Top 5 Most Breathtaking Mountain Train Journeys

Something magical exists when you travel to a hill station by train. The rhythmic chugging of the engine, crisp mountain breeze, and fabulous picturesque sights of verdant valleys and misty hilltops offer unparalleled experiences on such journeys. Hill trains in India allow for a leisurely ride while taking you along some of the country’s best scenic routes to embrace nature up close. If you’re a lover of nature, a thrill seeker, or someone just wishing to escape from the chaos of city life, a journey to these havens would etch many memories for a lifetime. 

Why Hill Station Train Journeys Should Be on Every Travelers Bucket List

From every twist and turn of the winding tracks, a hill station train journey serves its passengers not merely as any ride but as an impressive panoramic feast of beautiful places. In contrast to those who like to stay road-bound and focus from one destination to another, leisurely train journeys through the hills beckon travelers to sit back and admire the spectacles. They can see emerald-green forests, mountains submerged in fog, and picturesque villages that look straight out of a postcard. 

Most of these train tracks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They transport you to the past and into another era of engineering marvels from the colonial days. Slowly cruising through these train journeys lets you appreciate breathtaking views and sync with still landscapes.

Top 5 Most Breathtaking Mountain Train Journeys to Hill Stations

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), popularly known as the Toy Train, is one of India’s most iconic mountain train journeys. The narrow-gauge train, which connects New Jalpaiguri with Darjeeling, goes around  88 km with its passengers through pretty tea gardens, dense forests, and misty hills. 

• Highlights: The train crosses the famous Batasia Loop, giving an all-embracing view of the legendary Kanchenjunga mountain range. 
• Duration: Approximately 7 hours.

2. Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Ooty Toy Train)

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty. This charming blue train takes you on a delightful ride through the Nilgiri Hills, covering a distance of 46 km. The train passes through 16 tunnels and over 250 bridges, making the journey a thrilling adventure.

• Highlights: The lush tea plantations, dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Nilgiris make this journey a visual delight.
• Duration: Around 5 hours.

3. Kalka to Shimla Railway

The Kalka to Shimla Railway is another UNESCO-listed marvel that takes you on a nostalgic journey through the Himalayas. Covering a distance of 96 km, this narrow-gauge train route passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, offering awe-inspiring views of the Shivalik hills.

• Highlights: Barog Tunnel, one of the longest tunnels on the route, and the charming toy-like stations dot the journey.
• Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours

4. Kangra Valley Railway

If you wish for something out of the ordinary, then the Kangra Valley Railway is just the thing. This lesser-known gem connects Pathankot in Punjab and Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh, thus covering 164 km. On board, you can glide peacefully through the valleys and terraced fields, as well as the gentle civilization of small villages.

• Highlights: The breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the journey through the mesmerizing Kangra Valley.
• Duration: Around 7-8 hours.

5. Matheran Hill Railway

The Matheran Hill Railway is a quaint narrow-gauge train that links the town of Neral and the lovely hill station of Matheran, not far from Mumbai. The charming 21 km of this delightful toy train ride winds through dense forests, steep slopes, and sights that are easy on the eye.

• Highlights: A quiet ride through the Western Ghats amid the charming surroundings of Matheran, which is also a vehicle-free hill station. 
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Order food from Swiggy on your train journey and enjoy delicious meals on the go!

Gone are the days when enjoying hill station train journeys meant packing snacks and meals in abundance so you have enough for the whole trip. Now, Swiggy’s collaboration with IRCTC has changed the game. You can get online food delivery in train right to your seat! From piping hot biryani and mouth-watering North Indian curries to light munchies for on-the-go snacking with Swiggy, your cravings will indeed be fulfilled.

How It Works:

1. Enter the PNR number while placing the food order on the Swiggy app or IRCTC’s site.
2. An array of restaurants and cuisines from the stations ahead will be available for selection.
3. On confirmation of the booking, food will be delivered to your seat hot and fresh.

The beauty of the fantastic hills will get an even better touch when you enjoy your favorite food with a memorable mix of the journey.

Conclusion

Traveling to a hill station by train is more than mere transit; it becomes an unending memory of the gorgeous mountainous sights of the vibrant country, India. Be it the classic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the notable Nilgiri Mountain Railway- these journeys promise an unforgettable experience of nostalgia, nature, and relaxation. With the indulgence of getting food through Swiggy, your experience becomes all the more heavenly. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and let the escapade of the most thrilling hill trains in India commence.

FAQ

1. How long is the journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway?

The journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes approximately 7 hours, covering 88 km between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.

2. Are hot beverages like tea and coffee available for delivery while traveling on a mountain train?

Yes, you can order hot tea or coffee while traveling on a mountain train. Services like Swiggy and IRCTC eCatering let you get them delivered to your train seat

3. Are these mountain train journeys suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, mountain train journeys are perfect for solo travelers. They offer a safe and relaxing way to explore beautiful landscapes while providing plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travelers along the way.