Posted on 28 September 2015.
India is a land of infinite variety with white Mountains on the north to golden desert in the west and the wide open deep Indian Ocean in the South. The best way to explore India and its various beautiful places one should undertake tour to various parts of the country through Indian railways.
Indian Railways which is the second largest rail network in Asia covers almost all the places of the country. A major portion of this rail network pass through the country side which displays the original India and its living Lets take a look on some of the most memorable train journeys that one can undertake in India to enjoy the various facets of nature.
Here are the 10 most beautiful train routes in India:
1) The Kashmir Railway (Jammu – Udhampur): Jammu & Kashmir which is said to be the Heaven on Earth offers one of the most beautiful travel experiences by the railways. The section from Jammu to Udhampur has 20 major tunnels along with a record 158 bridges which offers an awe inspiring view of the Himalayan Rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain range. One can board Uttar-Sampark Kranti Express and can be a part of grandest Train Journeys in India.
2) Kalka – Shimla( Himachal Pradesh) : The total distance of this train journey may be just mere 96 Kms only but it provides one of the most breath taking railway journey in India. The rail journey also find itself mentioned in Guiness Book of World Records for having one of the steepest rise in altitude in railway journey.
The train which runs on a narrow gauge has been built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries which gives impression of ancient roman architecture.The railway line has a total of 102 tunnels, 87 bridges and 900 curves and was was built in 1903
3) Madgaon (Goa) to Mumbai: The train journey on the western front of India gives a vivid view of Western Ghats and the rainforest of the area.The British who have constructed railway line in most part of India were not able to construct a railway in this area. Finally the Indian engineers constucted the railway line which is also known as Konkan Railway, a feat of engineering in India. The route which is mainly in the Sahyadri hills has 92 tunnels and about 2,000 bridges among which the Panvalnadi is the highest one.
4) The Sea Bridge ride ( Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram): The train journey in the southern most tip of India in the state of Tamil Nadu connects the Pambamisland with the mainlaind of India. It is the second longest sea bridge in India which crosses the Gulf of Mannar during its journey. The railway bridge is between Mandapam and Pamban Juncion, the bridge is approx. 2.3 Km . So when you will plan your journey to Rameshwaram, you have to cross this bridge to reach Rameshwaram.
5) Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum: If one has to have the lifetime experience of travelling in ‘God’s own Country’ in railways then a traveller should travel in the beautiful country side of Kerala.One should begin the journey from Ernakulam and go till Thiruvanthampuram. It can be said to be kind of Holiday package which includes the enchanting backwaters, the pristine lakes, the coconut palms fencing the water channels and a peek into the rural life of Kerala.
6.Dooars Voyage (Siliguri-Hasimara-Alipurdar): This rail journey is for the ardent nature lovers. The voyage through the forest of Doars takes one through the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary, Chapramari forest and the Buxa Tiger reserve.
Dooars Valley in West Bengal is embraced by the alluring charm of the gurgling Teesta and Sankosh rivers with the Eastern Himalayas serving as the backdrop.
The route, most of which is covered by dense and scenic patches of forests, is known for offering amazing views of wildlife and the great Himalayan Range as well.
7. New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal to Tinsukia, Ledo, Assam
This is the train journey which one has to make in two parts. While one can travel to Tinsukia or Dibrugarh directly and from there take a train to Ledo which is the easternmost staion in India. The crossing of mighty Brahmaputra and going past emerald paddy fields and lush green tea plantations is indeed a view to watch out for.
From Tinsukia, the morning passenger train blasts through awe-inspiring landscape before arriving at the end of the track having squeezed past the backs of people’s houses and markets so closely that one can clearly see what they’re eating for breakfast.
8. Goa Express – Goa to Londa
The train speeds up through thick jungle, hugging the curves of the mountainside. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls in the distance, which increase as the trees thin and the view turns to deep valleys and peaks.
On the approach to Londa the sun should just be setting which gives the strange red clay surroundings an ominous glow.
9. Darjeeling Toy Train ( West Bengal): New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
Darjeeling’s tiny steam train was initially built as a tramway to exploit the difference in the price of potatoes between Darjeeling and Siliguri, and the hill railway is now considered a World Heritage Site.
Travelling at a speed of 12kmph, the Toy Train trundles through dense forests, curving around tea plantations.
10. Koraput- Rayagada (Odisha): If one has to enjoy and see the mystic lifeof tribal Odisha, as an traveler this train journey is a must. The train journey has a scenic beautyand one can witness the inhabiting tribes in Odisha from the windows of the train.
The journey is an awe-inspiring experience down the hill. The lush green forests and the horse-shoe curves are the mai highlights of this enthralling train journey.
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