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Witness panoramic vistas and soak in breathtaking views of mountain peaks while traversing through these iconic rail routes.
Can you imagine my excitement as a child when I first boarded the iconic toy train from Darjeeling? The memory is still vividly etched in my mind. I can recall that exact moment when my father showed me the snow-clad peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga, as I sat by the open window of the train. Growing up, these memories have stayed with me and during my subsequent visits to Darjeeling, I relived those magical moments. It is astonishing how India's best scenic train routes were ingeniously engineered amid the majestic mountains. These marvellous routes offer unparalleled vistas of the country's breathtaking mountain ranges where nature's grandeur unfolds before your eyes.
Every time I embark on a joy ride aboard the beloved blue and black mini train, I am captivated by the breathtaking scenery along the way. Passing through mist-shrouded tea plantations, the journey takes you to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum at the Kurseong station, which showcases the rich history of this iconic railway. The experience continues to the highest railway station of Ghum, which boasts awe-inspiring views. Finally, it reaches the famous Batasia Loop where the train spirals around itself, offering a view of well-manicured gardens. As the narrow gauge train winds up to Darjeeling, you will be greeted by the mesmerising vista of the world's third-highest summit of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Continuing our exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, another remarkable railway journey awaits in the Nilgiri hills of southern India. During my travels across Tamil Nadu, I eagerly embarked on the iconic Niligiri Mountain Railway, which connects the towns of Mettupalaiyam and Ooty. During my last visit, as the train chugged uphill, I was enchanted by the lush green beauty of the Nilgiris and eucalyptus-laden valleys. The crispy, chilly air brushed against my skin and the aroma of the verdant tea estates stirred my senses. Vintage hill stations like Coonoor, Wellington, Love Dale, and Fern Hill added to the charm of the journey. The train ride seemed to transport me back in time to the British era.
While recounting my mountain train journeys, I cannot overlook the enchanting heritage ride along the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas. It was a delightful adventure when I boarded the Himalayan Queen toy train from Kalka, unaware of the exciting voyage that awaited me. Little did I know that this tiny train would carry me through the journey, covering 864 Gothic-style bridges, 102 tunnels, and 900 curves! As the train gradually ascended towards Shimla, popularly known as the "Queen of Hill Stations," my window seat treated me to picture-postcard views. The air around me carried the fresh, woody fragrance of the deodars, pines, and oaks, enveloping me in an embrace. As I gazed out, I was greeted by the glorious sight of the snow-capped Shivalik Hills. No wonder this gorgeous train ride was considered the crown jewel of travel during the Colonial Era.
My next toy train expedition began from Pathankot in Punjab amid the Dhauladhar Ranges. This journey was not without its challenges, as recurring landslides along the route often disrupt operations, causing delays to my plan. However, at the beginning of this year, I was able to board this narrow-gauge railway to take in the phenomenal views of the Dhauladhar mountain pinnacles. As the train meandered through towering bridges, I was lost in the dreamy panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks enveloped in thick, swirling clouds. Breathing in the fresh aroma of tea and pines, I sensed the proximity of the lush tea gardens of Palampur. Outside my window, the landscape unfolded in shades of green. The train then made a stopover at the spiritual hill town of Baijnath. Most passengers alighted here, leaving me alone with my thoughts until the train reached its final destination at Jogindernagar, in Himachal Pradesh.
I stumbled upon this hidden locomotive treasure while travelling from Nerul to Matheran. The scenic journey captures the beauty of the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats. The hill station of Matheran may not boast soaring peaks but the train ride itself is an intriguing experience. This is because all of the five stations that it chugs past are powered by solar energy.
Despite covering only around 20 km, the journey proved to be quite thrilling as the train climbed the steep slopes in a zigzag way. Later on, as the distinctive redness hue started to appear, I knew I had arrived in Matheran, welcome by its iron-rich red mud. The soles of my shoes were ready to be covered with this rusty cake for the next few days. This railway expedition through the scenic train routes in India has revealed a deeper richness than I had imagined. As I stand on the cusp of exploring Assam, a fellow traveller suggests boarding the Hill Queen Express from Lower Haflong to Lumding for taking in views of the Barak Valley. That said, I have several meticulously mapped routes on my bucket list, which include Karjat to Lonavala, Guwahati to Silchar, Ratnagiri to Mangalore and Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley. My train adventures are far from over.
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