Bangalore – Mysore – Coorg – Wayanad

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in India, rising more than a kilometer high in the south, extending over most of central and southern India. This exciting 10 day itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore vibrant Bangalore, Mysore; the city of palaces and the relaxing green hills of Coorg and Wayanad.

This great value trip gives you a taste of India and can easily be combined with a beach break in Goa or backwater experience in Kerala.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day 1 Bangalore
After landing in Bangalore you will find your car waiting to take you to your first homestay. Nele Homestay is tucked away in 1.5 acres of greenery, a rare find in the city. As you settle in your hosts will help guide you with things to do and see in the city. Enjoy an Indian or continental gourmet dinner.

Day 2 Bangalore
Start exploring the Garden city with a visit to the center of town to the Legislative House called Vidhan Soudha and the High Court. These impressive granite buildings stand on a beautiful promenade, perfect for a walk. You can then visit one of the temples, choose from the old Bull Temple or the new but very magnificent ISCKON temple. Very different, these contrasting temples in ambience and architecture are well worth the visit. In the evening, head to Cubbon park, stroll along MG road and sample some of Bangalore’s south Indian snacks and coffee before going back to your homestay.**

Day 3 Bangalore
Today head to Sankey tank and the Palace grounds to visit Tipu Sultan’s Palace. Tipu Sultan was one of the great Deccan warrior kings. Lal Bagh is another garden that’s worth a visit in the afternoon. If you have had too much walking, then choose to watch a play in one of Bangalore’s many theatres or if you prefer to shop, then head to Residency Road or Commercial Street. As the evening draws in do as the city folk do and party for your final night in Bangalore.**

Day 4 Mysore
After breakfast, start for Mysore. On the way stop for a couple of hours at Srirangapatnam to see the ruins of the fort of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the two rulers of Mysore of the 18th century. When you arrive in Mysore city and check into your homestay Carris Brook. If you want, you may head to the Lalitha Mahal Palace for dinner and a tour of the grounds or simply stay at home and have a relaxing home cooked dinner. Don’t forget to ask your host to serve you Mysore Pak, a famous dessert of the region. **

Day 5 Mysore
Head straight to the magnificent Mysore Palace and be prepared to be amazed by the grandeur of this palace, with its ornate sculpted pillars and jewel encrusted Golden Throne. The Palace is home to the Wodeyars, the royal family and was designed by an English architect Henry Irwin. Find out more about the history of the place at the museum. If you happen to be in Mysore during Dasara (in September or October) there are many cultural programmes which include special lighting of the palaces.

After visiting the palace go to Chamundi Hill to see the temple of Chamundeshwari who killed Mahishasura the demon (which is how Mysore gets its name). Head back to city before dark and if you are after more culture, visit to Jagmohan Palace. Alternatively you can go shopping at the Mysore market or get back to nature with a visit to Karanji lake with it’s butterfly park and a walk-through aviary.**

Day 6 Coorg
A 3 hour drive from Mysore will take you to the coffee district of Karnataka. Coorg or Kodagu in the local language lies in the centre of the Deccan Plateau at an altitude that is just right for some of the best coffee in the world to grow. Check into your homestay BB Estate which is in Madikeri town, the capital of Coorg district. This homestay is a coffee plantation with lovely hosts who are natives to Coorg. Relax and freshen up, for a traditional Coorgi lunch where pork is served as the predominant meat. Later in the afternoon go on a plantation walk* and take a stroll around Madikeri.

Day 7 Wayanad
Start early after breakfast on a scenic 4 hour drive through the Coorg district and step into the Nilgiris. Wayanad lies on the North Western part of the Nilgiris and has a distinct mixture of coffee, spices and tea cultivation in the region. One of the lesser explored parts Kerala it is breathtakingly scenic offering fantastic wildlife spotting options. You will reach your homestay Hill View by the afternoon and after lunch you can relax a little before heading out to one of the best view points of Wayanad to watch the sunset.**

