Train Journeys in South Asia
South Asia’s railways are legendary, and a handful of routes rank among the world’s most memorable train journeys. From narrow-gauge mountain railways that inch up Himalayan hillsides to coastal lines that skirt palm-fringed beaches, riding the rails here is as much about the experience and the scenery as about getting from A to B.
India’s colonial-era hill railways, several of them UNESCO-listed, are the headline acts, climbing to former summer capitals through spirals, loops and switchbacks. Sri Lanka’s hill-country line rivals them for beauty, threading tea plantations and cloud forest. These journeys are affordable, atmospheric and best savoured slowly with a window seat.
Unforgettable rail routes#
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India The UNESCO-listed toy train, a narrow-gauge marvel that loops and zigzags up to the hill station of Darjeeling. Its little steam and diesel locomotives crawl past tea gardens with Kanchenjunga looming beyond, offering a nostalgic journey little changed since the 1880s.
Kalka-Shimla Railway, India Another UNESCO hill railway, this narrow-gauge line climbs to the former summer capital of the Raj through more than a hundred tunnels and countless bridges. The five-hour ascent through pine forest to Shimla is a classic of Himalayan rail travel.
Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka Frequently called one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, this hill-country line winds through emerald tea plantations, waterfalls and misty highlands. Riding in an open doorway as the train curves through the mountains is a quintessential Sri Lankan experience.
Konkan Railway, India A modern engineering triumph running down India’s lush west coast between Mumbai and Mangalore, crossing hundreds of rivers and tunnels. During the monsoon it becomes especially magical, threading emerald hills, waterfalls and coastal plains of the Konkan.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, India The steepest of India’s UNESCO hill railways, a rack-and-pinion line that hauls its carriages up to the tea town of Ooty in the Western Ghats. The steam-hauled climb through forest and hairpin curves is a slow, spectacular delight.
Palace on Wheels, India A luxury tourist train recreating the opulence of the Rajput maharajas, touring Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and desert cities in vintage-styled splendour. Passengers dine, sleep and travel in regal carriages between Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and beyond. It offers a sumptuous, heritage-rich way to see the desert state.
Maharajas’ Express, India One of the world’s most luxurious trains, gliding across northern and central India with plush cabins, fine dining and curated excursions. Its multi-day itineraries link the Taj Mahal, tiger reserves and princely cities. Regarded as the pinnacle of Indian rail travel, it is unabashed opulence on rails.
Khyber Train Safari, Pakistan A dramatic heritage line climbing through the fabled Khyber Pass toward the Afghan frontier, hauled at times by vintage steam locomotives. The route negotiates tunnels, switchbacks and rugged tribal country of the northwest. Its history and wild scenery make it one of Asia’s most storied rail journeys.
Deccan Odyssey, India A luxury train exploring Maharashtra and beyond, from the caves of Ajanta and Ellora to Goa’s beaches and Rajasthan’s forts. Its lavish cabins, spa and fine dining rival the finest hotels. The train delivers a sumptuous, wide-ranging tour of western and central India’s highlights.
Vivek Express, India The longest train route in India, this marathon service runs the length of the country from Assam in the far northeast to Kanyakumari at its southern tip. Over four days it crosses a staggering cross-section of landscapes, cultures and cities. Riding it is an epic journey through the whole of India.
Fairy Queen, India Officially the world’s oldest working steam locomotive still in regular service, this heritage engine hauls a special tourist train out of Delhi. Its vintage carriages and gleaming Victorian locomotive offer a nostalgic ride into rail history. Enthusiasts prize it as a living relic of the steam age.
Matale to Kandy line, Sri Lanka A charming hill-country branch that climbs from the plains into the cultural heart of Kandy through tea estates and lush greenery. Slower and quieter than the famous Ella route, it offers an authentic slice of Sri Lankan rail travel. Winding curves and roadside villages make it a scenic delight.