10 Best Places to Visit by Train in India - Windows, Whistles, & Wanderlust

The sight of vendors calling out in melodic catchphrases, families huddling over steel tiffin boxes, and then the familiar sound of wheels against tracks seems almost poetic. Then as the train starts moving on the track, the world outside offers panoramic views that unfold like a movie. From golden mustard fields to fluffy clouds, sleepy towns to meandering rivers—landscapes and stories change gradually.

Strangers exchange glances and laugh together, and for a while they all make these trains their home. In India, a train journey is like a living postcard with memories stitched together by wheels and whistles.

Read about those train-friendly destinations in India and discover this country in length and breadth.

1. Goa – Konkan

Why is it perfect by train?

• Lush green valleys, misty tunnels, and dramatic sea bridges make this train route one of the best in the country.
• During the monsoon, this route looks even more gorgeous with the emerald cover of nature.
• You get overnight trains easily from Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, and Bengaluru.
• The railway stations in Goa are well-connected to beaches and major hubs.

Nearest Railway Station:

• Madgaon is the most popular one.
• Vasco da Gama is the one for South Goa.

Best Train

• Konkan Railway Route
• Jan Shatabdi Express
• Mandovi Express
• Tejas Express
• Matsyagandha Express

Things to do

• Just relax on the beaches like Baga, Calangute, or Palolem.
• Explore the Latin Quarter in Panaji.
• Enjoy the varied water sports and sunset cruises.
• The beachside shacks, seafood, and nightlife of Goa are something you cannot miss.
• Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.

2. Hampi – Heritage Town

Why it’s perfect by train?

• The overnight journey is comfortable and saves time.
• Train journeys are economical and thus perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
• This train journey showcases terrains from urban landscapes to dramatic boulder-filled stretches, and it’s an awesome sight to behold.
• Hospet station is close to the Hampi ruins, and you will get easy taxis and autos from here.
• Traveling by train over road options like car or bus will reduce your carbon footprint. Isn’t it a wonderful way to visit a UNESCO site?

Nearest Stations:

• Hospet Junction – 13 kms from Hampi
• This place is well-connected with Goa, Bengaluru, Hubli, and Hyderabad via train.

Best Train Routes

• Hampi Express (Mysuru–Hubballi route)
• Amaravati Express (Vasco da Gama–Hubballi)

Things to do

• Explore the UNESCO Vijayanagara ruins.
• Pay a visit to the Virupaksha Temple at sunrise and seek the divine blessings.
• Don’t miss the panoramic sunset view from Matanga Hill.
• Hampi Bazaar is the perfect place to roam around and capture pictures.
• Enjoy cycling through the Mars-like boulder landscapes.
• Enjoy the view of the Tungabhadra River in a coracle.

3. Darjeeling – Toy Train

Why is it perfect by train?

• From plains to the mountains—this is a dreamy train ride.
• The landscapes slowly transform from lush green tea gardens to the Himalayan slopes and take your breath away.
• The large windows and vintage charm make the journey magical.

Nearest Railway Station

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP), West Bengal.
• The nearest railway station is well-connected with most metro cities in India.

Best Train Route

• Darjeeling Mail
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• The toy train ride with a slow rise, loops, and the immensely famous Batasia Loop. Truly, this is one of the best trains to travel in India.

Things to do

• Witness the magical sunrise over the Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.
• Walk around the Mall Road.
• Don’t miss sipping the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
• Explore the Peace Pagoda and take photographs at Batasia Loop and all other places you visit.

4. Jaisalmer

Why is it perfect by train?

• Just an overnight journey from the nearby places sounds like a convenient plan for all, from solo travelers to families.
• Gradually, the sight outside the train changes from city to vast sandy expanse, and that’s a sight one can never forget.
• As the train enters the station, you get to see the majestic view of the Jaisalmer fort rising from the horizon.

