Top 7 Scenic Train Rides In India: A Unique Travel Experience For Senior Travellers

India is a place of beauty for travellers from all around the world. Indian hill stations boast scenic views and well-built structures to facilitate a smooth travelling experience; they also promise beautiful views along the journey of these mountains. Many trains, heritage trains, Safari trains, and Toy trains, run across the country, giving a fascinating experience for travellers. The comfort levels of senior travellers are also kept in mind to offer services accordingly. It allows them to enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey.

Here are the top 7 scenic train rides available in India

The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is a historic narrow-gauge railway that connects the towns of Kalka and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a popular tourist attraction known for its scenic journey through the Himalayas. It passes through 103 tunnels and 969 bridges. The train is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for Mountain Railways of India. The train covers a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. Different train options, including the Shivalik Deluxe Express and Shivalik Queen, have varying levels of comfort and service. The best time to visit is during the summer season (March to June) when the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are cooler.

Darjeeling Himalaya Railway connects Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its unique engineering and contribution to the region's landscape. The train offers stunning views covered with lush green mountains and passes through enchanting forests. It features 6 zigzag routes and three loops that make the journey more interesting. It is a well built train for all types of travellers, its slow going speed is best for seniors or children who feel motion sickness.

This train runs on a small-gauge engine that is powered by steam. It is also known as the Blue Mountain Railway or the Ooty Toy Train. It covers a beautiful path in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, a southern hill station of India. It covers a distance of 45.88 Kilometres from Mettupalayam, in Coimbatore, to Ooty in Nilgiri District. The train ride features 32 bridges, 15 out of which are road-over bridges. It also goes through 16 tunnels that fall between Kallar and Ooty. It has a scenic route filled with beautiful lust forests and gives the view of tea plantations and mountain landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills.

Kangra Valley Railway features a train with a 2 ft 6 gauge engine. It connects Pathankot, situated in Punjab with Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh. It passes through 950 bridges and covers a distance of 106 Kilometre from Pathankot to Jogindernagar, while making 33 stops within the journey. The railway holds a historical significance, as it was a part of North-western Railwayin 1929. The line has been considered for strategic significance, including plans to extend it to Leh, though the route has been revised.

The Matheran Hill Railway is a scenic train ride that takes passengers through the lush Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It starts from Neral, and the narrow-gauge train climbs 21 kilometres to reach Matheran, a peaceful hill station. The journey takes about two hours, passing through dense forests, over 120 bridges, and over 200 curves. The train features a unique tunnel called the "One Kiss Tunnel" and is decorated with a steam-style hood and diesel engine that boasts a vintage charm. As Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, this train is a unique way to reach the town. Upon arrival, visitors can explore scenic viewpoints or walk along forest paths. It is a beautiful spot to relax in a serene environment. The Matheran Hill Railway is more than just a ride; it's a chance to connect with nature and step back in time.

The Vistadome Jungle Safari Train in Uttar Pradesh is India's first jungle safari train with Vistadome coaches, connecting the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary under the "One Destination, Three Forests" initiative. The 107-kilometer journey between Bichia and Mailani stations takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes, offering passengers panoramic views of the lush landscapes. The eco-tourism experience is currently operating on weekends, but plans are to expand to daily operations to accommodate more tourists. Tickets are priced at Rs 275 per person, making the eco-tourism experience accessible and affordable. The initiative promotes sustainable tourism, supports local communities by generating employment opportunities, and encourages conservation awareness. The train is currently operating on weekends but plans to expand to daily operations to accommodate more tourists.

The Ekta Nagar–Ahmedabad Steam Heritage Train, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2023, connects Ahmedabad to Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity. The train features an electric engine with foggers and sound systems that mimic steam locomotive effects and an exterior with PU paint and theme-based vinyl wrapping. Inside, passengers can enjoy panoramic windows with roller blinds, air-conditioned executive chair cars with reclining seats, footrests, USB charging ports, and built-in bottle holders. A dedicated restaurant car offers fine dining with teak wood tables and cushioned seating. The train operates weekly on Sundays, departing Ahmedabad at 6:10 AM and reaching Ekta Nagar by 9:50 AM. The fare is Rs 885 (excluding meals), providing an affordable and memorable experience. This heritage train not only offers a comfortable ride but also serves as a tribute to India's rich railway history, making it a must-try for travellers seeking a unique journey.