Most Scenic Train Routes in India You will Love to See ♥

Not too many countries on earth have a state budget made separately for the Railways, neither have they inspired authors and filmmakers for ages. The Indian Railways, carrying 30 million passengers and joining 65,000 km of India, isn’t unique only for these numbers, but for the diversity it carries along. It joins the length and breadth of India and touches her heart like no one else does. Probably the best way to see India is by taking a train ride, sneaking into her undiscovered cultures, gazing into her unexplored landscapes and soaking in her invigorating air. I have heard countless people from around the world talk about how much fun they have had traveling by train. One lady who was visiting from New Zealand couldn’t stop talking about how exhilarating it was to ride a railway across India instead of taking a car. We also talked about how she was able to afford this trip because she found cheap airline tickets to Mumbai from New Zealand earlier on this year. Which was refreshing to hear because India has a different kind of beauty and should be seen by everyone. Being a passenger in the Indian Railways for over twenty years and having traveled on numerous routes, it isn’t an easy task to choose ten best routes; still I will try and do my best. The expensive special trains and their journeys will be kept out of this post for obvious reasons. Let the budget traveler rule the roost!

1. The Kashmir Railway (Jammu – Udhampur)

The Kashmir Railway is one of the most challenging engineering projects in India. The extremes of cold and heat along with the unfavorable terrain and political scenarios make this route one of the most thrilling of all Indian train routes. This route has 20 major tunnels and 158 bridges which offer awe inspiring views of the rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain Ranges.

2. The Snow Sojourn (Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla)

This is a part of the Kashmir Railway, but currently work is going on the section between Jammu and Qazigund, thus making this another separate leg of the journey. When complete, this will be a part of the greater Kashmir railway which will connect Jammu to Baramulla, or rather the plains to the Valley. The journey promises a refreshing ride through the Kashmir Valley, weaving through the snow capped peaks at a distance and the Chinar trees all around. The best part of taking this journey is during the winters when the surroundings are filled with snow. There is only the option of an unreserved DEMU train currently on this route.

3. Himalayan Queen(Kalka – Shimla)

Being the only mountain railway in India, to be used by regular commuters, the heritage railway between Kalka and Shimla features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers Built in 1903, it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, flanked by the picturesque Shivalik Hills on both sides. The train guzzles along the track, built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries of ancient roman architecture. A morning ride on this stretch, wrapping the fresh air, whistling past the oak, pine and maple trees has all the ingredients to make it a journey of a lifetime.

4. The Kangra Valley Odyssey ( Pathankot – Kangra-Palampur-Jogindernagar)

The Kangra Valley Railway belongs to the sub-Himalayan region in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Pathankot in Punjab, it covers 164 kms to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, meandering through numerous passes, rivers and valleys. Even though it’s a laid back option of traveling across the Kangra valley, yet the views it offers compensates the speed. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar hills at a distance after Palampur rewards the tired soul exuberantly. The journey of 165 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar takes almost a whopping 10 hours. The unreserved Kangra Valley Passenger is the only train on this route currently.

5. The Konkan Railway(Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)

Amazing greeneries, plethora of water bodies, stunning curves and the magnificent Sahyadris join hands to make this one of the most sought after train travel experience for any railway enthusiast in India. The Konkan Railway is also an example of the high spirits of the engineers of this country, who constructed this marvel battling against a hostile loose terrain with frequent landslide tendencies.

6. The Goan Experience ( Vasco Da Gama – Londa Jn)

Goa might be known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, but there is another side of Goa which cannot be missed. The lush green villages, thick jungles and the abundant waterfalls constitute a charming world of Goan Rails. A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s highest and most exquisite falls.

7. Nilgiri Mountain Railway(Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam)

When the blue and cream colored coaches chug up the blue mountains, even the crudest of all hearts will skip a beat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, running for over a 110 years is another train journey, you simply cannot miss. The steam engine covers the 46 km to Ooty in four and a half hours, twisting and turning through the rocky terrain, before slowly meandering into the sprawling tea estates. The familiar chuffing sound of the steam locomotive casts an old world charm and reminds of the legacies of the British Raj.