Nearest Railway Station

• Jaisalmer – It is just 2-3 kms from the city center and the iconic Sonar Quila.

Best Trains

• Jaisalmer Express (Delhi – Jaisalmer)
• Runicha Express (Jodhpur – Jaisalmer)
• You will get many connecting trains from New Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.

Things to do

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as Sonar Quila.
• Experience a desert safari in the late afternoon so that you get to see the magical sunset.
• Patwon Ki Haveli is another interesting place to explore.
• Under the starlit skies, you get to experience cultural folk performances.
• Get your hands on handicraft items, mirror work textiles, and Rajasthani souvenirs.

5. Shimla

Why it’s perfect by train?

• There are over 100+ tunnels and 800+ bridges on this Kalka–Shimla route, and the way is magical. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful train routes in India.
• The pine forests with misty hills and hillside villages offer visitors a perfect sight.
• A heritage rail experience is something unique. Remember, this rail route has been operational since the British Raj.
• The large windows offer ample opportunities for you to soak in the Himalayan beauty.

Nearest Railway Station

• Kalka – broad gauge
• Shimla – via Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Best Train

• Kalka – Shimla Toy Train – UNESCO World Heritage
• Himalayan Queen (Delhi – Kalka)
• Shivalik Deluxe Express

Things to do

• Walk along the Mall Road and The Ridge—the most obvious and unmissable thing to do here.
• Go to the Jakhoo Hill for the giant Hanuman statue and also for the sunset views.
• Enjoy taking a heritage walk through the colonial-era architecture.
• Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge are must-visit places.
• Explore Kufri for snow views and adventure activities.

6. Varanasi

Why it’s perfect by train?

• Varanasi station is easily accessible to the old city with its central location.
• From metro cities like New Delhi and Mumbai, Varanasi is just an overnight train journey.
• As the train moves through the North India plains, the beautiful scenery unfolds and gradually transcends your mind into spirituality.
• Train travel is budget-friendly, and frequent departures from source stations make pilgrimage plans spontaneous and possible.

Nearest Railway Station

• Varanasi Junction – also known as Varanasi Cantonment
• Banaras Railway Station – secondary station

Best Trains

• Vande Bharat (from New Delhi)
• Shiv Ganga Express
• Many trains with direct connectivity from major metro cities like Kolkata, Lucknow, and Mumbai.

Things to do

• The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• A sunrise boat ride along the Ganges is another experience everyone must have.
• Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and seek divine blessings.
• There are numerous alleys famous for silk sarees, street food, and many handicraft items. Walk around and shop your heart out.
• Explore the BHU campus.

7. Rameswaram

Why is it perfect by train?

• The Pamban crossing toward Rameswaram isn`t just scenic, but cinematic. The waves shimmer, winds rush through train windows, and the journey feels surreal. Pamban Bridge is India’s first sea bridge, and when a train glides over turquoise water—imagine the beauty it unfolds before your eyes!
• The sight of the fishing boats drifting beneath the tracks makes the train journey memorable.
• The anticipation of entering the island over the sea gradually makes your mood spiritual. There are reasons why people believe this is one of the most memorable train trips in India.

Nearest Railway Station

• Rameswaram—it is located within easy reach of the island town, making travel to the temples and beaches hassle-free.

Best Trains

• Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli are well-connected with Rameswaram, and you will get many trains from these stations.

Things to do

• Ramanathaswamy Temple is popular for grand corridors and sacred wells, and it’s a beautiful place to connect with the divine. Visit the temple, seek divine blessings, and click countless pictures.
• Visit Dhanushkodi, the mesmerizing ghost town, where you get to see desolate beaches and historical ruins. You will never forget the mystical aura of this place.
• The scenic beaches are perfect to let your hair down and relax.
• Observe sunrise and sunset over the Bay of Bengal.
• Rameswaram is one of India’s most sacred coastal destinations. While you are here, just feel the calm, devotional atmosphere.

