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Embark on a serendipitous journey of train travel connecting India's most idyllic and off-the-radar towns
As I gently shook to the movement of the train, my gaze drifted to the clusters of palm trees swaying in the countryside. A sense of appreciation washed over me as I reflected on how my perception had evolved over time to truly understand the vastness of the Indian railway system network. The cherished memories of climbing the upper berth as a child engrossed in the captivating world of Chacha Chowdhary comic books. Fast forward to more recent times and the awe-inspiring moments of standing by the coach door, marvelling at the magnificent Pamban Bridge stretching over the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Countless rail travel experiences have deepened my appreciation of the Indian Railways and its boundless reach.
Not only does it connect bustling metropolises, but it also ventures into the lesser-explored towns and villages, offering a narrow gauge or a leisurely journey on a slow train. This unique characteristic of the Indian railway system gradually shaped my travel preferences, urging me to seek offbeat destinations. With every train journey I embarked on, the railways became my steadfast companion, a trusted friend guiding me towards extraordinary discoveries. Join me as I share some of my most memorable train journeys through sleepy villages and charming towns.
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My penchant for exploring charming towns along the railway tracks began after I read Ruskin Bond's fine description of Barog station. He reminded me of my impression of Bjorli station that I came across through Rauma Railway in Norway. Taking the toy train from Kalka to Shimla, I decided to explore the hill town of Barog. The picturesque sights of the Choordhar mountains, a serene walk to the Renuka Lake and a bite of vegetable cutlet at the Spencer Restaurant made my visit to Barog truly memorable.
After that, I continued this journey of fishing out peaceful towns where trains do reach and make a stop, but only a few get down. While on my trip to Rameswaram from Madurai, I followed my instincts and got down at Ramnathapuram just before the train crossed the Pamban Bridge. t was a momentous and fruitful decision as I stepped off the train onto the platform lined with coconut trees. In this quaint town, I explored the 17th-century Ramnathapuram Palace, with colourful murals and ancient statues hidden behind the magnificent grey and golden facade. Once the glorious home of Setupathi Kings is now a sleepy town often sidelined by Rameswaram. Another hidden gem had made its way into my memories and experiences, and I was glad I stopped here for a day before continuing the rest of my trip toward the southern tip of India.
Yet another toy train running between Darjeeling and Ghoom stops at the charming town of Kurseong in West Bengal. I crossed paths with this lesser-known sister of Darjeeling during my second visit when I was looking for a quaint hill town to spend my summertime. Enveloped in mist, Kurseong resembled a fairytale with its rolling hills adorned with tea plantations, the enchanting Paglajhora waterfall, and blooming white orchids.
As I ventured through the gargantuan train routes across India, I met fellow train riders and developed an insight into how train travel connects India and makes it possible for every Indian to reach far-off places. When I was exploring Goa, I boarded the Goa Express to check out the hidden gems around the Western Ghats. The train crosses the cascading Dudhsagar Falls and stops at the calming town of Castle Rock, bordering Goa and Karnataka. Once a Portuguese Colony and a manganese mining town, it is a verdant town tucked inside the Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, surrounded by lush green deciduous trees. This breathtaking journey across the green hills landed me on a rewarding canopy walk near Castle Rock at the about 30 ft high Kuveshi Canopy, crossing several Malabar Tamarinds and Silver Oaks. The stunning sightings of lion-tailed macaques, woodpeckers, and hornbills gracefully soaring through the treetops painted vivid memories of my journey.
Several other spontaneous, instinctive and planned visits to such quaint towns have made it to my travel diaries. Like getting down at Coonoor via Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Ooty to Mettupalaiyam and exploring the towns of Ratnagiri and Pernem via Mandovi Express running across the Konkan Coastline. Some of the offbeat towns like Kottarakar in Kerala between the route of Kollam and Sengottai and Chilka in Odisha between the Bhubaneshwar and Bhramapur route were the towns I explored with thorough planning and bookings.
Since some trains are operational only on designated days of the week, I would advise checking the route with timings on the IRCTC website. Proper planning is necessary for the exploration of such offbeat towns. Although simple accommodations and restaurants are fairly available almost everywhere in India, I would still prefer to do my research about the town and its surroundings. I also check for local festivals as they provide a great cultural experience that enriches my travels, outlook and deep appreciation for the diversity of India.
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