Train Journey in India: Best Routes, Tips, and Cultural Stops

When you think of a train journey, a mode of long-distance travel deeply woven into India’s daily life and travel culture. Also known as rail travel in India, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about the rhythm of the country unfolding outside your window. Over 8 million people board Indian trains every day. That’s more than the entire population of Canada. And unlike flying or driving, a train journey here lets you taste real India: the chai vendors shouting at platforms, the families sharing meals on trays, the sudden stop for a cow crossing the tracks.

India’s railway network, the fourth largest in the world, connects every corner of the country with over 7,000 stations. It’s the backbone of tourism, pilgrimage, and daily commuting. Whether you’re hopping from Delhi to Agra to see the Taj, riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway through misty hills, or taking the Konkan Railway along the Arabian Sea coast, each route tells a different story. The scenic train rides, like the Nilgiri Mountain Railway or the Kalka-Shimla line, are UNESCO-listed for good reason—they’re engineering marvels wrapped in natural beauty. And don’t forget the Indian railways, a system so vast and chaotic it’s become part of the national identity. You’ll find everything from luxury palace-on-wheels trains to unreserved local coaches packed with farmers, students, and street vendors.

What makes a train journey in India special isn’t the speed—it’s the surprise. You might wake up to a temple spire rising from the plains, or find yourself sharing a meal with strangers who invite you to try their homemade pickles. The journey from Mumbai to Goa on the Konkan route isn’t just a ride—it’s a visual feast of waterfalls, tunnels, and coastal cliffs. Or take the Vivek Express, the longest train route in India, stretching 4,273 kilometers from Dibrugarh in Assam to Kanyakumari at the southern tip. That’s over 80 hours of changing landscapes, languages, and local flavors.

Planning your trip? Book early. Popular routes like Delhi to Jaipur or Chennai to Bangalore fill up weeks ahead. Use the IRCTC app—it’s the official site and works fine even if you’re not in India. Choose sleeper class for budget travel, AC 3-tier for comfort, or try a chair car for day trips. Always carry water, snacks, and a power bank. And yes, bring a light jacket—even in summer, night trains get chilly.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real stories and practical guides from travelers who’ve done it: how to eat safely on long rides, which routes offer the best views, how to handle delays without stress, and why some of India’s most unforgettable moments happen on a train, not at a monument. No fluff. Just what works.