Friday, December 14, 2012

25 Scenic Train Routes in India


Not too many countries on earth have a state budget made separately for the Railways, neither have they inspired authors and film-makers for ages. The Indian Railways, carrying 30 million passengers and joining 65,000 km of India, isn’t unique only for these numbers, but for the diversity it carries along. It joins the length and breadth of India and touches her heart like no one else does. Probably the best way to see India is by taking a train ride, sneaking into her undiscovered cultures, gazing into her unexplored landscapes and soaking in her invigorating air.

Being a passenger in the Indian Railways for over twenty years and having travelled on numerous routes, it isn’t an easy task to choose the best routes; still I will try and do my best.

The expensive special trains and their journeys will be kept out of this post for obvious reasons. Let the budget traveller rule the roost!

1.  The Kashmir Railway (Jammu – Udhampur)

The Kashmir Railway is one of the most challenging engineering projects in India. The extremes of cold and heat along with the unfavorable terrain and political scenarios make this route one of the most thrilling of all Indian train routes. This route has 20 major tunnels and 158 bridges which offer awe inspiring views of the rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain Ranges.
Kashmir Railways
Kashmir Railways

2.  The Snow Sojourn (Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla)

This is a part of the Kashmir Railway, but currently work is going on the section between Jammu and Qazigund, thus making this another separate leg of the journey. When complete, this will be a part of the greater Kashmir railway which will connect Jammu to Baramulla, or rather the plains to the Valley.
The journey promises a refreshing ride through the Kashmir Valley, weaving through the snow capped peaks at a distance and the Chinar trees all around. The best part of taking this journey is during the winters when the surroundings are filled with snow.
The Snow Sojourn
The Snow Sojourn
There is only the option of an unreserved DEMU train currently on this route.

3. The Kangra Valley Odyssey ( Pathankot – Kangra-Palampur-Jogindernagar)

The Kangra Valley Railway belongs to the sub-Himalayan region in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Pathankot in Punjab, it covers 164 kms to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, meandering through numerous passes, rivers and valleys. Even though it’s a laid back option of traveling across the Kangra valley, yet the views it offers compensates the speed. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar hills at a distance after Palampur rewards the tired soul exuberantly.
The Kangra Valley Odyssey
The Kangra Valley Odyssey
The journey of 165 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar takes almost a whopping 10 hours.
The unreserved Kangra Valley Passenger is the only train on this route currently.

4. The Konkan Railway(Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)

Amazing greeneries, plethora of water bodies, stunning curves and the magnificent Sahyadris join hands to make this one of the most sought after train travel experience for any railway enthusiast in India.
The Konkan Railway
The Konkan Railway
The Konkan Railway is also an example of the high spirits of the engineers of this country, who constructed this marvel battling against a hostile loose terrain with frequent landslide tendencies.

5. The Goan Experience ( Vasco Da Gama – Londa Jn)

Goa might be known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, but there is another side of Goa which cannot be missed. The lush green villages, thick jungles and the abundant waterfalls constitute a charming world of Goan Rails. A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s highest and most exquisite falls.
The Goan Experience
The Goan Experience

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway(Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam)

When the blue and cream coloured coaches chug up the blue mountains, even the crudest of all hearts will skip a beat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, running for over a 110 years is another train journey, you simply cannot miss.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
The steam engine covers the 46 km to Ooty in four and a half hours, twisting and turning through the rocky terrain, before slowly meandering into the sprawling tea estates. The familiar chuffing sound of the steam locomotive casts an old world charm and reminds of the legacies of the British Raj.

7. Himalayan Queen(Kalka – Shimla)

Being the only mountain railway in India, to be used by regular commuters, the heritage railway between Kalka and Shimla features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers.
Himalayan Queen
Himalayan Queen
Built in 1903, it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, flanked by the picturesque Shivalik Hills on both sides. The train guzzles along the track, built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries of ancient Roman architecture. A morning ride on this stretch, wrapping the fresh air, whistling past the oak, pine and maple trees has all the ingredients to make it a journey of a lifetime.

