From remotest to over water: India's most unique railway routes

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of India quite like a train journey. For over a century, the Indian Railways has been more than just a means of transport, it has been a lifeline connecting distant corners of the subcontinent, bringing together cities, forests, mountains, deserts, and coastlines. But beyond the regular routes, India hides some of the world’s most fascinating and unique train journeys. Whether it’s the serenity of the Nilgiris, or the spirituality of Rameswaram, these Indian train journeys are more than just transportation.
Here’s a look at some of India’s most extraordinary railway routes.

Running parallel to India’s western coastline, the Konkan Railway is often hailed as one of the most scenic rail routes in the country. The route stretches from Mumbai to Mangaluru, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, approximately 740 kilometres of breathtaking views. This railway route is built through rugged mountains and dense forests. The route features over 2,000 bridges and 90 tunnels. See the best of the Western Ghats on this route.

No list of unique Indian railways is complete without the Pamban Bridge, the iconic link between Rameswaram Island and mainland Tamil Nadu. The route was opened in 1914, and was India’s first sea bridge and remains one of its most dramatic. The train journey on this route brings you to Rameswaram, one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is not just a train ride, it’s a piece of history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1879 and 1881, this narrow-gauge marvel runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, covering about 88 kilometres of steep gradients and sharp curves. The famous toy train chugs slowly past tea gardens, pine forests, and mist-laden villages. The Batasia Loop is the most popular feature on this route.

Another UNESCO-listed gem, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) connects Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu’s plains to Ooty, the queen of hill stations. Built in 1908, this century-old line climbs over 7,000 feet, passing through dense shola forests, tea estates, and waterfalls along the way. Fun fact: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also the slowest train journey in India, thanks to the complicated, steep inclines.

Among India’s most ambitious railway projects, the Jammu–Baramulla line connects the plains of Jammu to the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir. Traversing some of the most challenging mountain terrains, this route includes Asia’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, soaring 359 metres above the river. The line passes through dozens of tunnels and viaducts, cutting across the Pir Panjal range.

The Jaisalmer Express offers an unforgettable journey through Rajasthan’s Thar Desert. Running between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, this route showcases the stark beauty of India’s desert landscape. As the train cuts across golden dunes and sparse villages, one can see the desert life unfold with camels grazing, women in bright sarees, and forts glinting in the distance.

Arguably one of India’s most Instagrammed railway routes, the Vasco da Gama–Londa line in Goa is a favourite among travellers for one unforgettable sight - the majestic Dudhsagar Falls. During the monsoon, the train passes the waterfall roaring in full force, it’s an unforgettable experience. The route itself passes through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, home to lush forests and diverse wildlife.

Often overshadowed by its famous cousin in Darjeeling, the Kangra Valley Railway is a narrow-gauge line that runs from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar. Covering about 164 kilometres, it offers a tranquil ride through small Himalayan towns, orchards, and valleys framed by the Dhauladhar range. Unlike other mountain railways, the Kangra route has no major tunnels — instead, it winds along mountain contours, providing open, panoramic views of snow peaks and terraced fields.