Most beautiful train journeys to explore the best of Southern India

If you love train journeys, it goes without saying that train journeys offer the most enriching experiences one can have. These journeys offer a glimpse into the country's diverse landscapes and cultures. Whether you find yourself aboard a UNESCO-listed miniature train winding its way through hill stations or traversing the sun-kissed Konkan Railway along the coastline, a train journey promises unforgettable memories for sure.

India has a number of train routes across the country that you can choose from for a journey to remember. In case you are in the southern regions of India, you will definitely enjoy the landscape transitioning from golden beaches and palm-fringed backwaters to verdant hills adorned with cascading waterfalls and bustling metropolises. And what better way to savour this kaleidoscope of landscapes than from the window seat of a rumbling train, with a piping hot cup of sweet chai in hand.

And as you travel through the landscapes of South India, you'll also be treated to a culinary journey featuring regional specialties such as potato-stuffed dosas, crispy vadas, along with the comforting flavours of chai and filter coffee.

Certain stations along the route are renowned for their distinct regional specialties, and some trains have earned a reputation for serving exceptional food. Here, are some iconic train journeys across South India that you should bookmark.

Head on to a classic rail adventure aboard the UNESCO-listed ‘toy train’ into the misty Western Ghats of northern Tamil Nadu. You will pass through jade-green tea plantations, lush jungles, and picturesque waterfalls as the narrow-gauge steam train ascends into the Nilgiri Hills, and take you to the popular hill station of Ooty.

Enjoy a relaxed journey, and take in the beautiful views as you traverse from the serene beaches of Varkala in Kerala to the southernmost tip of India in Tamil Nadu. Passengers are treated to palm-fringed landscapes as they make their way to Kanyakumari, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal converge.

Experience a spectacular journey through the lush Western Ghats of Karnataka en route to the tranquil beaches of Gokarna. Traverse dense forests, coffee plantations, and numerous bridges on this scenic route.

Cross the iconic Pamban Bridge, which spans the Bay of Bengal and connects mainland Tamil Nadu to Pamban Island. This journey offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the pilgrimage town of Rameswaram.

It will be a journey from the cultural hub of Kochi in Kerala to the serene beaches of southern Goa, passing through picturesque landscapes and coastal towns along the way.