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 the heritage and culture of India, one cannot help but conjure up images of dynamism, diversity and rich history. What if we told you that you can unlock the secrets of Indian heritage while traveling on the rails? For many millennials, train journey can evoke a feeling of nostalgia. At a time when road trips and flights take center stage in journey preferences, train travel often takes a back seat. However, in India, a train journey is an adventure in itself.
Engage in conversations with fellow passengers, gaze at the picturesque landscape landscapes unfolding outside your window, swaying to the rhythm of the train's movement and making occasional stops at the station for refreshing stretches – all these experiences combine to make train travel a holistic odyssey. These trains offer not only a journey into nostalgia but also a captivating ride through the culturally diverse landscape of India. Additionally, India's extensive railway network has several UNESCO World Heritage-listed trains that promise to transport you to the heart of the country's cultural treasures. (Also read: World Tourism Day 2023: date, history, meaning )
Best Indian Heritage Trains for a Fascinating Journey
Dinesh Kumar Kotha, Co-Founder and CEO of ConfirmTkt shared with HT Lifestyle some of the amazing Indian heritage trains that will definitely give you an amazing journey.
1. Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Nestled amidst India's treasure trove of heritage trains, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway emerges as a true marvel of engineering and natural beauty. This UNESCO-recognized gem winds through the picturesque Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, promising passengers an enchanting journey like no other. Beloved by travelers and even gracing the silver screen in Bollywood films, this charming train adventure is set against the backdrop of lush tea plantations, serene forests and charming hill stations.
Climbing to over 6,000 feet, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway not only treats you to breathtaking scenery but also offers a captivating insight into India's colonial history and the timeless charm of train travel. One of his cinematic claims to fame includes his appearance in the Shah Rukh Khan starrer film “Dil Se”, where the chart-topping song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” was filmed on the slow train, adding to his legendary charm .
2. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
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 breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas and, as you travel up steep inclines aboard vintage locomotives, you will enjoy breathtaking views while immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. This iconic railway has also made its mark on the silver screen, notably in the Bollywood film 'Parineeta' where Saif Ali Khan serenades aboard the train while climbing the hills.
The route, which stretches from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling railway station, is a popular choice for tourists seeking historical charm and natural beauty. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this train winds through picturesque mountains, offering five captivating loops as it climbs into the hills.
3. Palace on wheels
The Palace on Wheels is like a time machine, taking you on a captivating week-long journey through the enchanting landscapes of Rajasthan, India. This experience seamlessly combines luxury, culture and history, making stops in iconic destinations like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Imagine entering exquisitely designed cabins, enjoying gourmet feasts and relaxing in sumptuous surroundings. However, what really sets this adventure apart is its deep cultural immersion: you'll explore magnificent forts and palaces, savor traditional performances, and enjoy high-level hospitality. It is a unique excursion that unveils the rich heritage of Rajasthan, promising indelible memories along the way.
4. Kalka-Shimla Railway
Imagine embarking on an enchanting journey through the lush foothills of the Himalayas, all thanks to the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a captivating time capsule of the wonders of Indian engineering of the colonial era. This narrow-gauge heritage train winds gracefully through 103 tunnels, crosses over 800 bridges and conquers steep inclines, all while providing passengers with breathtaking views of lush green valleys, dense forests and picturesque villages along the path.
As you climb 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, designed by the visionary HS Harington in 1898 to connect Shimla, the ancient summer capital of India, to the national railway network, is now under the careful management of the Northern Railway. With its well-deserved heritage site status achieved in 2008, it invites not only railway enthusiasts but also nature lovers to embark on a truly picturesque and historic journey through the magnificent landscapes of Himachal Pradesh .
