It's Vacay Time! Pick From The Best Indian Train Journeys

Nowadays when everybody is busy catching flights we've totally forgotten about the mystical Indian train journeys we're missing out on. Hence, we have curated a list of top ten Indian train journeys which offer majestic views and also includes magnificent luxury trains.

1. The Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot has been rated by The Vanity Fair, U.K. amongst the top seven train journeys in the world. It's a joint venture of State Government of Karnataka & Ministry of Railways. It caters to a perfect combination of heritage, culture, eco-tourism and beach life. Each Cabin offers a small wardrobe, vanity desk, LCD Televisions, Electric sockets with 220 AC for recharging batteries; & private washroom having 5 Star Hotel accessories.

Destinations: Bangalore, Kerala, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Kabini, Badami, Goa, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Pondicherry, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Purvar, Kochi, Tiruchirapalli 

Highlights: Bar Salon, Two Dining cars, Onboard Kitchen, Mini Gym & Business Centre,  Deluxe Sleeping Chambers

Website: https://www.palacesonwheels.com/ (For more information)

2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

It's also known as the Toy Train -  listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This train journey covers the mesmerizing beauty of the hills, local shops, villages on the way. One should also take a trip to Ghum railways station as it's the highest railway station of India. This train was constructed to a gauge of 2 feet (600 mm) as it aimed to travel twisted routes through the hills.

Destinations: New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Rongtong, Sukna, Tindharia, Mahanadi, Sonada, Tung, Ghum, Darjeeling

Highlights: Breathtaking views, Charming journey through the hills, Perfect for joyrides, AC Coaches, Jungle Safari Holiday Trains 

3. The Maharaja Express

The Maharaja Express defines luxury and comfort at its best. The carriages of the Maharaja's Express have been named after the legendary jewels of the various Maharajas. Their four cabins are divided into Presidential Suite, Suite, Junior Suite and Deluxe Cabin. It also has 2 theme restaurants, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal serving exquisite meals.

Destinations: Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ranthambore, Varanasi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Balasinor, Aurangabad, Goa, Khajuraho, Gwalior, Hampi, Cochin, Kumarakom, Mysore, Thanjavur, Trivandrum, Mahabalipuram, Chettinad, Orchha

Highlights: Guides, Butlers, Porters, Dining Car, Lounge, Observation Car and Treasure Chest, Safari Bar

Website: https://www.maharajas-express-india.com/

Also Read: Hear The Hills Calling At this Unexplored Paradise on Earth: North East India 

4. The Himalayan Queen

This toy train which takes you to the queen of hills will make you witness jaw-dropping magnificent views of the mountains. Get ready for the journey which goes through 100+ tunnels - It's time to plan an exciting ride to Shimla (Queen Of Hills) with your friends and family. Book your train tickets in advance from Indian Railways official website as it's hard to acquire seats at the last minute.

Destinations: Kalka To Shimla (Dharampur, Kumarhatti, Barog, Solan, Salogra, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Jutogh and Summer Hill)

Highlights: Picturesque Views, Longest Tunnels, And Small Hill stations

5. Mandovi Express (Mumbai To Goa)

This one journey will get in all awe for the view it offers of Dudhsagar falls. Mandovi Express makes sure the journey is worth an experience as you'll fall in love with route which has so much to offer - Next time you're in Bombay, ditch the flight plan rather travel to Goa by train to enjoy the mystical views.

Destinations: Mumbai - Goa  -  Thane, Madgaon, and Ratnagiri ( Main Stations) along with Dadar, Panvel, Chiplun, Adavali, Kudal, Pernem, Thivim, Karmali, Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg and many more.

Highlights: Dudhsagar Waterfalls amidst the journey, Magnificient Landscape Views 

6. Maharaja Deccan Odyssey

Maharaja Deccan Odyssey is the perfect combination of delicacy and royalty. It comprises of 21 coaches out of which 11 are for guests and the rest for different amenities like dining, lounge, conference car and health spa. Their warm hospitality services will melt your heart and of course, the decor of each coach depicts the elegant traveling style of the Maharajas.

Destinations: Ahmedabad, Ratnagiri, Modhera, Sanchi, Hyderabad, Bhavnagar, Sasan Gir, Nagzira, Pattadakal, Bijapur, Aihole, Shirdi, Vadodara, Badami, Agra, Delhi, Sawai Madhopur, Tadoba, Goa, Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Nasik, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kutch, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Kolhapur, Daulatabad

Highlights: Regal class cabins, multi-cuisine restaurants, sitting lounge, high-tech conference car and a rejuvenating health spa, Indoor Games, Wifi, Arrival Kit, Newspapers Attendant or Khidmatgar, Wheelchair Assistance

Website: https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/ (For more information)

7. Nilgiri Passenger - Ooty Toy Train

If you are traveling from Mettupalayam to Ooty, you'll witness the most beautiful sights while crossing through hundreds of bridges offering the beauty of nature to our naked eyes. Nilgiri Passenger Train journeys invoke an out of the world experience passing through Nilgiri Mountains. The frequency of the train journey increases during peak summer season as there is a high rate of tourists flooding in.

Destinations: Mettupalayam – Ooty, Coonoor to Ooty

Highlights: Nilgiri Mountain Views, Bridges, Rocky Terrain, Ravines, Tea plantations

Read: Discover the 11 Best Places to Visit in North India

8. Island Expressway

This one operates between Bangalore and Kanyakumari - It runs daily through Kerala (via Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Palakkad). It's one of the most preferred trains for people traveling from Bangalore to Kerala. The picture speaks for itself as the thrilling journey seems full of scenic views being a treat to our eyes. 

Destinations: Bangalore - Kerala - It runs daily through Kerala (via Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, and Palakkad)

Highlights: Dense greenery, Palm trees, and long grassy verges, Sea view 

9. Jammu–Baramulla Line (Srinagar - Baramulla)

This line was established to connect Jammu with Kashmir and Kashmir with rest of the country. It has air-conditioned coaches with wide windows, sliding doors, and reclining seats. How about exploring the scenic land of Jammu through the windows? It's worth it! We promise you, you'll be mesmerized.

Destinations: Jammu to Udhampur, Udhampur to Katra, Katra to Banihal, Banihal to Baramulla

Highlights: Snow-cutting cattle guard, A compartment for the physically disabled, with wider doors, 

10. Palace On Wheels

This one will definitely burn a hole in your pocket but it will be worth a luxurious experience. This luxury train takes you on a vibrant tour to the royal land of sand dunes and regal palaces. They've got it all covered with you in style and class as they've got spa salons and dining cars inside to amaze you.

Destinations: Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra, Delhi

Highlights: Spa Services (Ayurveda treatments, massages, and therapies), Sitting Lounge to have a chit-chat with your loved ones and co-passengers, Indoor Games, Wifi, Arrival Kit, Newspapers Attendant or Khidmatgar, Wheelchair Assistance, a Souvenir shop 

Website: https://www.goldenchariottrain.com (For more information)

Suggested Read: Get Your Backpack Ready To Conquer The Best Trekking Destinations In India