5 train journeys in India that are a photographer’s dream

India’s railways are more than transport, they’re moving frames of culture, history, and breath-taking scenery. From misty hills and coastal stretches to snow-covered peaks and heritage routes, these journeys offer photographers stunning opportunities to capture landscapes, architecture, and local life. Each train ride unfolds as a visual story, blending nostalgia with the grandeur of India’s diverse beauty.

Let’s look at some breath-taking train journeys that one definitely must witness once in their lifetime:

A train that runs from Kalka to Shimla and one witnesses some of the most breath-taking views in route. The train goes through the Shivalik Hills and also crosses many architectural marvels. This train track is widely known for its beautiful views of the pine forests, steep hills, quaint villages, and snow-covered mountains. Also known as a ‘toy train,’ it has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photographers can capture the stunning misty hills, historic architecture en route, and lush greenery.

A gauge railway that runs between New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and is about 88 km long. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that goes through scenic hills, tea gardens, and lush green forests, photographers get amazing opportunities to click colonial-era structures and rich cultural heritage. The train goes through the Batasia Loop as well, which is a spiral climb with terraced tea gardens and the stunning view of Mount Kanchenjunga on the side. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has also featured in many films like Barfi!, Parineeta, and Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman.

Also known as the ‘toy train’ by locals, a gauge railway that is operated by the Southern Railway and is the only rack railway in India. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway climbs the rugged Western Ghats and goes through tunnels. The route passes through shola forests, tea estates, waterfalls, and mist-cloaked hills. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, recognized alongside the Darjeeling and Kalka-Shimla railways. Since this train uses heritage steam locomotives, it is considered a living museum and goes through beautiful landscapes. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway featured in the iconic song Chaiya Chaiya.

The Konkan Railway line connects Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka States and it crosses rivers, steep mountains, and plunging valleys. This stunning railway was flagged off on January 26, 1998, Republic Day, giving it patriotic importance. The route is especially spectacular during the monsoon when rivers swell and waterfalls cascade beside the tracks. Photographers can capture dramatic landscapes of cliffs, dense forests, and unspoiled beaches with train crossings, such as the famous Dudhsagar Falls near Goa.

A train that operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Madgaon Junction, which is the main railway station in Goa. This railway line is operated by the Central Railway and is named after the Mandovi River. The Mandovi Express is also known as "The Food Queen of Konkan Railways” by some people. It crosses rivers, passes through coconut and cashew plantations, and skirts pristine beaches. The train’s movement along the picturesque shoreline provides dynamic photo opportunities of natural beauty and regional lifestyle.