At Yonder we believe the only way to truly experience a place is up close and personal. And in India this means getting about by train. Seeing India through the windows of a train carriage is a genuinely unique journey into the heart and soul of this captivating country.
Lots of non-specialist tour operators would have you visit India in a sanitised, hermetically sealed bubble: plane to coach to hotel and back again. The less contact with the ‘real’ India the better.
Interestingly, this is precisely why we do not offer the most famous Indian rail experiences – the Maharajas’ Express and the Palace on Wheels – as standalone tours.
Both those experiences have their place – and are undoubtedly popular – but in our humble view, there are better ways to experience India than on a fairly contrived tourist train. We want our guests to scratch the surface and get face-to-face with India in all its bonkers authenticity, not shepherded around from sight to sight, making contact only with fellow tourists. And of course, there’s our raison d’etre: we insist on tailoring every trip to each guests’ unique preferences – not something you can do while following a tourist train’s set itinerary.
If the idea of crowded trains and hectic stations feels a little daunting, don’t worry. We will of course book you the most comfortable first class journeys, and your personal guide will be on-hand every step of the way to help you navigate the bustle and ensure you (and your luggage!) end up at the right place.
So, without singing our praises any further, here’s a taste of some of our favourite Indian rail journeys.
Our all-round favourite India rail journeys
Looking for a single, stand-out railway memory? Try the following out for size.
The Shimla Toy Train
- Route: Kalka to Shimla
- Distance: About 96 km
- Journey time: Five to six hours
- Best views: Barog to Dharampur
- Best season: October to April for clear skies
- Good to know: Expect simple seating, variable timings and a cool breeze through open windows; book early at busy times.
The narrow-gauge line from Kalka to Shimla is often photographed and romanticised, yet the real pleasure is quieter than people expect: a steady climb through the lower Himalayas on a line that still runs much as it did when it opened. Tight curves, steep gradients and more than a hundred tunnels keep the pace slow, giving you time to watch the hills unfold and see village life along the route.
The most rewarding stretch lies between Barog and Dharampur where the valley opens out and the views widen. Barog station is worth a pause. Many people stay in their seats but stepping out gives you a better sense of the landscape.
Comfort is simple. Seats are plain, windows can rattle and timings are flexible at best, but that’s part of travelling on a line used daily by students, commuters and families. Choose a morning departure for clearer views, and if you have time, break the journey at one of the smaller stations rather than rushing straight into Shimla.
Delhi to Agra by fast intercity
- Route: New Delhi to Agra Cantt
- Journey time: Around 90 minutes on the fastest services
- Best trains: Gatimaan Express or Vande Bharat
- Best time of day: Early departures for cooler temperatures and quieter platforms
- Good to know: Book seats in advance, allow a little extra time for security checks and expect punctual departures on the fastest runs.
Most travellers treat the Delhi–Agra journey as a transfer to endure, which is why so many end up in overpriced cars or day tours. The fast intercity trains offer a cleaner, quicker and more grounded alternative: modern carriages, air-conditioning and a short run that avoids Delhi’s traffic altogether.
It’s a straightforward route. Settle into a window seat, watch the suburbs fall away and let the plains between the Yamuna and the Ganga drift past. There’s no spectacle and no nostalgia, just an easy, efficient way to travel the way most people do.
The timetable works in your favour. Early departures from Delhi and frequent returns from Agra let you plan around the best light at the Taj or quieter hours at Agra Fort. And if you’re heading further into Uttar Pradesh, the onward rail links from Agra to Gwalior, Jhansi or Varanasi slot neatly into a wider itinerary.
The Ooty narrow-gauge
- Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor
- Journey time: Five hours end to end, shorter if you start or finish in Coonoor
- Best section: Mettupalayam to Coonoor
- Best season: October to March for clearer skies
- Good to know: Seating sells out early, the pace is slow by design and a one-way journey paired with a road transfer often works best.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs between Mettupalayam and Ooty and remains one of India’s most characterful hill routes. It climbs slowly on a rack-and-pinion system, passing forest, tea gardens and small stations that still feel tied to an older rhythm of travel.