8. The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway( New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling)

The oldest of all mountain railways in India, the Toy Train is also a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1999.Loops are a special feature of this railway to give it a natural ascent. The most popular being the ‘Batasia Loop’ which offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the snow capped Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day. On its ascent from Sukna, the train crosses a few settlements and towns weaving through the tea gardens, tea factories and small forests of maple, chestnut, pear and cherry. One can also sneak a peek into the hustle bustle of the Gorkha settlements on the way. Gorkhas are an ethnic group of this region with Mongolian features known for their valor and bravery. The train chugs alongside the busy highway and often intrigues the traveler with its slow, yet effective pace.

9. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri - New Mal - Hasimara –Alipurduar)

A vast expanse of dense forests brimming with wildlife, murmur of streams trotting down from the hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, interwoven by tea gardens and dissected by the gorging Teesta River make Dooars a unique palette of nature. The train route recently converted to broad gauge has minimum traffic but passes through notable wildlife sanctuaries abound in a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. It crosses Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings. You can get down at Chalsa, Hasimara or Rajabhatkhawa to get drenched in the Dooars experience.

10. Matheran Hill Railway (Neral-Matheran)

Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the favorite weekend destinations for busy Mumbaikars. It still holds its charm, thanks to no vehicles being allowed in the town. One has to take a pony ride or walk on the dusty and muddy roads to go around Matheran.  The Matheran Hill Railway is the only heritage railway in Maharashtra. This narrow gauge rail link between Neral and Matheran was built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy between 1901 and 1907 at the cost of Rs.1600000. The route, through large swathes of forest territory, covers a distance of 20 kilometers in about one and half hours, is full of panoramic views .Any lone visitor will surely enjoy the tranquility this ride offers.

11. Flavors of Assam (Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar)

The aroma of Assam runs into your senses as the train inches into the lush greenery of the adjoining valleys of Haflong, before joining the banks of River Jatinga and meandering along with it. A few hours later catch the flavor of the tea gardens of Barak valley, before running into the plains. This track now goes south and connects Agartala (the second largest city of North East India) to rest of the country. 

12. Arakku Valley Railway ( Vizag – Arakku)

Arakku Valley is a popular hotspot for nature enthusiasts, boasting of thick forests and coffee plantations. Vishakhapatnam, an important port city of East India has a rail link to Arakku, which lies on the Kothavalasa and Kirandul (KK) Line. This is one of rare broad gauge hill railways of India, which was built to transport iron ore from the mines of Chattisgarh to the port city of Vizag, presently known as Vishakhapatnam. The rail route is one of the better ways to travel to Arakku Valley, crossing quite a few caves and waterfalls on the way.

13. Desert Queen ( Jaipur-Jaisalmer)

Jaisalmer is the gateway to all the camel safaris in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. A train journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer can be a great experience of viewing the barren stretches of the Thar Desert. The vibrant settlements of colorful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life. 

14. Malnad Magic (Hassan – Mangalore)

The picturesque green paddy fields and Areca nut palm trees of the Malnad region encompasses this route. The best stretch is the one between Sakleshpur and Subramanya stations, where the train chugs through 57 tunnels offering a stunning view of the misty mountains and the sparkling waterfalls all around.

15. The Western Ghat Saunter( Karjat - Lonavala)

As the train passes Karjat in Maharashtra, it enters the hinterland of the Western Ghats, not the mightiest in terms of height but extremely rich in biodiversity. During monsoons, this journey comes alive with numerous streams and cascading waterfalls on its way. The dense foliage with the backdrop of the hills will make you move out of your seat and enjoy the scenery at the door.  The train passes through the village settlements of Thakurwadi before hiking up Monkey Hill, then crossing the romantic Khandala reaches Lonavala.

16. The Sea Bridge Ride( Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram)

The bridge that connects Mandapam in TamilNadu to the Pamban island is the second longest sea bridge in India and even if you are not a pilgrim to the Varanasi of south, you will fall in love with this train ride crossing the Gulf of Mannar.

17. Chambal Express (Agra to Gwalior)

The infamous Chambal region has been in the news for decades, thanks to the dacoits who might have created a record for the maximum number of extortions, robberies and murders in the region. But there is something about the ravines of Chambal that impresses the eye. The terrain has been supporting the sons of her soil since ages, with its unique diversity of undulations that makes it easier for the villains to rob and escape. A train ride through the Chambal ravines can bring a rush of adrenaline to the adventurous and a sense of curiosity to the landscape lover.

