Dinesh Kumar Kotha points out five train journeys in India that will satiate your wanderlust

It goes without saying that travelling is fun. You get to explore new cities, meet people and try out different food cuisines — that’s the idea of heaven for every travel nerd. But thanks to Covid-19, the tourism industry has taken a hit.  The UN’s World Tourism Organisation stated that export revenues from international tourism have registered a loss of $ 935 billion. This amount is only going to go up, as several countries have still not opened their doors to foreigners. Amid the strict international travel restrictions in place, what can Indians do to satisfy their travel needs? Well, the safest bet is to travel within the country.

While many might consider heading to the beaches or opting for a road trip to the mountains, how about a lazy train ride? You get to relax, enjoy the view and spend quality time with your friends and family while on the move. Read on for five train journeys that are worth your time and money.

(The author is the co-founder and CEO of Confirmtkt, the official partner of IRCTC.)

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train

There are two reasons why people travel to Shimla — to capture the mesmerising view of the mountains and to enjoy the toy train ride. Built in 1903, the route is renowned for its engineering masterpiece, which covers 102 tunnels, 919 stunning curves and 864 bridges. The journey starts from Kalka, taking you through amazing views of the waterfalls, lush forests and rugged mountains. Till the time it reaches Shimla, you will be awestruck by the beauty of the city, which retains the title, ‘Queen of hills’. This ride is so special that it is listed as a UNESCO site. Generally, five trains cover the distance between Kalka and Shimla — Shivalik Deluxe, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor, Shimla Kalka passenger and Shimla Express, with the fare starting from `70.

Mandovi Express

Started in 1999, the Mandovi Express has been in service for over 21 years. It has been named after the Mandovi River, which is known as the lifeline of Goa. The train operates between Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Madgaon Junction, which is the primary railway station in Goa. The train covers 581 kms with an average journey time of 11hr 50min and is known for its tasty food that includes a mixture of regional cuisines like Gujarati dabelis, methi vadas, soups, idli-vadas and more. With the help of comfortable seats, great hospitality and delicious food, your journey with Mandovi Express promises to deliver an enjoyable experience to the passengers, with the fares starting at `210.

The Deccan Odyssey

If you want to feel like a true king, then the Deccan Odyssey is your way towards it. The train is built to mimic the traditions of the various royal-eras of Maharashtra. It operates between Delhi and Mumbai with 21 coaches. The entire train is stocked with top-of-the-range facilities like internet connectivity and air-conditioning, among other things, to provide optimum comfort to passengers. Once you get on the Deccan Odyssey by paying the minimum fare of `5,12,400, luxurious provisions like a well-stocked bar, multi-cuisine menu, conference cart and spa are sure to give you an unforgettable experience.

Golden Chariot

When people want to travel in style, they hop on the Golden Chariot. This train covers the territories of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu along with Pondicherry and Goa. Once inside, the passengers are greeted with alluring hospitality and bombarded with a 360-degree view of the age-old royal traditions. The decor of the train creates an elegant atmosphere, which makes the passing landscapes more magical. With a starting price of `53,355, passengers get the best of suites, dining experience, spa and more at their service.

The Darjeeling Toy Train

Hopping aboard the Darjeeling toy train is an opportunity that one would rarely want to miss. It’s recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and rightly so. The train functions between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling with the help of a small steam engine. As most of the train components are close to 100 years old, it runs at a slow pace, allowing passengers to absorb the surrounding beauty of the hills. The toy train takes you through the villages and local shops with children waving at you, a moment a photographer will cherish forever. By paying a minimum of `1420, you can get the ride of your life and enjoy the view of Batasia Loop, covered in the lap of the hills.