8. The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway( New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling)

The oldest of all mountain railways in India, the Toy Train is also a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1999.Loops are a special feature of this railway to give it a natural ascent. The most popular being the ‘Batasia Loop’ which offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the snow capped Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
On its ascent from Sukna, the train crosses a few settlements and towns weaving through the tea gardens, tea factories and small forests of maple, chestnut, pear and cherry. One can also sneak a peek into the hustle bustle of the Gorkha settlements on the way. Gorkhas are an ethnic group of this region with Mongolian features known for their valor and bravery.

The train chugs alongside the busy highway and often intrigues the traveller with its slow, yet effective pace.

9. Matheran Hill Railway (Neral-Matheran)

Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the favourite weekend destinations for busy Mumbaikars. It still holds its charm, thanks to no vehicles being allowed in the town. One has to take a pony ride or walk on the dusty and muddy roads to go around Matheran.
Matheran Hill Railway
Matheran Hill Railway
The Matheran Hill Railway is the only heritage railway in Maharashtra. This narrow gauge rail link between Neral and Matheran was built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy between 1901 and 1907 at the cost of Rs.1600000. The route, through large swathes of forest territory, covers a distance of 20 kilometers in about one and half hours, is full of panoramic views .Any lone visitor will surely enjoy the tranquillity this ride offers.

10. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri – New Mal – Hasimara –Alipurduar)

A vast expanse of dense forests brimming with wildlife, murmur of streams trotting down from the hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, interwoven by tea gardens and dissected by the gorging Teesta River make Dooars a unique palette of nature.
Dooars Voyage
Dooars Voyage
The train route recently converted to broad gauge has minimum traffic but passes through notable wildlife sanctuaries abound in a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. It crosses Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings. You can get down at Chalsa, Hasimara or Rajabhatkhawa to get drenched in the Dooars experience.

11. Flavours of Assam (Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar)

The aroma of Assam runs into your senses as the train inches into the lush greenery of the adjoining valleys of Haflong, before joining the banks of River Jatinga and meandering along with it. A few hours later catch the flavour of the tea gardens of Barak valley, before running into the plains. This track now goes south and connects Agartala (the second largest city of North East India) to rest of the country.
Flavours of Assam
Flavours of Assam

12. Desert Queen ( Jaipur-Jaisalmer)

Jaisalmer is the gateway to all the camel safaris in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. A train journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer can be a great experience of viewing the barren stretches of the Thar Desert. The vibrant settlements of colourful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life.
Desert Queen
Desert Queen

13. Arakku Valley Railway ( Vizag – Arakku)

Arakku Valley is a popular hotspot for nature enthusiasts, boasting of thick forests and coffee plantations. Vishakhapatnam, an important port city of East India has a rail link to Arakku, which lies on the Kothavalasa and Kirandul (KK) Line. This is one of rare broad gauge hill railways of India, which was built to transport iron ore from the mines of Chattisgarh to the port city of Vizag, presently known as Vishakhapatnam.
Arakku Valley Railway
Arakku Valley Railway
The rail route is one of the better ways to travel to Arakku Valley, crossing quite a few caves and waterfalls on the way.

14. Malnad Magic (Hassan – Mangalore)

The picturesque green paddy fields and Areca nut palm trees of the Malnad region encompasses this route. The best stretch is the one between Sakleshpur and Subramanya stations, where the train chugs through 57 tunnels offering a stunning view of the misty mountains and the sparkling waterfalls all around.
Malnad Magic
Malnad Magic

15. The Sea Bridge Ride (Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram)

The bridge that connects Mandapam in TamilNadu to the Pamban island is the second longest sea bridge in India and even if you are not a pilgrim to the Varanasi of south, you will fall in love with this train ride crossing the Gulf of Mannar.
The Sea Bridge Ride
The Sea Bridge Ride