Day 8 Wayanad
After an early breakfast and morning ayurvedic massage* spent some time relaxing and reading a book or talking a leisure walk in the plantation* of Hill View. If you are the outdoor type, you may want to head out to Edakkal caves where there are prehistoric evidences in form of scripts and marks. The Pookote lake is also close by. Surrounded by forests and covered with blue water lilies walk around the lake or rent a boat. In the evening you can opt to go on a night safari to spot some of the regions abundant wildlife.**

Day 9 Wayanad
Today you can visit Kuruva Island to meet the local tribes. You may choose to do another safari, visit the Soochirapali waterfalls or go on an all day trek. Shopping is another option. Fresh tea, pepper, cardamom, vanilla, arecanut, coffee, pure forest honey, bamboo handicrafts made by local tribes are all items unique to Wayanad.**

Day 10 Bangalore
After a final breakfast get an early start today as you drive back to Bangalore to catch your flight home.

Your tour includes:
Nine days accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sight seeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

The Deccan Trail – A South India Itinerary
This package is available from £528/ 43,330 INR / $866 USD total price per person on twin sharing. Please note that prices are subject to currency fluctuations. Prices are valid until March 2013.

You may want to add on:

• 3 nights in Goa for sun sand and parties
• 2 nights in Cochin, 2 nights in Alleppey and 2 nights in Munnar for a classic Kerala visit.

ABOUT: Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special nine day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Deccan Trail – A South India Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests.

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We received hundreds of photos and choosing a winner was a difficult decision. However, after much deliberation we selected two winners.

Our first winner was Ms. Himanshi Swaroop from Hyderabad who took part in our photo shoot in Goa.

The shoot started with a professional make up session, before a number of shots were captured in our Goa homestays and the surrounding area. Himanshi proved to be a natural model and threw herself into the experience.

Our next winners were the Bhammar family from Bangalore. Priyanka entered the contest, including her husband and daughter in the entry.

They were invited to take part in our Munnar photo shoot.

With the clouds and mist rolling in over the hills it was important to work quickly, especially with the whole family being part of the shoot. The hard work paid off as we got some great images.

If you would like to visit any of these locations take a look at our Goa and Munnar homestay collections. Congratulations and thanks to the winners.

If you fancy being behind the lens rather than in front of it, our latest competition could be for you! Our travel photography contest will see the winner and their guest embark on a three week photographic tour of India. Find out more on our Facebook page.

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Universal reaction to the announcement that we were off to the jungles of Madhya Pradesh in the summer was disbelief, followed by a slightly concerned, “You DO know how hot it gets there, right ?”

Yes, we did.

And yes, it does.

But for an avid wildlife lover, summer is prime visiting time. Since the water levels are at their lowest, you have more chance of spotting animals at the few remaining watering-holes and since the vegetation is sparse and dry, visibility in the forest is that much better. No thick, lush, post-monsoon greenery, in other words.

This was our logic in heading off in the blazing summer heat to the charming Pench National Park, and with sightings of tiger, dhole (Indian wild dog – a first) and 4 jackals on a kill, we were not disappointed.

Getting to Pench is easy. Fly to Nagpur (which looked charming and neat and very well organized, as we zipped through it) and it’s a little over a 2 hour drive to Pench, on an excellent, well-maintained, not too busy road. There are a number of lodges close to the main Seoni Gate, all of them just a few minutes’ drive away.

Even in the height of summer, it is astonishingly cool in the pre-dawn darkness, when you wake up for your first game-drive. The Park gates open at 6.00, and that first hour is magical, with the jungle waking up, and the forest still cool. Even as the morning heats up, it is never too unbearably hot, simply because your open-topped vehicle is moving, albeit slowly.

The park closes for 3 hours between 12-3 (lunch time – for the employees, one imagines, not the animals) and that is the time when you get to enjoy your hotel pool, or have an afternoon siesta.

Leaving your cool air-conditioned room in the afternoon heat is tough, it must be said, and the first hour of the afternoon drive is possibly a little too hot and too bright and sunny for comfort, but as the sun slowly sets, the jungle weaves its magic again. The hour between about 4.30-5.30 is perfect. Perfect temperature. Perfect photographic light.

Give me the jungle in the summer any day – with fewer visitors than in the peak winter months, you have a much better, more solitary wilderness experience. There were 2 whole days when we didn’t have another vehicle on any sighting – and that included a long, lazy tiger sighting.

