The Kashmir Railway (Jammu, Udhampur)
The Kashmir Railway is one of the most challenging engineering projects in India. The extremes of cold and heat along with the unfavorable terrain and political scenarios make this route one of the most thrilling of all Indian train routes. This route has 20 major tunnels and 158 bridges which offer awe inspiring views of the rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain Ranges. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOWSDSUyRE0
The Snow Sojourn (Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla)
This is a part of the Kashmir Railway, but currently work is going on the section between Jammu and Qazigund, thus making this another separate leg of the journey. When complete, this will be a part of the greater Kashmir railway which will connect Jammu to Baramulla, or rather the plains to the Valley. The journey promises a refreshing ride through the Kashmir Valley, weaving through the snow capped peaks at a distance and the Chinar trees all around. The best part of taking this journey is during the winters when the surroundings are filled with snow. There is only the option of an unreserved DEMU train currently on this route.
The Kangra Valley Odyssey ( Pathankot Kangra-Palampur-Jogindernagar)
The Kangra Valley Railway that covers a distance of 164 kilometers from Pathankot Junction to Joginder Nagar via Jawalamukhi Road, Kangra, Nagrota, Palampur and Baijnath Paprola mostly operates passenger trains. This narrow gauge railway section in Himachal Pradesh is a designated world heritage site that was commissioned by UNESCO in 1929. The highest point on this line is at Ahju station at an elevation of 1,290 meters and the route snakes through only two tunnels. The journey also presents to the traveller, a chance to capture the lasting panorama of snow-clad ranges and lush green fields. The most picturesque part of the valley is unwrapped at the stretch from Mangwal to Kangra and thereafter from Palampur where from you can catch a glimpse of Dhauladhar Range.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPGwzKMX9j8
The Konkan Railway(Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)
Amazing greeneries, plethora of water bodies, stunning curves and the magnificent Sahyadris join hands to make this one of the most sought after train travel experience for any railway enthusiast in India. The Konkan Railway is also an example of the high spirits of the engineers of this country, who constructed this marvel battling against a hostile loose terrain with frequent landslide tendencies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9I2qCT_Hwo
The Goan Experience ( Vasco Da Gama Londa Jn)
Goa might be known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, but there is another side of Goa which cannot be missed. The lush green villages, thick jungles and the abundant waterfalls constitute a charming world of Goan Rails. A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India's highest and most exquisite falls. Â This stretch is a part of the earlier mentioned Konkan Railway, but has enough of its own charm, to demand a separate mention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuDyVFgMk1w
Nilgiri Mountain Railway(Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam)
When the blue and cream colored coaches chug up the blue mountains, even the crudest of all hearts will skip a beat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, running for over a 110 years is another train journey, you simply cannot miss. The steam engine covers the 46 km to Ooty in four and a half hours, twisting and turning through the rocky terrain, before slowly meandering into the sprawling tea estates. The familiar chuffing sound of the steam locomotive casts an old world charm and reminds of the legacies of the British Raj.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAvG84xn1co
Himalayan Queen(Kalka, Shimla)
Being the only mountain railway in India, to be used by regular commuters, the heritage railway between Kalka and Shimla features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers Built in 1903, it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, flanked by the picturesque Shivalik Hills on both sides. The train guzzles along the track, built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries of ancient roman architecture. A morning ride on this stretch, wrapping the fresh air, whistling past the oak, pine and maple trees has all the ingredients to make it a journey of a lifetime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7NNEA0PUeY
The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway( New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling)
The oldest of all mountain railways in India, the Toy Train is also a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1999.Loops are a special feature of this railway to give it a natural ascent. The most popular being the Batasia Loop which offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the snow capped Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Â On its ascent from Sukna, the train crosses a few settlements and towns weaving through the tea gardens, tea factories and small forests of maple, chestnut, pear and cherry. One can also sneak a peek into the hustle bustle of the Gorkha settlements on the way. Gorkhas are an ethnic group of this region with Mongolian features known for their valor and bravery. The train chugs alongside the busy highway and often intrigues the traveler with its slow, yet effective pace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D2swGCs9fs
Matheran Hill Railway (Neral-Matheran)
Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the favorite weekend destinations for busy Mumbaikars. It still holds its charm, thanks to no vehicles being allowed in the town. One has to take a pony ride or walk on the dusty and muddy roads to go around Matheran. The Matheran Hill Railway is the only heritage railway in Maharashtra. This narrow gauge rail link between Neral and Matheran was built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy between 1901 and 1907 at the cost of Rs.1600000. The route, through large swathes of forest territory, covers a distance of 20 kilometers in about one and half hours, is full of panoramic views .Any lone visitor will surely enjoy the tranquility this ride offers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8iRkS0giFw
Dooars Voyage (Siliguri - New Mal - Hasimara, Alipurduar)
A vast expanse of dense forests brimming with wildlife, murmur of streams trotting down from the hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, interwoven by tea gardens and dissected by the gorging Teesta River make Dooars a unique palette of nature. The train route recently converted to broad gauge has minimum traffic but passes through notable wildlife sanctuaries abound in a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. It crosses Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings. You can get down at Chalsa, Hasimara or Rajabhatkhawa to get drenched in the Dooars experience.