16. The Western Ghat Saunter( Karjat – Lonavala)

As the train passes Karjat in Maharashtra, it enters the hinterland of the Western Ghats, not the mightiest in terms of height but extremely rich in biodiversity. During monsoons, this journey comes alive with numerous streams and cascading waterfalls on its way. The dense foliage with the backdrop of the hills will make you move out of your seat and enjoy the scenery at the door.
The Western Ghat Saunter
The Western Ghat Saunter
The train passes through the village settlements of Thakurwadi before hiking up Monkey Hill, then crossing the romantic Khandala reaches Lonavala.

17. Chambal Express (Agra to Gwalior)

The infamous Chambal region has been in the news for decades, thanks to the dacoits who might have created a record for the maximum number of extortions, robberies and murders in the region. But there is something about the ravines of Chambal that impresses the eye. The terrain has been supporting the sons of her soil since ages, with its unique diversity of undulations that makes it easier for the villains to rob and escape. 
Chambal Express
Chambal Express
A train ride through the Chambal ravines can bring a rush of adrenaline to the adventurous and a sense of curiosity to the landscape lover.

18. The Kerala Anubhavam (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum)

There isn’t a better way to experience the magic of Kerala, than by taking a train ride from Ernakulam(Cochin) to Trivandrum via Kollam (Quilon).It is like a holiday package which offers you all in one. The enchanting backwaters, the pristine lakes, the coconut palms fencing the water channels and a peek into the rural life of Kerala living in islands formed out of the backwaters.
The Kerala Anubhavam
The Kerala Anubhavam

19. The Travancore Railway (Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai)

The erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore had flagged off the first train on this route, way back in 1907.The section from Punalur to Sengottai crossing the beautiful Cardamom Hills is the best part of this journey in terms of the lushness of nature and the architectural marvels. The famous 13 arched bridge is a sight to remember on this route.
The Travancore Railway
The Travancore Railway
This section is currently closed for gauge conversion. Once complete this will connect Trivandrum to Chennai in the fastest way. Expected to complete by 2013.Currently one can take a ride up to Punalur only.

20. Unknown Andhra (Guntakal – Guntur)

The section between Dhone and Cumbum on the Guntakal – Guntur boasts of a scenic journey through the Eastern Ghats. Most of the express trains pass this stretch at night, but there are a few passenger trains that can be taken to experience the scenic beauty of this unexplored part of Andhra Pradesh. One can also alight at Cumbum station to see the Cumbum Lake, the oldest man-made lake of Asia.
Unknown Andhra
Unknown Andhra

21. Tribal Orissa Odyssey (Koraput – Rayagada)

Popularly known as the KR line, the Koraput-Rayagada line is an off shoot from the Kirandul- Kothavalasa (KK) line. Koraput is about 800 meters above sea level and the journey till Rayagada at 200 meters is an enchanting downhill experience. The dense forests and horse shoe curves add a charm to this unknown ride.
Tribal Orissa Odyssey
Tribal Orissa Odyssey

22. Lake View Chilika (Bhubaneswar- Brahmapur )

Take a morning ride from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur in Orissa to experience the grandeur of the Chilika Lake on your left and the Eastern Ghats on your right. Chilika is the second largest lagoon on earth and a haven for migratory birds. If you are into bird watching, make sure you sit on the train window with a binocular.
Lake View Chilika
Lake View Chilika

23. Aravalli Adventure (Himmatnagar – Udaipur/Mavli – Marwar)

The Aravalli range runs across the state of Rajasthan from north to south. These old mountains consist of steep rocky ridges, formed due to erosion of an ancient folded mountain. They are rich in the history of Rajasthan which unfolds when a journey is taken to the interiors meeting the locals, listening to the folklores.
Aravalli Adventure
Aravalli Adventure
A train journey from Ahmedabad to Udaipur passes through a section of the hills and is a nice experience.To travel into the interiors of Aravalli, the meter gauge line from Mavli to Marwar is ideal. Mavli is 43 kms from Udaipur City and is waiting for a gauge conversion to be sanctioned between Mavli and Marwar.