The lower section towards Coonoor is the most rewarding. Many travellers aim for front-row views, but the stations are where the atmosphere settles in, and breaking the journey in Coonoor works well. A one-way trip paired with a road transfer keeps the experience relaxed without doubling the travel time.
Comfort is basic and the pace is dictated by the gradient, not the timetable. The carriages fill with commuters, schoolchildren and tea workers, which gives the journey much of its appeal. Mornings usually bring clearer views, while later departures often move through soft mist that suits the landscape just as well.
Our favourite multi-stop rail itineraries
Railway enthusiast, or just prefer to travel the slow way? The following multi-centre itineraries might be for you.
The Golden Triangle by rail
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- Delhi to Agra: 225km, two hours
- Agra to Jaipur: 240km, five hours
- Jaipur to Delhi: 270km, five hours
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This iconic trio of cities encapsulates the splendour of imperial and regal India with a treasure trove of historical sites.
Begin your cultural expedition in Delhi, taking in the monuments of Old and New Delhi. The capital enthrals with the towering Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and the grand Red Fort. Spend two full days exploring before a quick two-hour express train to Agra.
In Agra, behold the sublime Taj Mahal, an eternal emblem of love. Witness the intricate marble inlay work and riverfront views of this World Wonder. Nearby lies the formidable Agra Fort and the ornate Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. After a day and a half in Agra, embark on a five-hour rail to Jaipur.
The sprawling palaces and bustling bazaars of the Pink City of Jaipur provide a fitting finale. The splendid Amber Fort and City Palace complex transports you to the royal lifestyle of rajas and maharajas. With buzzing local markets and gardens, Jaipur offers a colourful two-day stop.
In just over a week, this essential rail journey allows you to experience the cultural riches of Mughals and Rajput princes. Hop aboard this classic route for a taste of India’s imperial history and architectural marvels.
The Taj Mahal to Shimla
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- Delhi to Jaipur: 270 km, five hours
- Jaipur to Ranthambore: 145 km, three hours
- Ranthambore to Agra: 285 km, five hours
- Agra to Delhi: 225 km, three hours
- Delhi to Amritsar: 450 km, eight hours
- Amritsar to Chandigarh: 240 km, five hours
- Chandigarh to Shimla: 115 km, five hours
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Journey into the very heart and soul of northern India on this epic rail journey from the Golden Triangle to the north of India.
Begin amidst the labyrinthine alleys of old Delhi, where every whisper seems to carry a millennia of tales. As you transition, Jaipur unfolds, a city drenched in the colours of the royal sunsets. Then there’s the pristine wilderness of Ranthambore, where nature pens her most compelling narratives. Agra beckons next, with the Taj Mahal casting its timeless silhouette against the sky.
From here head north, to the spiritual tapestry of Amritsar, the architectural marvel of Chandigarh, and the cool, colonial elegance of Shimla via the famous Toy Train. And like a well-penned story, return to where you began, Delhi.
The Maharajas’ Express and Kerala
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- Delhi to Agra: 210 km, two hours
- Agra to Ranthambore: 285 km, five hours
- Ranthambore to Jaipur: 145 km, three hours
- Jaipur to Udaipur: 425 km, eight hours
- Udaipur to Jodhpur: 285 km, six hours
- Jodhpur to Agra: 585 km, 11 hours
- Agra to Mumbai: 865 km, 16 hours
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Take the iconic Maharajas’ Express on a week-long luxury rail journey from Delhi across Rajasthan to Mumbai. After this royal retreat, explore Kerala’s natural bounty and tranquil backwaters.
Board the Maharajas’ Express in Delhi to begin your rail voyage in lavish carriages. Experience the splendour of the Taj Mahal in Agra and search for tigers on safari in Ranthambore National Park. Continue to the regal cities of Jaipur and Udaipur, admiring their grand palaces and forts. From Jodhpur’s mediaeval blue houses to the caves of Ajanta near Mumbai, this train journey evokes the opulence of royalty.
