Train Travel in India: Routes, Experiences, and Hidden Gems

When you think of train travel, the backbone of India’s mobility and a cultural experience in itself. Also known as Indian railways, it moves over 23 million people daily—not just between cities, but through time, tradition, and terrain you won’t find on any map. This isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about sipping chai at a platform stall as the sun rises over the Thar Desert, watching villages blur past from a window seat, or sharing stories with strangers who become friends by the time you reach your stop.

Train travel in India includes everything from packed local commuter lines to scenic train journeys, like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Konkan Railway, where cliffs drop into the sea and tunnels carve through green hills. Then there are the luxury trains India, such as the Palace on Wheels or the Deccan Odyssey, where polished brass, silk curtains, and gourmet meals turn a 7-day ride into a moving five-star hotel. These aren’t just vacations—they’re immersive cultural tours on wheels, connecting you to places you’d never reach by car or plane.

What makes train travel here so unique? It’s the rhythm. The clatter of wheels. The call of vendors selling samosas and jalebis. The way a train ride can shift from the bustle of Delhi to the quiet of a Kerala backwater station in a single night. You don’t just see India—you live it, one stop at a time. Whether you’re chasing mountain views, temple visits, or just a cheap way to cross the country, the rails offer something no other transport can.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides from travelers who’ve taken these routes—from the longest train journey in India to hidden stops only locals know about. You’ll learn how to book tickets without the stress, what to pack for a 36-hour ride, and why some trains are better at night. No fluff. Just what works, what surprises people, and what you won’t find in any brochure.