24. Gir Safari (Junagarh-Delvada)

The Metre gauge railway from Junagadh to Delvada in Gujarat is an interesting journey through the wooded hills of Gir National Park. It is an extremely slow journey but for the laid back traveller planning for a stopover at Gir and looking to soak in the culture of Saurashtra (western region of Gujarat), this is a journey to look for. The train stops at Sasan Gir station, which leads to start of the National Park. One can also head to Diu using this train passing through the coastline of western Gujarat.
Gir Safari
Gir Safari

25. Shindavane and Ambale (Pune-Satara)

The ghats of Shindavane are known for the barren and lofty Sahyadri Mountains. The railway cuts deep through the mountains and passes through loose rocks on all sides. This lies in the Pune-Satara section of the Central Railways.
Shindavane and Ambale
Shindavane and Ambale

Notes:

  • The routes mentioned here can be closed due to various reasons, like gauge conversions, landslides or other unavoidable circumstances.Be well informed about the train availability on the routes before you plan a ride.
  • Do check the official website of Indian Railways for all train and route related information: www.indianrail.gov.in

The best places to visit in Ooty


Ooty or Udagamandalam is a beautiful hillstation in south India. It is carpeted by lush greenery and fairly untouched landscapes. Often referred to as the Queen of Hillstations, Ooty draws a large number of tourists every year,  attracted by it’s natural beauty and perfect picnic spots. We discover some of the best places to visit in Ooty.

Coonoor

Less than 20 kilometers from Ooty, Coonoor makes a great day trip. Coonoor is a very laid back place where most activities are centered around nature and its appreciation. This is the ideal place to feel one with Mother Nature and indulge in some rest and relaxation.
Tea estate in Ooty
Tea Estate in Ooty

Niligiri Toy Train Ride

Nilgiri’s famous Toy Train is a great way to reach Coonoor. The charming train started operating over a century ago and considering the terrain of the region it is rightfully considered an engineering marvel. The blue-cream train oozes old world charm with delightful wooden coaches and large windows that provide enchanting views. It’s called a toy train because it’s so slow that you can high-five the children outside. It stops every hour and so you can easily hop in and out for a short photo session. A ride of the usually crowded train should be considered as a rare experience as well as a functional mode of transport.
Ooty Toy Train
Ooty Toy Train

History of Nature

Ooty is a feast for those interested in horticulture. Many varieties of fruits and flowers are grown at the Government Botanical gardens, which were opened in 1847. The Gardens have well over 650 species of plants and trees, including a fossil of a tree, which is believed to be more than 20 million years old.
Government Botanical Gardens
Government Botanical Gardens

Lake Ooty

If you like the outdoors you will love the Ooty lake. It was built in 1825 and is almost 3 kms long. Boating, angling, strolling around the perimeter are popular activities here. This is one of the best places to visit in Ooty for families who want to spend time together. Fishing permission is required ahead of time.
Ooty Lake
Ooty Lake

The Dodabetta Peak

Perched at an altitude of 2,623 meters, this is the highest point in the district, and the best place to visit in Ooty for a spectacular vantage point. It is located 10kms from Ooty and is a great place for photographers and nature lovers. On a clear day you can see as far as Coimbatore and the flat highlands of Mysore.

Lamb’s Rock

This is another vantage point that’s shared by Coonoor and Ooty in terms of distance. It serves as a lovely picnic spot and offers splendid vistas of the plains of Coimbatore and the region’s tea states.
A beautiful scene on the way to Lamb’s rock, Ooty
A beautiful scene on the way to Lamb’s rock, Ooty

Kodanadu

16kms from Kotagiri is Kodanadu. It is situated on the eastern edge of the Nilgiris. This is also a good viewpoint, which offers enchanting views of the Moyar river and endless tea estates. The Rangasamy peak is visible from the watchtower here.