8. Alleppey

Why is it perfect by train?

• The palm trees lining the canals, glittering water bodies, and dense green nature all around create a soothing atmosphere.
• The train journey from major South Indian cities is overnight and comfortable.
• The train journey to Alleppey is budget-friendly and thus appeals to many travelers.
• The closeness to the station makes transfers hassle-free.
• Remember that the daytime journeys offer uninterrupted views of rice fields and coconut groves.

Nearest Railway Station

• Alappuzha Railway Station—it`s well-connected with the backwaters and the town center.
• Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram are all connected with this station.

Best Trains

• Kerala Express
• Venad Express

Things to do

• Stay in a houseboat while drifting through the backwaters.
• Witness the golden sunsets slowly melting into Vembanad Lake.
• Explore the beautiful Alleppey Beach and its historic pier.
• Enjoy the authentic Kerala cuisine on banana leaves.
• Take a canoe ride through narrow canals and experience the traditional village life.

9. Kanyakumari

Why it’s perfect by trains?

• You will get scenic countryside views throughout.
• This is India’s southernmost railhead, and experiencing this would be enjoyable.
• This long-haul journey is comfortable and ideal for reflective travel.

Nearest Railway Station

• Kanyakumari Railway Station—it’s located close to the main beach and other attractions.

Best Trains

• Kanyakumari Express

Things to do

• Witness the sunrise and sunset over three seas and realize how magical life is.
• Vivekananda Rock Memorial is a must-visit.
• Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
• The best thing to do here is walk along the seaside promenade.

10.  Gokarna

Why is it perfect by train?

• Gokarna is one of India’s most scenic rail routes that will open your hearts to never-before-seen nature views.
• It’s ideal for backpackers and people who love to travel without any rush.
• Its connectivity with Mumbai and Bangalore is excellent with just an overnight journey.

Nearest Railway Station

• Gokarna Road Railway Station—it is 10-12 km from the main town.

Best Train

• Matsyagandha Express and Netravati Express

Things to do

• You have reached one of the most underrated beach destinations in India. Just sit and relax at Om Beach and Kudle Beach.
• Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple and seek divine blessings.
• The cliffside sunset view is mesmerizing to watch and click pictures of.
• Enjoy the Karnataka cuisine.

Conclusion

Train journeys in India let you face the country in its real, raw, and best form. From north to south and east to west, there are countless destinations to witness. In our blog, we have covered the most beautiful and scenic train journeys across the country. Gokarna to Kanyakumari, Shimla to Darjeeling—choose from the best places to visit in India by train before your next holiday season.

Next time you think of taking a vacation, consider taking a train and reaching these spectacular locations. You will find many breathtaking locations in our India travel guide blog.

FAQ

Why are train journeys considered the best in India?

Train journeys in India are considered the best because they are affordable, scenic, and very well-connected to major tourist locations.

Which are the most scenic train routes in India?

The most scenic train routes in India are Kalka–Shimla, Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, Konkan Railways, and the Pamban Bridge route to Rameswaram.

How excellent are the toy train journeys in India?

The toy train journeys in India are enjoyable and famous among tourists. The toy trains to Shimla, Darjeeling, and Ooty are UNESCO-recognized heritage routes and offer scenic views on the way.

Does India have luxury train options?

Yes, there are many luxury trains in India, like Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and Maharajas’ Express.

What is the best time of the year for scenic train journeys in India?

In some routes like the Konkan Railway, monsoon is the best time for taking a train journey, while winter is perfect for Rajasthan and Varanasi.

How budget-friendly is train travel in India?

Indian Railways offers a wide range of classes from sleeper to AC coaches, making it budget-friendly for all types of travelers.

If I want to take a short weekend trip, which train-friendly destination would be best?

You can go to places like Shimla, Varanasi, Goa, or Udaipur, as they are ideal for weekend getaways due to the short overnight train journey from connected metro cities.