18. The Kerala Anubhavam (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum)

There isn’t a better way to experience the magic of Kerala, than by taking a train ride from Ernakulam(Cochin) to Trivandrum via Kollam (Quilon).It is like a holiday package which offers you all in one. The enchanting backwaters, the pristine lakes, the coconut palms fencing the water channels and a peek into the rural life of Kerala living in islands formed out of the backwaters.

19. The Travancore Railway (Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai)

The erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore had flagged off the first train on this route, way back in 1907.The section from Punalur to Sengottai crossing the beautiful Cardamom Hills is the best part of this journey in terms of the lushness of nature and the architectural marvels. The famous 13 arched bridge is a sight to remember on this route. This section is currently closed for gauge conversion. Once complete this will connect Trivandrum to Chennai in the fastest way. Expected to complete by 2013.Currently one can take a ride up to Punalur only.

20. Unknown Andhra (Guntakal – Guntur)

The section between Dhone and Cumbum on the Guntakal – Guntur boasts of a scenic journey through the Eastern Ghats. Most of the express trains pass this stretch at night, but there are a few passenger trains that can be taken to experience the scenic beauty of this unexplored part of Andhra Pradesh. One can also alight at Cumbum station to see the Cumbum Lake, the oldest manmade lake of Asia.

21. Tribal Orissa Odyssey( Koraput – Rayagada)

Popularly known as the KR line, the Koraput-Rayagada line is an off shoot from the Kirandul- Kothavalasa (KK) line. Koraput is about 800 meters above sea level and the journey till Rayagada at 200 meters is an enchanting downhill experience. The dense forests and horse shoe curves add a charm to this unknown ride.

22. Lake View Chilika (Bhubaneswar- Brahmapur )

Take a morning ride from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur in Orissa to experience the grandeur of the Chilika Lake on your left and the Eastern Ghats on your right. Chilika is the second largest lagoon on earth and a haven for migratory birds. If you are into bird watching, make sure you sit on the train window with a binocular.

23. Aravalli Adventure(Himmatnagar – Udaipur/Mavli – Marwar) 

The Aravalli range runs across the state of Rajasthan from north to south. These old mountains consist of steep rocky ridges, formed due to erosion of an ancient folded mountain. They are rich in the history of Rajasthan which unfolds when a journey is taken to the interiors meeting the locals, listening to the folklores. A train journey from Ahmedabad to Udaipur passes through a section of the hills and is a nice experience.To travel into the interiors of Aravalli, the meter gauge line from Mavli to Marwar is ideal. Mavli is 43 kms from Udaipur City and is waiting for a gauge conversion to be sanctioned between Mavli and Marwar.

24. Gir Safari (Junagarh-Delvada)

The Metre gauge railway from Junagadh to Delvada in Gujarat is an interesting journey through the wooded hills of Gir National Park. It is an extremely slow journey but for the laid back traveler planning for a stopover at Gir and looking to soak in the culture of Saurashtra (western region of Gujarat), this is a journey to look for. The train stops at Sasan Gir station, which leads to start of the National Park. One can also head to Diu using this train passing through the coastline of western Gujarat.

25. Shindavane and Ambale (Pune-Satara)

The ghats of Shindavane are known for the barren and lofty Sahyadri Mountains. The railway cuts deep through the mountains and passes through loose rocks on all sides. This lies in the Pune-Satara section of the Central Railways.

26. Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is a 14 coach luxury train which still holds a reputation amongst many Indians to be absolutely unaffordable. Beginning in New Delhi, the train covers all major cities of Rajasthan over a week and a little more. It was launched by the Indian government in 1983 to promote tourism in Rajasthan and has been treated as exotic and popular ever since. The rail route covers many beautiful cities, monuments and wild-life sanctuaries. Note that the design of all the coaches has been inspired by the royal palaces of the Nizams and royalty of India.

A journey through the Indian rail routes is an absolute visual treat. From hills, mountains, oceans, lakes, forests, deserts to absolute wilderness, the routes have something exciting for everyone. Make sure you keep your camera handy as the real clicking will take place during the train journey and not when you have reached the destination!

