancient city are surprisingly little visited by tourists. An intriguing blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Jain traditions, the vast complex of Gujarat’s medieval capital houses numerous temples, mosques, and fort walls.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The seemingly endless expanse of salty and marshy land in the Thar Desert is a surreal sight. This desolate wilderness stretches to Pakistan from the northwest of Gujarat.

Part of it is a salt marsh and wildlife sanctuary called Little Rann of Kutch, which is home to the Asiatic wild ass – known locally as ghorkhur – as well as wolves and flamingos.

Yumthang Valley, Sikkim

Crafted by the winding Teesta River, the Yumthang Valley in far northern India is a mountain paradise. Expect green grassy riverbanks, forested mountainsides, and yaks grazing by the water in this Himalayan beauty.

A nature reserve spreads east of the river and is famous for its gorgeous wildflowers, sweeping grasslands, and a rhododendron sanctuary with over 40 trees.

Chitrakote Falls, Chhattisgarh

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra

Hampi, Karnataka

The one-time capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, on the banks of River Tungabhadra, is stuffed full of archaeological treasures. Set aside a full day at least to do justice to the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling complex of ancient temple ruins, royal pavilions, palaces, elephant stables, and huge stone statues of Hindu gods.

Elephanta Caves, Mumbai

Kodagu, Karnataka

Green and hilly with a cool climate, this region on the southernmost edge of Karnataka has waterfalls, coffee and spice plantations, and outdoor adventures galore – this is the place to come for off-the-beaten track hikes amid thick forests. The region's wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are great elephant and bird watching spots.

Majuli Island, Assam

Sitting in the middle of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, Majuli was the first island district in India and is officially the largest river island in the world. It's a glorious oasis and a sanctuary of calm amid some of Assam's busy cities, and has a distinct culture and tradition that can be experienced through local dancers and crafts.

Guesthouses on the island tend to be traditional thatch huts made from local wood, so it's a wonderfully immersive experience.

Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Another enchanting valley awaits hikers at this national park in the western Himalayas. It's only accessible on a 12-mile trek from Govindghat but the explosion of color as you reach the wild-flower-strewn alpine meadows is worth the effort.

Roses, primulas, anemones, and all manner of blooms spring up from June to early October, but are at their most beautiful in July and August.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Tea, toy trains, temples, and trekking galore – this Himalayan hill town has plenty to recommend it. There are manicured tea estates, and yet more wild and stunning scenery on offer for those who hike into its forests and along its Himalayan trails.

The best time to visit this peaceful paradise is between April and June.

Sundarbans, West Bengal

The vast Ganges-Brahmaputra delta spreads from West Bengal into Bangladesh and lays claim to the biggest area of tidal mangrove forest in the world. Amid this tangle of trees and waterways, Bengal tigers roam, fishing for sustenance.

The area is also home to other wildlife including Olive Ridley sea turtles, kingfishers, fish eagles, egrets, monkeys, and crocodiles.

Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

It may be top of the roll call of India’s sights, but it’s no less beautiful for all its hype. Arrive at sunrise for the best light or visit on a full moon to see the translucent Makrana marble of this vast mausoleum bathed in moonlight.

Yes, you’ll be vying for a spot with coachloads of tourists but you’ll not fail to be struck by the beauty of this world wonder.

Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan

Catching a glimpse of a Bengal tiger is one of India's most beguiling experiences. The chances of seeing one in the wild are extremely slim, but Ranthambore is one of the best places to try.

The national park’s gorges, ridges, lakes, and jungles also conceal other predators such as panthers, hyenas, jackals, and crocodiles.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Qutub complex, Delhi

Built in the late 12th century, Delhi’s red sandstone Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, standing at 238 feet. The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Delhi’s most impressive highlights, towering over the densely-populated capital in all its chaotic beauty.

McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh

Gir National Park, Gujarat

It's not necessarily the landscape that's gorgeous here, but it's what lies within. Roaming this 27-square-mile area are around 500 Asiatic lions, characterized by their dark mane and small size compared to their African cousins.

Visit and you'll also see mesmerizingly beautiful leopards, striped hyenas, and even honey badgers. Stay just outside the park boundaries at The Gateway Hotel and you'll find even more beauty – views from the bedrooms and restaurant out to the surrounding countryside are spellbinding.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Ancient forts, royal palaces, and bustling bazaars mean the Pink City, as Jaipur is known, is a truly dazzling place. Historic sites abound, including the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sandstone and marble palace just outside the city.

In the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace, and the Hawa Mahal are also impressive sights.

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

The magnificent abandoned city sprawls across the beautiful Vindhya Hills in southern Madhya Pradesh and is one of India’s most picturesque places. It was founded in the 10th century by Raja Bhoj, but a succession of rulers have made it an intriguing combination of Hindu, Afghan, and Mogul architecture.

You could spend hours exploring the ornamental lakes, ruined palaces, mausoleums, mosques, and temples.

Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

The sight of this serene lake against the striking backdrop of the Pir Panjal mountains makes it one of the most popular spots in India's Himalayan region. Visitors can sleep in a houseboat and take shikara (small boats) to the colorful floating flower and vegetable markets.

Don’t miss the elegant terraced hillside gardens, created by Mughal emperors, on the eastern shore.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

This French colonial architecture is usually more associated with locations in the Caribbean, but here in Pondicherry the old French quarter is a delightful place to spend some time. Wide, clean streets and brightly painted buildings with bougainvillea tumbling down their walls characterize this area, and it's a hotbed for boutique hotels, lifestyle stores, and galleries by Indian artists and designers.

This city was under French rule until the mid-1950s, so expect plenty of good French food and beer.

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

One of the country's most beautiful national parks, with its lush forests, rocky hills, and meadows, Bandhavgarh is also home to a healthy number of Bengal tigers. Not only that but there’s an old hilltop fort complete with vast stone sculptures to peruse in between wildlife spotting.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The River Ganges is the spiritual life force of India's Hindus and you'll feel the energy watching devotees bathing. Take a boat ride at sunrise to see morning fire ceremonies or at sunset for the evening Aarti ceremony on the Ghats.

Varanasi’s warren of lanes and the sight of funeral pyres on the shores can be overwhelming, but there is beauty in this centuries-old holy city.

Gokarna, Karnataka

Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

An easy drive from the city of Agra in northern India, the power of this fortified city, built by 16th-century Mughal emperor Akbar, is striking. It was the Mughal’s capital for 14 years and is one of the greatest pieces of Muslim architecture in all of India, with its rich complex of palaces, royal pavilions, harem, mosque, gardens, ornamental pools, and courtyards.

Chilika Lake, Odisha

There's something about the combination of water meeting undulating land that makes us swoon, and Chilika Lake is no exception. This serene body of water, fed by rivers and met by the ocean on the eastern coast of India, is a hotbed for migratory birds in winter.

Expect to see white-bellied sea eagles, purple moorhen, greylag geese, and even flamingos. Plus, the lake is home to a rare species: the Irrawaddy dolphin.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Strewn across both banks of the Beas River, Manali is a hugely popular Himalayan destination and a prime honeymooning spot for Indians. No wonder – the scenery makes for incredibly romantic days walking around its pretty nature park in summer, while winter brings plentiful snowfall.

Hot air balloon rides offer a totally different perspective on the town and surrounding mountains too.

Now discover the world's most beautiful natural wonders

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Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes