8 underrated rail routes in India for scenic journeys

Train journeys form a major part of travel in India, with a wide variety ranging from high-speed trains to charming toy trains and more. Ask a train lover, and he would say no matter what the train type is, they love the journey altogether. It's that mode of transport that evokes nostalgia, teaches slow travel, and the ambience that you won't find anywhere else. So, this article is not about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, but beyond the usual suspects that take you through the lesser-known tracks where windows become cinema screens, and every curve is a new visual treat. If you are a train lover like me, hop aboard as we chug through those underrated rail routes in India that deserve a ticket to your bucket list.

Well, this might be a short one, but will be a stunning ride offering you beautiful memories. The train WILL snake through lush valleys, waterfalls, whereas the zigzag climb through the Bhor Ghat is nothing short of dramatic.

Yes, it’s part of a UNESCO Heritage line, but this specific stretch is often overshadowed by the popular ones like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Complemented with 16 tunnels, 250 bridges, and steep climbs through tea gardens and eucalyptus groves, it’s a slow ride—perfect for soaking it all in.

This narrow-gauge line is like a postcard that forgot it was real. Winding past pine forests, sleepy villages, and snowy peaks, it’s Himachal’s hidden gem. And the best part? It’s delightfully crowd-free.

This is India’s easternmost railway line that takes passengers through tea gardens, tribal hamlets, and rolling hills wrapped in mist. Not many even know about it, making it the perfect discovery for every train lover.

This journey is all about the journey from the cool coffee-scented hills of Araku down to the Bay of Bengal. The beauty of passing through tunnels, gorges, and alongside tribal villages is something you would be surprised for sure.

This route punches well above its weight if views are considered. Lush green plantations, arched stone bridges, and forest canopies are some of the highlights of this route. It's back in service after a long closure—so ride it before it becomes mainstream.

This one is a slow, sleepy ride through Assam’s tea country. The scenery might not be that dramatic, but it’s charming in a warm, and beautiful kind of way. The rhythm of the train matches the mood—easy, breezy, and oddly meditative.
These routes may not get travel influencers, but that’s precisely their charm. They aren’t just about where you're going, they're about how you get there. With fewer crowds, raw landscapes, and unexpected delights, these journeys will remind you why train travel is still the most romantic way to see India.
So next time you’re itching for adventure, skip the flight, ditch the highway, and board one of these underrated rail rides.