Wear your hat. Wear sunblock. Drink lots of water. And prepare to enjoy the jungle at its most unspoilt.

About the guest blogger: Christine Pemberton is a British writer, photographer & blogger, now based permanently in New Delhi, India, after a life of ex-pat wandering with her (Indian) husband. Christine has published 3 travel books, edited a 4th and runs three blogs including the Delhi Diary which can be found at christinepemberton.me

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Tucked away from the normal tourist hotspots, Mahe is actually part of Pondicherry but lies 630km on the opposite coastline with the Arabian Sea on one side and much loved Kerala on the other.

This tranquil coastal town with its narrow streets bearing testimony to its French lineage is the perfect secret destination for relaxation.

One of our newest homestays, Surabhi offers a perfect blend of Indian hospitality and privacy in this quiet destination. Close to a temple and the river, head for a walk amongst the verdant surroundings of jack fruit trees. Surabhi is a great place to unwind with a book or ‘do nothing’.

Hillscape Inn and Green Paradise in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar is a much loved hill-station in the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Two new homestays can be combined together to offer a perfect break in this North India summer refuge.

No visit to Srinagar is complete without a couple of nights in a houseboat allowing you to experience life on Dal Lake. The Green Paradise offers a fleet of super deluxe family owned houseboats, each with its own crew that takes care of your food and any activities that you want. These luxurious boats echo back to the time of Kings when it was decreed that no outsider could own land in Kashmir. The British got around this ruling by living on the water, employing Persians to build Cedar wood boats with elaborate wooden carved interiors.

Combine a few nights on a houseboat with a few days in the mountains. Hillscape Inn offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake and you can spend your days trekking in the mountains before heading back to your homestay for a bonfire dinner. The attentive hosts of Hillscape Inn have great knowledge of local artifacts and handicrafts and can guide you with shopping for the beautiful woodwork or the Pashmina shawls that Kashmir is known for.

Lakerose in Wayanad, Kerala

Wayanad in Kerala’s beautiful Western Ghats is a destination that visitors fall in love with; stunning views over coffee plantations, tea gardens and teak forests, crashing waterfalls with hidden swimming coves and a wildlife sanctuary where you might just spot a tiger.

New homestay Lake Rose is perfect for guests who want to be one with nature and soak up the tranquil environment. With the Karapuzha dam just meters from the house, wake up to the views (pictured above) of soft mist rolling over the water.

The house offers all the modern facilities you might need, including a fully furnished kitchen and three large units, great for accommodating families who are travelling together.

If you are planning your next break maybe one of these new homestays will tempt you! Don’t forget Facebook fans can claim 15% off their booking.

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1. Tamil Nadu
Rice is one of the key components of Tamil Nadu dishes and you can it slipping into recipes even at breakfast time. Steamed rice dough fat pancakes, or simply put, ‘idlis’ are a favourite with many. Light and also heated, these are safe for the stomach and are not likely to send you in any gastronomical frenzy. Try these with ‘sambhar’ and coconut ‘chutney’. If these are not enough, your breakfast spread may include pongal and dosas as well. Wash these down well with a cup of filter coffee as a grand finale.

2. Kashmir
Up in the northernmost state of India, the day starts early with a cup of ‘kavah’- sugar, cardamom and ground almonds added to normal tea. The bread that this is taken in with is called ‘samovar’. This is leavened wheat bread, made slightly sweet with bakirkhani and the sesame-sprinkled tsachvaru. It is difficult to develop a taste for this immediately, so have some fruits as back up breakfast.

3. Kolkata
Be ready to be trying plenty of dishes right in the first meal of the day. Kolkata (Calcutta) is known for its popular street joints which offer a lot of snack items. Out of these lentil crepes are quite famous as breakfast fare. Apart from these, there are aloo-pooris and kachori, a favourite with the locals.

4. Gujarat
The state of Gujarat is famous for its indulgent heavy food and snacks through the day. At breakfast, you may find the comparatively lighter Dhokla, a spongy yellow salty cake to be had with Chutney. Very close to the Rajasthani ‘chila’, people in Gujarat also like to have this salty pancake with tomato chutney.

