Akanksha Agnihotri
Explore India's heritage on a captivating train journey,
from the Kalka-Shimla Railway to the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, this World
Tourism Day.
World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27
to focus on promoting tourism in various parts of the world. When it comes to
India's heritage and culture, one can't help but conjure images of vibrancy,
diversity, and rich history. However, what if we told you that you could
unravel the secrets of India's heritage while journeying on rails? For many
millennials, train travel may invoke a sense of nostalgia. In an era where road
trips and flights have taken centre stage in travel preferences, train journeys
have often faded into the background. However, in India, a train voyage is an
adventure in itself.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMkqvsr0A7QkDLNXkmJSIjwinCeFXR_tjqXFeZyPLGA6qPcCq3tk2ElBzsjCHebT5XhXo3Fff7y2tOqbJkmZdW5xn1dhold24K9UEXLtRE3-LY5eblhRE6gshXH9YLcFRRJYztF3tIGtGxnrZaQ81wzK5J4h6oqBTbTvbMhnIgMV1Or6iWdzTTA2Kd2Z4/s320/sugden-guy-sugden-JcimvPDC3as-unsplash_1695731350609_1695731368924.jpg) |
Heritage trains offer not only a journey through nostalgia but also a captivating ride through India's culturally diverse landscape. (Unsplash/Sugden Guy sugden) |
Engaging in conversations with fellow passengers, gazing at
the picturesque landscapes unfolding outside your window, swaying to the
rhythmic motion of the train, and making occasional station stops for some
refreshing stretching – all these experiences combine to make train travel a
holistic odyssey. These trains offer not only a journey through nostalgia but
also a captivating ride through India's culturally diverse landscape. Moreover,
India's extensive railway network boasts several UNESCO-recognized heritage
trains that promise to transport you to the heart of the country's cultural
treasures.
Top heritage trains of India for a mesmerising journey
Dinesh Kumar Kotha, Co-founder and CEO, ConfirmTkt shared
with HT Lifestyle some of the amazing Indian heritage trains that are sure to
offer you an incredible journey.
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jDR6R6eYlrGpvGbNdvidPcknlHCpryk4EFd6s8OM7Kk2uvGuWFk1vMMJ20VsuPCES42GXEnm5DN187xdvtoUAf-yfpqYfPS3XuhsDRk7XmDmuyhj-uK9AfEB_lLZxCCgYzOrVDVEP-KYxRcU666dyUHFloWXWjNLn54ZNb6SJXZ6fCq_4VXUQw-P9HgF/s320/4_1624272090569.webp) |
Nilgiri Mountain Railway stretches from Mettupalayam to Ooty in Tamil Nadu. Built-in 1908, the train passes through 16 tunnels and across 250 bridges in the Nilgiri mountain ranges. (Instagram/@brav0juliett) |
Nestled amidst India's treasure trove of heritage trains,
the Nilgiri Mountain Railway emerges as a true marvel of both engineering and
natural beauty. This UNESCO-recognized gem winds its way through the
picturesque Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, promising passengers an enchanting
journey like no other. Cherished by travellers and even gracing the silver
screen in Bollywood films, this delightful train adventure unfolds against a
backdrop of lush tea plantations, serene forests, and charming hill stations.
As you ascend to over 6,000 feet, the Nilgiri Mountain
Railway not only treats you to breathtaking landscapes but also offers a
captivating glimpse into India's colonial history and the timeless allure of
rail travel. One of its cinematic claims to fame includes its appearance in the
Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Dil Se" where the chart-topping song
"Chaiyya Chaiyya" was filmed on the slow-moving train, adding to its
legendary charm.
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2S3zeTQJ8qhTCD24kiD_M_1jbB3CoYjggUUnipWceT73xDdUtFzFk3n4ev-Bp7kUl-N44MV3eDEBuTiM2deWZ8YLZjl7FrEJwW161iN4TKPL3JDKhOqFzTjvW2rREoT7dXy_bfKMYiTnt6vQ2f3KaRLIuLJhVnEuOm18J0Wup3h3t-VoVxRPFoG3s7Lw/s320/Darjeeling_Toy_Train_1629850287718.jpg) |
Darjeeling 'toy trains', formally known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). (File Photo) |
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as
the "Toy Train" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in
Darjeeling, West Bengal. It offers a nostalgic ride through the stunning
landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, and as you traverse steep slopes on
vintage locomotives, you will soak in breathtaking views while immersing
yourself in the region's rich history and culture. This iconic railway has also
made its mark on the silver screen, most notably in the Bollywood film
"Parineeta" where Saif Ali Khan serenades aboard the train while
ascending the hills.
The route, stretching from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
station, is a beloved choice for tourists seeking historical charm and natural
beauty. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this train winds
through picturesque mountains, featuring five captivating loops on its ascent
to the hills.
3. Palace on Wheels
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OyigSWZqWFV7wjtkKZKID62kJ3bSHXgiHufm8BhJK7XQxPwtv9Y92xselP87ih4drkfxRWR-9eBOBx7NR6sMLliU8PineR9aEO8QIvpmKv4zPkoJ1uHj6yy7q4_3dhtx3WBOwoKzTkj8_GJbfmYnI0ZCzIfEE1P7gB6uYSG-tKPWFpc8qZC-Za5YVF94/s320/f8a669221e45ba62d7b3c9.jpg) |
Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train in India renowned for its opulent amenities and royal travel experience. (Pinterest) |
The Palace on Wheels is like a regal time machine, sweeping
you into a captivating week-long journey through the enchanting landscapes of
Rajasthan, India. This experience seamlessly blends luxury, culture, and
history, making stops at iconic destinations like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,
and Udaipur. Picture yourself stepping into exquisitely designed cabins,
savouring gourmet feasts, and unwinding in opulent surroundings. However, what
truly distinguishes this adventure is its deep cultural immersion—you will
explore magnificent forts and palaces, savour traditional performances, and
revel in top-tier hospitality. It's a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that unveils
Rajasthan's rich heritage, promising indelible memories along the way.
4. Kalka-Shimla Railway
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtDcy1JOFSe2j5bnon3nwGEXfjJPSXn_btdgcIB15h7Ah6_1ljnmEuO8MF3rWw1e4tRb-Eoa-Qx0vdWnBUzgUU2v-wNZsmZ4iZ5ilITdIkU6usKReAsVJQQVlTYnNELk8iuFwEFx__V68G3ryPDOc5BPD1nv45_epiDP4EVfZ9Xld5_-dHsHk7KUKZm5s/s320/Kalka-Shimla_Railway_1679311785981.webp) |
Kalka-Shimla Railway connects the town of Kalka in Haryana to the hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. (Pinterest) |
Envision yourself embarking on an enchanting journey through
the lush Himalayan foothills, all thanks to the Kalka-Shimla Railway—a UNESCO
World Heritage Site that stands as a captivating time capsule to India's
colonial-era engineering marvels. This narrow-gauge heritage train gracefully
winds its way through 103 tunnels, traverses over 800 bridges, and conquers
steep gradients, all while treating passengers to breathtaking vistas of
verdant valleys, dense forests, and picturesque villages along the way.
As you step into its vintage carriages, adorned with
polished woodwork and spacious windows, you will be transported back in time to
an era of elegance and charm. This remarkable railway, conceived by the
visionary HS Harington in 1898 to connect Shimla, the former summer capital of
India, to the national rail network, now falls under the careful stewardship of
the Northern Railway. With its well-deserved Heritage Site status earned in
2008, it beckons not only railway enthusiasts but also nature lovers to embark
on a truly scenic and historic voyage through the stunning landscapes of Himachal
Pradesh.
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