After seven nights aboard the Maharajas’ Express, disembark in Mumbai. Fly to Kochi and immerse yourself in Kerala’s tropical atmosphere. Cruise the palm-fringed backwaters on a houseboat, spending lazy days floating by rice paddies and villages. Get a taste of wilderness in Periyar National Park, where elephants, bison and monkeys roam. Spend your final day exploring Fort Kochi’s antique shops before this epic cross-country adventure ends.
From the bustle of Delhi through Rajasthani kingdoms to the tranquillity of Kerala, this train and backwaters voyage provides the perfect blend of culture, wilderness and relaxation.
The Mumbai to Goa sleeper
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- Mumbai to Goa: 580 km, 12 hours
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Take the scenic sleeper train from bustling Mumbai down India’s picturesque Konkan coast to reach the tropical paradise of Goa.
Begin by exploring the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, spending a day seeing highlights like the grand Victorian Gateway of India, the trendy cafes of Colaba Causeway, and the sun-soaked sands of Juhu Beach. As the sun sets, head to Mumbai Central Station to board the Konkan Kanya Express to Goa.
Settle in for a 12-hour overnight journey along palm-fringed beaches, rocky cliffs and rolling hills. Arrive at Madgaon Station in Goa to be greeted by swaying palms and the laid back vibes of this beach state.
Spend lazy days blissed out on Goa’s pristine beaches, whether the lively northern strands of Baga and Calangute or the quieter sands of Palolem and Agonda in the south. Absorb Goa’s Portuguese-tinged architecture in Old Goa, indulge in fresh seafood by the seaside, and enjoy the infectious festive spirit and nightlife.
After four days in tropical paradise, board another overnight train back to Mumbai, relaxed and rejuvenated after a week-long coastal escape.
Even more Indian rail highlights
Looking for something even more off-beat? If the above recommendations don’t cut it, the following might.
Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey remains one of India’s most polished luxury rail experiences. Its 21 carriages include a mix of guest cabins, dining cars, a lounge bar, a spa and a conference coach, giving it the feel of a high-end hotel moving across the landscape. Cabins are air-conditioned, ensuite and traditionally styled, with attentive service throughout.
Journeys change slightly year to year, but there are usually six curated itineraries covering Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of central India. It is still a major investment, both in cost and in the way it fixes your days to a set route, yet for travellers who want a fully serviced, all-inclusive rail holiday it remains a strong option.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most evocative heritage railways in India. The narrow-gauge line climbs from New Jalpaiguri through loops, zig-zags and tea country to reach Darjeeling at over 2,000 metres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and still feels rooted in its original purpose.
Steam locomotives do run, but usually on short heritage sections. Most scheduled trains are diesel-hauled, so it’s better to see this as a characterful mountain journey rather than a full steam experience. The charm is in the scale of the railway, the intimacy of the route and the views of the plantations drifting past your window.
Goa Express
The Goa Express is a long-distance service running between New Delhi and Vasco da Gama. While it covers more than 2,000 kilometres, the most enjoyable stretch is the final few hours through the Western Ghats. Forested slopes, river crossings and glimpses of the Dudhsagar Falls make this a scenic route for anyone heading towards the coast.
It is a standard express train rather than a luxury service. Think practical comfort, reserved seats and the everyday rhythm of long-distance Indian rail travel. For many travellers that’s exactly the appeal.
Mandovi Express
Running between Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Madgaon in Goa, the Mandovi Express is another scenic route along the Konkan Railway. The journey passes paddy fields, small villages and stretches of lush green hills. It’s a calm way to travel to the coast and one of the most attractive daytime runs on this line.
Like the Goa Express, this is a regular express service. The draw isn’t luxury: it’s the steady pace and the sense of watching the landscape change as you leave the city behind.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer (often nicknamed the “Desert Queen”)
The rail journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is sometimes referred to as the “Desert Queen”, though it isn’t a branded luxury train. What you get instead is an atmospheric run across Rajasthan towards the edge of the Thar Desert. The early sections pass small towns and scrubland before the landscape begins to stretch out and take on the wide, golden tones the region is known for.
It’s a straightforward service and a good choice for travellers who want to reach Jaisalmer without flying. Pair it with time in a heritage haveli or desert camp and it becomes an enjoyable part of a broader Rajasthan journey.
