Must Visit Mountain Trains in India
There’s something magical about a toy train ride through the hills—the clickety-clack rhythm, forested valleys, misty mountains, and a journey that unfolds slowly, inviting you to breathe in nature and nostalgia alike.
These trains were built during the British era to connect remote hill stations like Darjeeling, Shimla, Ooty, and Matheran with the plains. Today, many of these routes are still functional, and some are even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historic and engineering value.
What Makes Mountain Trains Special?
Scenic Beauty: They pass through valleys, mountains, waterfalls, and forests—offering picture-perfect views at every turn.
Nostalgic Charm: Vintage coaches, slow speed, steam engines, and colonial stations give an old-world feel.
Slow Travel: These journeys are not rushed—perfect for relaxing, photography, and connecting with nature.
Eco-Friendly Access: Many hill stations (like Matheran) restrict vehicles, making the train a peaceful, low-impact travel option.
Popular Routes Include
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (West Bengal)
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Kalka–Shimla Railway (Himachal Pradesh)
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Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Tamil Nadu)
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Matheran Hill Railway (Maharashtra)
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Kangra Valley Railway (Himachal Pradesh)
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Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train (Madhya Pradesh)
Mountain Train Routes in India
Must Visit Mountain Trains in India
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – West Bengal
Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (88 km)
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Batasia Loop, Kanchenjunga views, steam engines
This iconic “toy train” climbs into the Eastern Himalayas, offering a charming ride through tea gardens, hill towns, and mist-covered valleys.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/944/
2. Kalka–Shimla Railway – Himachal Pradesh
Route: Kalka to Shimla (96 km, 102 tunnels!)
Highlights: Pine forests, stone bridges, colonial charm, scenic twists
A favorite among heritage lovers, this route connects the plains to Shimla’s cool colonial hill station with dramatic mountain landscapes.
3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway – Tamil Nadu
Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor (46 km)
Highlights: UNESCO-listed, steam engines, tea plantations, deep forest climbs
India’s only rack-and-pinion railway, this line zigzags through the Nilgiri Hills, with lush greenery and cool weather making it a top pick.
4. Matheran Hill Railway – Maharashtra
Route: Neral to Matheran (21 km)
Highlights: Dense forest ride, no-vehicle zone hill station, peaceful vibes
A short but scenic journey into India’s only automobile-free hill town. Expect monkeys, views, and slow travel serenity.
5. Kangra Valley Railway – Himachal Pradesh
Route: Pathankot to Joginder Nagar (164 km)
Highlights: Remote villages, Dhauladhar mountain views, offbeat travel
A less-touristy gem, this route offers raw Himachali beauty and is ideal for travelers looking for quiet and untouched trails.
6. Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train – Madhya Pradesh
Route: Patalpani to Kalakund (~9 km)
Highlights: Short heritage journey, waterfalls, tunnels, Vindhya range views
This weekend special is a revived heritage route, perfect for families and photography lovers looking to enjoy central India’s greenery.
Why Mountain Trains in India Are an Awesome Experience
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Scenic Beauty All Around
Ride through lush forests, tea gardens, misty hills, and breathtaking mountain views—all from your window seat. -
Nostalgic Charm
The slow pace, vintage coaches, and old-style stations make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. -
Peaceful & Relaxing Travel
Far from traffic and noise, these toy trains let you truly unwind and enjoy the journey. -
Perfect for Photography
Every twist and turn offers photo-worthy landscapes, tunnels, bridges, and local life. -
Up Close with Nature
Spot monkeys, birds, waterfalls, and even pass through clouds—especially in places like Ooty or Darjeeling. -
Fun for All Ages
Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or parents, it’s a joyful experience everyone enjoys.
Booking Tips For Mountain Trains
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Advance Booking: UNESCO-listed lines like Darjeeling, Kalka–Shimla, Nilgiri can sell out fast. Book at least 2–3 months before travel via IRCTC, or use trusted agents. ([turn0search3], [turn0search2])
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Limited Seating: Especially steam specials on DHR & NMR—first-class compartments often have only ~16 seats.
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Seasonal Timing: Monsoon (Jun–Sep) may suspend services on some routes; plan for dry seasons. DHR runs through the year but be mindful of landslides.
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Station Boarding: Lines like Matheran don’t offer online booking—arrive early to grab tickets at counters.
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Carry Snacks: Long journeys often don’t have catering; vendors sell at stations during stops.
For booking and info on India’s mountain trains, visit IRCTC for official tickets. Check regional tourism sites like Darjeeling Tourism and Maharashtra Tourism for local details. Plan ahead to enjoy these scenic heritage journeys!
Whether you’re winding through the tea hills of Ooty, the pine forests of Shimla, or the misty peaks of Darjeeling, each route tells its own story. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the charm of hill travel the way it was meant to be—unhurried and unforgettable.
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