Top 10 Cheapest Train Journeys in India to travel before you Die!

Over 8.4 billion passengers traveled by train in the year 2018 - 2019 in India, some made memories a memorable journey while some made journey as  memorable memories!

This post will not only take you through the best train routes to go for in India, but also will allow you to make your plans as per lowest budget options yet allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of landscapes, the charismatic and vibrant journey options available in pan India.

Here is a list of top 10 budget train journeys that one must plan at least once in their lifetime

10.  In the Lap of Western Ghats

Journey: Bhusawal - Pune

Train: (11025) Bhusawal Pune Express

Preferred Time of Year: July - August

Preferred Season: Monsoon

 

The 11025 Bhusawal Pune Express departs Bhusawal  Junction (BSL) at 00:25 and reaches Pune Junction same day at 12:05. Departing from Bhusawal, the train is welcomed by green leafy banana fields of Jalgaon followed by Pachora - Kajgaon - Chalisgaon - Manmad and Nasik. The train descends the beautiful Kasara - Igatpuri Ghat Section at 6:15 in the morning combining it with steep ghats, lush green mountains and a breath taking sunrise and finally reaching Kalyan Junction. Don't forget to enjoy hot Tea or Coffee with this scenic view. 

 

 

The next part of this journey is from Kalyan to Pune via Panvel - Karjat - Lonavala - Chinchwad and Pune. The train chugs and climbs through the mighty Khandala Ghat after 3 locomotives are coupled at Karjat to push the train and finally reaching Pune. This journey offers two ghats one after another! How mesmerizing!

9.  Foothills of Assam

Journey: Guwahati - Lumding - Silchar

Train: (03175) Sialdah Silchar Special Express

Preferred Time of Year: September - December

Preferred Season: Post Monsoon

The aromatic fragrance of Assam fills your nostril as the train moves towards the verdant Haflong valleys that stands attached. Next the train chugs along the Jatinga River, flowing along. After running for a few more hours, you can admire the tea estates of the valley of Barak and then finally, you get to see the plains. The journey now moves southwards connecting Agartala to the remaining country.

 

 8. The Mighty Thar Desert

Journey: Jaipur - Jaisalmer

Train: (05014) Ranikhet Special Express

Preferred Time of Year: February - March

Preferred Season: Post Winter 

 

Nicknamed as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer is known to be the hub of camel safaris in the expansive Thar Desert of Rajasthan state. A train sojourn from the Pink City of Jaipur to Jaisalmer through the sterile expanses of the Thar is going to be a superb experience. The vibrant settlements of colorful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life.

 7. Gliding through the Kangra Valley

Journey: Pathankot – Kangra – Palampur – Jogindernagar 

 

The sub-Himalayan area in the state of Himachal Pradesh has the Kangra Valley Journey. The train starts chugging from Pathankot Junction (Punjab), covering a distance of 164 km before it reaches Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh state. On the way, it makes way through lush valleys, rivers and various passes. Though the speed of the train is a little on the slow side but the mesmerizing views make the journey a worthwhile. Once you cross Palampur, the sight of snow-clad Dhauladhar hills completely charms you. Kangra Valley Passenger is the sole train right now that runs on this route.

 

6. Beauty of Kashmir 

  

Journey: Jammu – Udhampur

Train: (04609) Hemkut Special Express

Preferred Time of Year: February - March

Preferred Season: Post Winter

 

It is no exaggeration that the Kashmir Railway is one of country’s most challenging projects but it surely is one of the most mesmerizing too. Extreme weather conditions and difficult terrain make this route an exciting train journey. This route meanders through 20 tunnels and 100 bridges over the mighty Himalayas that would later include the tallest railway bridge in India, which is currently under construction. This journey includes views of valleys, rivers and Shivalik Ranges.

 

 5. Goan Vibes

Journey: Vasco Da Gama – Londa Junction

Preferred Time of Year: July - August

Preferred Season: Monsoon

 

The beach state of Goa is world-renowned for its lovely beaches and carefree atmosphere, nonetheless this state also has another attraction that you surely cannot miss out on. The dense forests, verdant villages and plentiful waterfalls in the region are the magical attractions that fall on the Goan Rail routes. The train journey begins from Vasco Da Gama passing by the pristine beaches and taking you to curvy rugged paths of the Western Ghats from you can offer an enchanting view of the Dudhsagar Falls. This 4-tiered waterfall is one of the highest falls in the country.

  

4. Matheran Toy Train

Journey: Neral - Matheran

Train: Matheran Toy Train

Preferred Time of Year: July - December

Preferred Season: Monsoon & Winter 

Lying amid the Western Ghats, Matheran is one of the most popular weekend destinations for the people of Mumbai. The place has abundant scenic beauty as vehicles are not allowed inside the hill town.  To reach Matheran, once can simply walk or opt for a pony ride. Matheran Hill Train Railway, a narrow gauge track, boasts of being Maharashtra’s only heritage railway. Constructed between 1901 and 1907 by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy, this 20 km long rail link connects Neral and Matheran. The distance of the journey is around one and a half hours and offers lovely views including huge stretches of forests. Savor the peace spread around.

 

3. The Nilgiri Mountain Railways

Journey: Mettupalayam - Udhagamandalam

Preferred Time of Year: January - April

Preferred Season: Post Winter 

As the blue and cream colored train slides- up the Nilgiris, the combination looks really pretty. This train journey has been running for more than 110 years and must be experienced at least once. The train covers the distance of around 46 km to Ooty that is of four and a half hours. Enjoy yourselves when the train traverses through the rugged terrains and then the expansive tea gardens. The sound of the steam engine spells an old-world charm on the travelers and gives the feel of the time of the British rule.

2. Himalayan Queen: Kalka Shimla Toy Train

Journey: Kalka - Shimla

Preferred Time of Year: February - April 

Preferred Season: Post Winter 

Country’s only mountain railway that is still being used, this rail route between Kalka and Shimla finds its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for owning the steepest altitude rise in the distance of 96 km. Bounded by the lofty Shivalik ranges on each side, this rail track was established in the year 1903 and crosses 864 bridges and 107 tunnels. The scenery on the way casts a charm on you with fresh air, maple, oak and pine trees. It surely is a ride of a lifetime.

1.Darjeeling World Heritage Toy Train

Journey: Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling

Preferred Time of Year: February - April 

Preferred Season: Post Winter 

 

The World heritage Site of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the Toy Train also boasts of being India’s oldest mountain railways. Circular loops are an amazing feature of this rail route that offers it an accession. Batasia Loop is the most famous one, known for offering mesmerizing views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the town. When the train is traveling upwards from Sukna, it passes a number of small towns, crossing tea factories, lush tea estates and mini forests of cherry, chestnut pear and maple. You can also have a look into some of the Gurkha settlements. The toy train also gulps past the hustling-bustling highway, offering a lovely experience.

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