Awesome train journeys in India we have been on

Trains are hands down our favourite way to commute. They are a window to an unknown world. You can peek into a stranger’s life, exchange stories with them, share their food or just be a silent observer. In the confinement of those few seats, there is much to do and see on the Indian Railways.

Trains are the lifelines of India tourism. Sharing some awesome train journeys we have been on in India.

Journey from Srinagar to Anantnag in Kashmir

We first had a look at these coaches on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. At Patnitop, a bevvy of cars was stuck in a bad traffic jam. A little ahead, we caught up with the culprit. A trailer truck was transporting some train coaches to Srinagar!

In the summer, you pass through lush green paddy fields surrounded by poplar trees. It is a very different image of Kashmir than one of the snow-capped mountains and undulating meadows. We were introduced to the real world scenes of rural Kashmir, where most people are farmers.

Read “People of the valley: Kashmir”

Journey through barren landscapes to Jaipur, Rajasthan

On this journey, we were within the cool confines of the Mumbai-Jaipur Duronto, oblivious to the dry scorching heat of the desert-like landscapes outside.

Read “Jaipur in 24 hours: A super short visit”

Train rides in Kerala

When God’s Own Country is your tagline -well, that says it all. We don’t ever mind if the train has to make an unscheduled stop. Every scene in Kerala is like it’s come out of a postcard.

This was on the way to Trivandrum.

Read “A day in Trivandrum and Kovalam beach, Kerala”

And these scenes are on the train journey to Alleppey to see the famous Kerala backwaters.

Read “Kerala backwaters beyond houseboat tours”

Konkan railway train journeys in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, where the Konkan Railway route begins, the train initially passes through densely populated villages. The further we go away from Mumbai, the villages become smaller, and more apart. Farmlands increase. We caught this sunset towards the end of our Konkan Railway journey.

Journey outside the train engine to the Dudhsagar waterfalls

The most memorable train journey though is our ride to the Dudhsagar waterfalls. We had taken the passenger train from Madgaon to Kulem. After which the local guys “helped” us get on a goods train.

Actually – not the train, but the engine of the train. We stood outside the engine, holding on to the railings. The Braganza ghat (connecting Goa and Karnataka) had come alive in the monsoon. The air was fresh – and green. The wind was in our face. And the Dudhsagar waterfalls were right in front of us!

Read “Majestic Dudhsagar waterfalls and magic of Castle Rock”