Festivities

In January, you can enjoy a Tea and Tourism Festival. But other important regional festivals are Thaipoosam in Elk Hill Murugan Temple (February), Bookkapuram Mariamman Annual Festival (February), Ooty Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Coonoor Mariamman Temple Festival (April), Boat Races and Boat Pageantry in Ooty (May), Flower show in Ooty (May) and Fruit show in Coonoor (May).

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, 100 km away. You can catch a direct flight to Coimbatore from Chennai, Kozhikode, Bangalore and Mumbai. Ooty is a 3 to 4 hour drive from Coimbatore, depending upon traffic and weather conditions.
  • Nearest broad gauge railway head is Mettupalayam (46 kms). The major broad gauge railway junction is Coimbatore. It is connected with all major cities.
  • Mettupalayam to Ooty is connected by a Mountain Railway which is a scenic 4 hour journey. The ‘Nilgiri toy train’ connects these two destinations, at the foot of the Nilgiris.
  • Ooty is well connected by good roads. It is 535 km from Chennai (via Salem), 89 km from Coimbatore, 18 km from Coonoor (via Gudalur), 155 km from Mysore, 187 km from Calicut, 290 km from Bangalore, 281 km from Kochi (via Coimbatore and Palakkad), 236 km from Kodaikanal (via Coimbatore and Palani).
  • Ooty enjoys superb weather all year round. December and January are its winter months. The temperature in winter hovers around 5C. In summer, the temperature can go up to 25C.
  • A homestay offers the perfect accommodation for a trip to Ooty. A mere five minute drive from the main Ooty town Aarani Cottage makes an ideal base to stay.
  • Many visitors opt to stay in Coonoor and take day trips to Ooty. Check out our wide range of Coonoor homestays.


An Architectural Extravaganza – The City Palace, Jaipur


Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, promises a heady mix of all things Indian – vivid colours, bustling markets, gastronomical delights and most importantly, a walk into history. The city embraces some of the most fantastic monuments in the country and is sprinkled with forts, monuments and structures from the Rajput era. For those who want to take a stroll into the glorious period of Kings and Royalty, this is the place. Out of many such monuments, the City Palace in Jaipur is quite striking. Here is a guide for planning your visit.
City Palace - Jaipur Rajasthan - India
City Palace - Jaipur Rajasthan - India

History and Architecture

The City Palace was the muse of Sawai Jai Singh II who was responsible to give its initial structure from 1729 to 1732. Later, two able architects Vidyadar Bhattacharya and also the Sawai himself infused the Indian nuances with Mughal and European details to make it one of the most awe inspiring buildings in the city. It was the seat for the ruling King of Jaipur and included the two palace complexes – Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Even now, the City Palace, commands the erstwhile awe and respect from visitors all across the globe.
Entrance of City Palace
Entrance of City Palace 

Apart from the palace complexes, the City Palace houses a museum. The other notable parts of the structure are the Diwan – I – Khas, Pitam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-I-Aam, Maharani’s Palace, Baggi Khana and the Govind Ji Temple. Stories like that of Ishwari Singh (son of Jai Singh) who died after being bitten by a snake and his 21 wives committing ‘sati’ (sitting in the funeral pyre of the husband) still hang heavy in the corridors of the palace. Make sure that you take your time to soak in the history and the legendary stories that reverberate in this magnificent structure.
A doorway inside City Palace
A doorway inside City Palace

How to Get There

Jaipur is well connected to Delhi by road and rail, it is not necessary to take a flight as the distance is only 277 kms and it takes not more than 4 hours to reach. The trains are also very convenient and well timed. Within the city, City Palace is quite accessible. Use a cab or local transport like auto rickshaws to get there. Please note that the entry is only from two of the three gates – Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol (Stable Gate). The third gate, Tripolia, is reserved for the Royal family.