Notes:

• The routes mentioned here can be closed due to various reasons, like gauge conversions, landslides or other unavoidable circumstances.Be well informed about the train availability on the routes before you plan a ride.
• Do check the official website of Indian Railways for all train and route related information: www.indianrail.gov.in
• Image Credits : Wikimedia Commons and IRFCA
• Special thanks to Apurva Bahadur, Jay Balakrishna, Lalam , Mohan Bhuyan, Bharath M,Naren Damodaran and Tushar from IRFCA for their support

Source: http://goo.gl/x8nCnV

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National Flags Made From Food :)

These delicious flags were designed for the Sydney International Food Festival by the advertising agency WHYBIN\TBWA. It’s a fantastic concept that creates a nation’s flag from the food associated with the country. Now many of you will likely disagree with some of the foods selected to symbolize a particular country, but keep in mind it can be challenging to not only use food that represents the country but also works with the actual design of the flag (e.g., starfruit for stars). And it’s for fun! Don’t take it too seriously :D

Australia - Meat pie, sauce

Brazil - Banana leaf, limes, pineapple, passion fruit

China - Pittaya,dragon fruit and star fruit

France - Blue cheese, brie, grapes

Greece - Kalamata Olives and feta cheese

India- Curries, rice, pappadum wafer

Indonesia - Spicy curries and rice (Sambal)

ITALY – Basil, pasta, tomatoes

Japan - Tuna and rice

Lebanon - Lavash, fattoush, herb spring

South Korea - Kimbap and sauces

Spain - Chorizo and rice

Switzerland - Charcuteries and emmental

Thailand - Sweet chilli sauce, shredded coconut, blue swimmer crab

Turkey - Turkish Delight (Lokum)

United Kingdom - Scone, cream, jams

United States - Hot dogs, ketchup, and mustard or cheese

Vietnam - Rambutan, lychee, starfruit

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Top 10 haunted places in India

1.Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan

Spirits await the return of Princess Ratnavati, the princess of Bhangarh. The faith placed in the legends of this ruined fort prohibits tourist entry before sunrise and after sunset.

2. Grand Paradi Towers, Mumbai

There is probably something about an apartment in this building that will freak you out more than the price you have to pay to own it. Jumping from the window has been the trend followed by the occupants of the flat, belonging to various age groups. However, after a ceremonial ‘havan’ was conducted, the ghosts of the past at this place seems to have been buried.

3. Tunnel  No. 33, Shimla

Experience 2.5 minutes of absolute dread while passing from the Kalka Shimla Railway line. Tunnel number  33 is believed to be the humble abode of Colonel Barog who committed suicide in the early twentieth century. It is believed that he was ashamed of the damages occurring from his miscalculations as an engineer while constructing the railway line.

4. Lambi Dehar mines, Uttarakhand

Visitors who have been to this sparsely populated area have often heard the screams of a lady. Ghosts of several mine workers who died from lung diseases due to faulty mining are believed to be exist here. An infamous site for road accidents and a helicopter crash, there is no surprise in the fact that it is reported as one of the most haunted places in the world.

5. St. Marks Road, Bangalore

Tested for paranormal activity, the Vas Villa on St. Marks road Bangalore has almost shown positive results. The resident was a lady named Vera, who was murdered in 2002. The site is now an abandoned house which is frequented by curious visitors, and some of them claim to have experienced ‘abnormal energies’.

6. Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

The presence of evil spirits in this ancient architecture has been debated. The locals claim that the ‘baoli’ was previously filled with black water that magnetically attracted people to death by hypnotizing them to jump inside it. Host of screeching of bats to add to the reputation, it sure makes this place creepy.

7.  Shaniwar Wada, Pune

Treachery and a misinterpreted message left young Narayanrao Peshwa screaming out to his uncle as he was being brutally killed. The local people say that they can hear his last pleading screams to his uncle even today on a full moon night.

8. Lothian Cemetery, Delhi

Completely headless Nick Nicholas, a British soldier, who shot himself dead, walks down from Delhi Gate to this cemetery where he was buried. According to local legend, he walks with his head held in his hand on nights when there is no moon in the sky.

9.  Dumas Beach, Gujarat

Beach goers have reported that they have heard whispers in the sound of the wind that ask them to go back.  The haunting black sand is sure to make one believe that the spirits of the dead, whose remains were dispersed on the beach are around them.

10. Brij Raj Bhavan, Kota, Rajasthan

The palace is supposedly an abode to the ghost of Major Burton who was killed during the revolt of 1857 by Indian soldiers. Otherwise harmless, Major Burton’s ghost likes to give a nice whack to the lazy guards who doze off during their duty hours.

Source : Bewakoof.com

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