Train journeys in India are one helluva an experience – exciting in every true sense. If you are travelling by train, you get to experience the microcosm known as India! We remember this quote by Paul Theroux on traveling by train in India.
“Anything is possible on a train: a great meal, a binge, a visit from card players, an intrigue, a good night’s sleep, and strangers’ monologues framed like Russian short stories.”
His classic “The Great Railway Bazar” is a testimony for that.
We love train journeys and fondly remember them. The best time to enjoy a train journey in India is in Monsoon. If not, immediately after monsoon. When weather is pleasant and landscape green. With monsoon already set in, we give you a list of train journeys you should do. To enjoy the monsoon in India.
1 Konkan Railway from Trivandrum to Mumbai
The train cross a river. (Photo Courtesy – Rail Pictures.net)
This is the Mother of all monsoon train journeys. The train goes through the Western ghats with hills on one side and Arabian sea on the other. It is best travelled in Monsoon when the torrential rain in coast adds beauty to the landscape. Tunnels, bridges and rivers adds to the charm of the journey.
2 Bengaluru to Vasco-da-Gama
The Train crosses the bridge with Dudhsagar Falls in background.
The train from Bengaluru to Vasco-da-Gama in Goa is a delightful monsoon journey. Journey from the flat lands of South Karnataka to the valley of Mahadayi is a treat to the eyes. You will be in good company of numerous water falls once you enter the beautiful Braganza ghat. The piece de resistance of this journey is the spectacular Dudhsagar falls which will be at its fantastic best when it rains! And you can watch its glory without getting down from the train!
3 Mumbai to Vasco-da-Gama
Monsoon clouds gather in the sky as an EMD pulls Mumbai bound Koyana express through Shindavane ghat (Photo Courtesy – Railpictures.net)
If Bengaluru – Vasco is a lovely monsoon journey, Mumbai – Vasco can be called a double whammy! Starting from Mumbai, the journey is through the Sahyadri ranges with spectacular valley views with myriad cascades from the mountains! The ghats of Lonavala, Karjat and Braganza after Castle rock – see above – makes this journey most beautiful one.
4 Coimbatore to Trivandrum
Train crossing Bharatapuzha river (Photo Courtesy – RailPictures.net)
This is the answer to Konkan railway train from Trivandrum to Mumbai. You depart the arid lands of Coimbatore and enter the pristine greenery of Kerala at Shoranur. Beyond Shoranur, the lovely Bharatapuzha river will keep you company on one side and palm tress, verdant rural landscape on the other.
5 Bengaluru to Mangaluru via Hassan/Sakleshpur
The train enters a tunnel. Notice the bridge so close to the tunnel!
The moment you leave Hassan, the next hundred Kilometres of this journey is a pure bliss. Travelling in the heart of Western Ghats, you are welcomed by beautiful valley views, lovely streams and spectacular water falls. Of course, many tunnels too. On this route, you will be travelling on some of the tallest railway bridges in the country. You will be travelling on tracks which are considered as engineering marvel.
There are other lovely train journeys too to enjoy the monsoon. Here are some more……..
a) Guwahati – Silchar – Presently closed due to gauge up gradation, this route is through scenic tea gardens and Barak valley.
b) Mettupalyam – Ooty – By World Heritage Narrow gauge train, travel in Rains is the best way to travel to Queen of Hill Stations
c) Vishakhapatnam – Jagdalpur – Especially after South East monsoon in winter when the east coast gets rain. This is lovely.
d) Nagpur – Jabalpur – Another Narrow Gauge beauty through Satpura hills in central India
Do you have nay personal choice? Please do share it with us.
Travel tips
a) Check out the time table and chose a day train as far as possible.
b) Even if you are not able to complete the full journey, even a part of it is exhilarating.
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