9 Scenic Train Journeys To Take
Vande Bharat Express is known for its speed, modern interiors and shorter travel times. But some of its routes offer something else worth enjoying, beautiful views outside the window. From the mountains of Kashmir to the lush Western Ghats and the coastline of southern India, several Vande Bharat journeys pass through landscapes that make the ride as memorable as the destination. (File Photo)
Katra-Srinagar: Mountains and the Kashmir Valley
The Vande Bharat connecting Katra and Srinagar offers one of the most dramatic landscapes on the network. As the train travels through the Kashmir Valley, passengers can see snow-covered peaks, green valleys, rivers and mountain slopes. The journey is particularly appealing during seasons when the surrounding landscape changes colour, offering a very different experience from a typical train ride. (Image: Instagram/@trains.of.india)
Mumbai-Madgaon: Green Western Ghats and Konkan Landscapes
The Mumbai-Madgaon Vande Bharat is a great choice for travellers who enjoy lush greenery. The route passes through the Konkan region and the Western Ghats, with views of hills, forests, rivers and countryside. During the monsoon, the landscape becomes especially green, with waterfalls and mist-covered hills adding to the scenery. (Image: Instagram/@pranitwaghdhare)
Mangaluru-Madgaon: A Journey Through Coastal Karnataka
The Mangaluru-Madgaon route combines the charm of coastal Karnataka with the greenery of the Western Ghats. Passengers can expect views of dense vegetation, waterways, small towns and stretches of countryside. The route is particularly attractive during and after the monsoon, when the landscape is at its lushest. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod: Kerala From South to North
The Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Vande Bharat takes passengers across much of Kerala. Along the way, the scenery includes coconut groves, paddy fields, waterways, towns and stretches of the state’s lush countryside. Since the route covers a large part of Kerala, it offers a nice snapshot of the state’s varied landscapes in a single journey. (Image: Facebook)
Ahmedabad-Mumbai: From Gujarat to the Western Coast
The Ahmedabad-Mumbai Vande Bharat takes travellers from Gujarat towards Maharashtra, with the landscape gradually changing along the way. The journey offers views of countryside, towns and the greener terrain approaching Mumbai. It is also a convenient option for travellers looking to combine a faster train journey with a glimpse of western India’s changing scenery. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Chennai-Mysuru: South India’s Changing Landscapes
The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat offers a different kind of scenic journey. The landscape changes as the train moves from the plains around Chennai towards the greener areas of Karnataka. The route passes through cities and countryside, making it an interesting choice for travellers who enjoy seeing how the landscape changes between states. (Image: Instagram/@voyaah)
New Delhi-Varanasi: Countryside and the Ganga Plains
Not every scenic train journey needs mountains or beaches. The New Delh-Varanasi Vande Bharat travels through the vast plains of northern India, offering views of agricultural fields, villages and small settlements along the way. For travellers interested in India’s rural landscape, the journey provides a window into the countryside beyond the major cities. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Patna-Howrah: Fields, Rivers and Eastern India
The Patna-Howrah Vande Bharat passes through the fertile plains of Bihar and West Bengal. The scenery includes agricultural fields, villages, waterways and the changing landscape of eastern India. It is particularly interesting for passengers who enjoy watching everyday rural life unfold outside the train window. (Image: Facebook)
Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri: Gateway to Northeast India
The Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri route offers a different visual experience, with the landscape gradually transitioning towards the foothills of the Himalayas. Travellers can enjoy views of green countryside and, depending on the weather and visibility, glimpses of the Himalayan foothills as the train approaches the Darjeeling region. (File Photo)