Best Time to Visit

Weather wise, Jaipur has great weather between the months of October and December. Extreme cold and heat in the respective months are difficult to deal with for some, especially the summers.
City palace interior
City palace interior

Opening Times

The City Palace and the Museum are open between 10.00 a.m – 5.00 p.m on the days of the week. It is only closed on major festivals like Holi, Diwali and other select few. Please check before you plan your trip.

Entry Fees

As almost all historical places in India, the fees for foreign nationals is more than Indians. Foreign National – Rs 150 for adults, Rs 80 for children and Indians – Rs 35 for adults, Rs 20 for children.

Other Tips

  • There are plenty of guides available at the Palace. Choose a government certified person only as the rates are fixed. One can tip accordingly based on your experience.
  • The aarti in the Govind Ji Temple can be seen 7 times in the day. Check for the timing before you get in.
  • Be suitably dressed as a mark of respect. String tops & shorts etc for women are common as Rajasthan is a travel hub, but carry a light stole around the shoulders is recommended for women.

Winter Sports in India

India is well known for its highest peak and big mountains ranges, these ranges offers all kind of mountaineering, aero sports as well as the winter sports in India. Himalayan region of India are ideal destinations for chill and thrill adventures winter sports. The Snow-capped Mountains, lush greenery and a cool breeze are the assets to the north Indian, which makes them one of the best destinations for the snow sports. The hill station of India like Shimla, Darjeeling, Nainital, Gulmarg and Srinagar are counted as best for the snow sports. The unexplored valleys, snow-capped mountains with stunning glaciers, and towering peaks are the major adventures places for snow sports such as Skiing, Ice skating, Ice Climbing and Snowboarding. Other recreational sports include Ice hockey, Figure skating, Snowmobile, Ice fishing, snow cycling, snow football and snowball fight can also be enjoyed some time.

Skiing: 

This recreational activity is most famous snow sports, used skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are connect to the toe and heels with the use of a binding. Many different types of skiing are also popular such as Alpine skiing, Freestyle skiing and Military skiing. The major destination with fine, flowing, snowy slopes for skiing in India are Auli, Pahalgam, Manali, Narkanda, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. Gulmarg is one of the most popular skiing destinations in India.
Skiing in Gulmarg - India
Skiing in Gulmarg - India

Skating:

Ice skating is one of the major attractions of snow sports in India. The destination for Ice-skating in India is shimla, himachal pradesh. Ice-skating carnival of Shimla is famous for major winter sports like ice hockey, dance performances and figure skating. Ice Skating Association of India is take care of the all ice skating sports.
Ice Skating in Shimla
Ice Skating in Shimla

Snowboarding: 

Snowboard is board attached to a rider’s feet using a special boot set onto mounted binding. The free-ride style of snowboarding is the most common and easily accessible style of snowboarding,consists of riding down any terrain. Another style of snowboarding is Freestyles, In freestyle, the rider uses man-made terrain features to perform tricks. The chill and thrill Snowboarding needs skills and exercises like maintain body balance, turning of the board,Edging,control and timing.
Snowboarding in Shimla and Gulmarg
Snowboarding in Shimla and Gulmarg

Sledding: 

Sledding or sledge is similar to sliding in seated position on a device called as sledge. In sledding riders, ride down from a snow covered hill and determines the path by twists and turns. Lying on the stomach can also be a good technique to improve the fun of sledge ride.
Sledding in Shimla
Sledding in Shimla

Ice climbing: 

India is a paradise for mountaineering lovers, its large belt of mountain ranges are well known for climbing. As a sport, ice climbing is still evolving in India, it is one of the fastest growing sports of India. The thrilling and adventures winter sport ice climbing is one of the major attractions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh tourism.
Ice Climbing - Himachal Pradesh
Ice Climbing - Himachal Pradesh