Trains pass through jade-green forests, misty mountains, and gorgeous coastal stretches in lush South India.
Riding the rails is one of the greatest joys of any South Indian adventure, whether you’re trundling high up into the hills aboard a UNESCO-listed miniature train or clattering along the sun-drenched, coast-hugging Konkan Railway.
Down south, landscapes spin from honey-gold beaches and palm-shaded backwaters to jungle-covered hills, gushing waterfalls, and sprawling megacities. There’s no finer way to soak it all up than from the window seat of a clanking train, over a white-paper cup of steaming sweet chai.
Fabulous food is often part of the picture, too, thanks to vendors deftly making their way through carriages at stations, and top-tier tickets that include on-board meals. As you roll across wildly beautiful South India, you’ll see local staples such as potato-stuffed dosas (crispy, thin lentil-and-rice-flour crepes), crispy vadas (fried savory dough), and coconut-rich Keralite stews pop up, while soothing chai and filter coffee inevitably always appear at just the right moment. Some train stations are famous for selling particular regional specialties, and some trains are known for superb cuisine.
Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway
46km (29 miles), 3.5–4.75 hours
South Indian rail thrills don’t get more classic than catching the famous, UNESCO-listed “toy train” into northern Tamil Nadu’s misty Western Ghats. Jade-green tea plantations, lush jungle, rushing waterfalls, and far-reaching panoramas jostle for attention as the narrow-gauge, rack-and-pinion steam train rattles up into the Nilgiri Hills from tiny Mettupalayam, zipping through 16 tunnels and across 250 bridges. Eventually, it reaches the hugely popular hill station of Ooty, at 2240m (7350ft). There’s also a stop along the way at Coonoor, the Nilgiris’ second hill station, resting at 1720m (5643ft).
Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Gokarna on the Karwar Express
711km (442 miles), 14 hours
Flights link Karnataka’s lively capital of Bengaluru with the coast in an hour or so – however, this would mean missing out on a spectacular slow-travel journey through the lush, biodiverse, and unbelievably beautiful Western Ghats en route to Gokarna’s blissful beaches. The Karwar Express follows Karnataka’s so-called Green Route, known for its wild green forests, dense coffee crops, and over 100 bridges.
Mumbai to Margao (Madgaon) on the Mandovi Express
765km (475 miles), 12 hours
One of India’s most spectacular railway stations is Mumbai’s Gothic-style, colonial-era Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, where a thrilling coastal adventure south to Goa begins. The beloved 756km (470-mile) Konkan Railway rushes across 2216 bridges and through nearly 100 tunnels, treating passengers to stunning views of tropical-fruit plantations, rice fields, and electric-green coconut palms.
Varkala to Kanyakumari on the Island Express
127km (79 miles), four hours
This leisurely journey takes you from the golden-black beaches and lively surf-and-yoga scene of Varkala to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. Famous as the place where three seas meet – the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal – laid-back Kanyakumari centers on a revered waterside temple.
Vasco da Gama to Londa on the Goa Express
146km (91 miles), 3.5 hours
The tumbling 603m (1980ft)-high Dudhsagar Falls is the “wow” moment on any journey between Vasco da Gama and Londa. Along the way, Goa’s gold-tinged shoreline gives way to the Western Ghats’ UNESCO-protected hills.
Chennai to Hyderabad on the Chennai–Hyderabad Express
715km (444 miles), 13 hours
Wake up to the ancient architectural jewels of Telangana’s dynamic capital, Hyderabad, home to some of India’s most magnificent Islamic buildings. The journey begins with a 4:45pm daily departure from Chennai Central, accompanied by a South Indian-style dinner as the Chennai–Hyderabad Express inches its way north.
Kochi to Margao on the Netravathi Express
849km (527 miles), 14.75 hours
This overnight route travels north from Kerala’s cultural hub Kochi to serene southern Goa, offering glimpses of sun-toasted coconut palms as the journey progresses. It links Kerala’s capital Trivandrum with Mumbai – a whopping 30-hour, 1805km (1122-mile) journey.
Chennai to Rameswaram on the Rameswaram Express
665km (413 miles), 11 hours
Crossing the 2km-long Pamban Bridge, with the Bay of Bengal swirling below, offers a unique experience. This bridge links mainland Tamil Nadu to Pamban Island, home to the small pilgrimage town of Rameswaram.
