Best Railway Journeys to Beat the Heat
As we look forward to the summer of 2027, beating the Indian heat means escaping to the mountains or the coastal breeze. Indian Railways operates some of the most spectacular engineering marvels in the world, turning the journey itself into a core part of the vacation experience. Here are the top five train routes to book for Summer 2027.
1. Kalka - Shimla Railway (Himalayan Queen)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this narrow-gauge toy train is the definitive summer escape. Snaking through the rugged mountains of Himachal Pradesh, the route covers 96 kilometers, passes through 102 tunnels, and crosses over 800 bridges. The crisp mountain air and panoramic views of the pine forests make it an unforgettable 5-hour ascent.
2. Mumbai to Goa (Mandovi Express / Vande Bharat)
Operating on the Konkan Railway network, this route is a visual masterpiece. As you travel from the concrete jungle of Mumbai down to Goa, the train navigates the Sahyadri mountain range, crossing massive viaducts over deep valleys and skirting alongside the Arabian Sea. The monsoon transforms this route, but early summer offers clear, endless coastal views.
3. New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway)
Affectionately known as the Toy Train, this 2-foot narrow-gauge railway is another UNESCO site. It climbs from the plains up to the sprawling tea gardens of Darjeeling. The train's famous "loops"—particularly the Batasia Loop, where the track spirals over itself to gain altitude while offering a direct view of Mt. Kanchenjunga—are spectacular.
4. Mettupalayam to Ooty (Nilgiri Mountain Railway)
Operating in Tamil Nadu, this is the only rack railway in India, relying on a pinion system to climb the steep gradients of the Nilgiri Hills. Moving through rocky terrain, ravines, and dense forests, the journey ends in the cool, elevated environment of Ooty. It is highly recommended to book the first-class cabins for unrestricted viewing angles.
5. Banihal to Baramulla (Kashmir Valley Railway)
For those heading to the extreme north, the railway line traversing the Kashmir Valley offers views unmatched anywhere else in the country. Crossing the snow-capped Pir Panjal range and passing over sweeping alpine valleys, this broad-gauge route is smooth, modern, and visually breathtaking. With the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) fully integrated, reaching paradise by train has never been easier.