– Kalka to Shimla Toy Train, Himachal Pradesh
Timeless Journeys Through India's Historic Railways, Mountain Toy Trains
and Scenic Heritage Routes
Explore journeys that reveal breathtaking landscapes, living history and the romance of slow travel.
There is perhaps no better way to experience the romance of travel than aboard one of India's heritage railways. Long before highways and airports transformed travel across the subcontinent, these historic lines connected hill stations, royal capitals and remote landscapes, carrying generations of travellers through some of India's most spectacular scenery. Today, these beautifully preserved railways continue to evoke the elegance of a bygone era, where vintage locomotives, charming stations and breathtaking landscapes make the journey every bit as memorable as the destination.
From UNESCO World Heritage mountain railways climbing through mist-covered hills to historic metre-gauge routes winding across forests and mountain passes, India's heritage rail network showcases remarkable engineering achievements and living history. Many of these lines have been operating for well over a century, preserving original tunnels, bridges, stations and even steam locomotives. Whether traversing the Himalayas, the Nilgiris, the Western Ghats or the Aravalli Hills, these nostalgic journeys offer an unforgettable glimpse into India's rich railway legacy.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (West Bengal)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first mountain railway in Asia to receive this distinction, the famous Darjeeling Toy Train has delighted travellers since 1881. Running between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, the narrow-gauge railway gradually climbs from the plains to over 2,000 metres, passing through tea estates, bustling hill towns and charming mountain villages. The route negotiates dramatic loops, zigzags and steep gradients, including the famous Batasia Loop, while offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas and, on clear days, Kanchenjunga. Vintage steam locomotives continue to operate on select departures, preserving the timeless charm of one of India's most celebrated rail journeys.
Kalka–Shimla Railway (Himachal Pradesh)
Completed in 1903 to connect the British summer capital with the plains, the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla Railway remains one of the world's finest examples of mountain railway engineering. Stretching 96 kilometres from Kalka to Shimla, the route passes through more than 100 tunnels, nearly 900 bridges and over 900 graceful curves as it steadily climbs through pine forests, deep valleys and picturesque hill settlements. Elegant stone viaducts, colonial-era stations and ever-changing Himalayan vistas make the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway (Tamil Nadu)
Affectionately known as the Ooty Toy Train, the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway links Mettupalayam, Coonoor and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). Built in 1908, it is India's only rack-and-pinion railway, enabling the train to climb the steep slopes of the Nilgiri Hills. The journey passes through dense forests, tea plantations, tunnels, waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery before reaching the cool hill station of Ooty. The heritage blue coaches and occasional steam-hauled services add to the nostalgic appeal of this unforgettable journey.
Matheran Hill Railway (Maharashtra)
Opened in 1907, the Matheran Hill Railway connects Neral with the charming hill station of Matheran, one of Asia's few automobile-free towns. The narrow-gauge train winds gently through thick forests and the escarpments of the Western Ghats, negotiating sharp bends and steep climbs while revealing spectacular valley views. Travelling at an unhurried pace, it perfectly captures the leisurely spirit of a bygone era and remains one of India's most charming heritage rail experiences.
Kangra Valley Railway (Himachal Pradesh)
The Kangra Valley Railway, inaugurated in 1929, offers one of the most scenic yet least crowded railway journeys in the Himalayas. Running from Pathankot to Jogindernagar, the narrow-gauge route follows the fertile Kangra Valley, crossing rivers, tea gardens and rural villages before reaching the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar Range. With its historic bridges, quaint stations and uninterrupted mountain views, it offers an authentic glimpse into Himachal Pradesh's timeless landscapes and culture.
Goram Ghat Heritage Railway (Rajasthan)
Hidden within the rugged Aravalli Hills, the Goram Ghat Heritage Railway is among Rajasthan's most spectacular yet lesser-known rail journeys. The historic metre-gauge route connects Marwar Junction and Mavli Junction, traversing the dramatic ghat section through Phulad, Goram Ghat and Kamli Ghat. Built during the early twentieth century by the princely states of Mewar and Marwar, the railway crosses more than 170 bridges, passes through tunnels and hugs steep mountain slopes with sweeping views of forests, rocky valleys and seasonal waterfalls. Today, the heritage Valley Queen train revives the nostalgia of Rajasthan's disappearing metre-gauge railways while showcasing one of the state's most scenic and historic routes.
Fairy Queen Steam Express (Delhi – Alwar)
The Fairy Queen is centred around one of the world's oldest working steam locomotives, built in 1855 and lovingly restored to operating condition. Operating on select heritage departures between Delhi and Alwar, the journey recreates the elegance of Victorian-era rail travel and is a rare opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of steam-powered railways. Though infrequent, it remains a bucket-list experience for railway enthusiasts and lovers of living history.
Steam Heritage Runs from Rewari (Haryana)
Home to one of India's last surviving steam locomotive sheds, Rewari has played a vital role in preserving the country's steam railway heritage. The beautifully restored locomotives are occasionally operated on special heritage excursions and commemorative events, allowing travellers to relive the golden age of Indian Railways. The restored workshop itself is an important heritage attraction, showcasing the craftsmanship and engineering behind these magnificent steam engines.
Vistadome Journeys on Historic Railway Routes
While contemporary in design, India's Vistadome coaches provide a wonderful way to appreciate some of the country's most scenic historic railway corridors. Large panoramic windows and glass roofs enhance journeys through the Western Ghats, the Araku Valley and the Konkan region, where railway lines weave through dense forests, tunnels, waterfalls, deep valleys and dramatic coastal landscapes. These routes beautifully combine modern comfort with the enduring appeal of India's historic railway engineering.
Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train (Madhya Pradesh)
One of central India's most scenic heritage rail journeys, the Patalpani–Kalakund Heritage Train traverses the picturesque Vindhya ranges between Patalpani and Kalakund, near Indore. Originally built during the British era, the narrow-gauge route winds through dense forests, deep valleys, tunnels, sharp curves and numerous bridges, offering spectacular views, particularly during the monsoon when waterfalls cascade down the surrounding hills. Restored as a heritage service, the leisurely journey celebrates the charm of India's disappearing narrow-gauge railways while showcasing the natural beauty of the Malwa region.
Bilimora–Waghai Heritage Railway (Gujarat)
Dating back to 1914, the Bilimora–Waghai Railway is one of India's surviving narrow-gauge railways, stretching approximately 63 kilometres from Bilimora on the Gujarat coast to Waghai, at the edge of the lush Dang forests. Originally constructed to transport timber from the forested interiors, the route now offers a leisurely journey through tribal villages, rivers, teak forests and rolling countryside. Although services have been modernised over time, the line continues to preserve the nostalgic charm of Gujarat's railway heritage and remains an important reminder of the region's historic narrow-gauge network.
Historic Railway Landmarks
India's railway heritage extends beyond its trains. Magnificent stations such as Mumbai's UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus stand as enduring symbols of Victorian Gothic architecture and the golden age of rail travel. Historic stations, colonial-era bridges, preserved steam locomotive museums and heritage railway workshops across the country continue to celebrate more than 170 years of Indian Railways and its enduring contribution to the nation's history.
More than simply a means of travel, India's heritage railways are journeys through history. They preserve remarkable engineering, colonial-era architecture and breathtaking landscapes, inviting travellers to slow down and experience India through a different lens. Whether winding through Himalayan mountains, tea-covered hills, forested valleys or the rugged Aravallis, these timeless rail journeys continue to offer some of the most authentic and memorable ways to discover the Indian subcontinent.