5. Punjab
Light meals are not an option in Punjab! Breakfast will be a long affair of stuffed paranthas (bread), slightly fried on a flat pan. Be ready to gorge down various combinations of potatoes, cottage cheese, onions and more. Yoghurt and chutneys are served for added taste.

6. Kerala
A typical Kerala breakfast may include Puttu, Vellayappam or Idiappam made with pounded rice flour and served with a vegetable or chicken stew. Coconut chutney is a must with these. A cup of filter coffee will keep you from falling asleep after a big meal. Pictured above is a breakfast served at Glenora Homestay in Kerala where guests can also enjoy fresh fruits picked from the plantation.

Most homestays are happy to accommodate guests own tastes and will normally be able to offer a continental breakfast for international visitors who prefer to stick with food they are familiar with.  However to get the real Indian experience make sure you try the local specialities. You might return home with a new favourite!

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Srinagar in May

May is late spring in Srinagar so you will beat the main crowds who arrive during the summer months of June through to August. The weather is pleasant (an average of 25 C) although you might still want to pack a light jumper for the evenings.

Of course Srinagar can be enjoyed throughout the bustling summer months and into the autumn. If travelling during peak season it is important to book your accommodation and any transport well in advance.

What to see in Srinagar

Here are our top five picks of how to spend your time in Srinagar if you are visiting this May.

1. Dal Lake – The Dal Lake is always featured in lists of things to do in Srinagar beacuse of its unparalleled beauty. Stay on the lake so you can enjoy the activity at close quarters. Watch how the water body comes alive with action with houses, shops, fruit sellers and school children, all aboard on boats in the mornings. This may be a unique sight for you but its business as usual in Srinagar.

2. Apple Orchards – The weather is just right to visit the apple orchards of Srinagar at this time of the year. The season is just starting at this time and there is plenty of activity in the farms. It is recommended to stay in a farm house to get an intimate experience of the farm life.

3. Saffron Fields – It is a little known fact that apart from apples, Kashmir is also one of the largest producers of saffron. This much coveted ingredient is a favourite in Indian puddings. Saffron is not only grown in large volumes but also in households. Though May not be the appropriate month for saffron flowers to bloom, you can still see the plush fields at this time. Get a local guide to show you the large expanse of fields – another natural element of Kashmir that you are going to love.

4. Cricket Bats – For a cricket crazy country, the production of bats happens in very small and choicest areas. Kashmir is one such limited source from where the bats are procured. A trip to the factory is going to be very exciting for children

5. Verinag and communities around Jhelum – Just a short ride away from Srinagar, a small unassuming town called Verinag sits at the source of the river Jhelum. It is a great weekend getaway at a short distance from the city. The scenic vistas are awe inspiring.

Where to stay in Srinagar

A visit to Srinagar is incomplete without a couple of nights in a houseboat. Srinagar and the life in it, revolves around the Dal Lake. The walks on the Boulevard, the shikara rides and the beautiful sunsets are best viewed with the lake in the foreground (see the view from a houseboat below). The Green Paradise offers a fleet of family owned houseboats, all falling within the super deluxe category. Each houseboat has its own crew that takes care of your food and any activities that you want.

Combine a houseboat with a few days in the mountains. Hillscape Inn offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake and you can spend your days trekking in the mountains before heading back to your homestay for a bonfire dinner.

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The first time I travelled in India, in 2005-06, I arrived with a treasure trove of fantasies and ideas about India — and my expectations were high. I knew about the fairytale desert forts, the sacred pilgrimage sites, the monumental metropolises and, of course, the quaint hill stations, fabled relics of a bygone era.

Every hill station in India lays claim to being the “queen of hill stations” and I am sure they all have their charms. I haven’t been to all of them, just two in fact — Simla and Darjeeling — but they both won my allegiance.

I arrived in Simla after a month of volunteering in Dharamsala, and I was looking forward to a few days of aimless respite. I had been ill in Dharamsala, and was worried the long drive to Simla — along narrow winding roads with heart-stopping drop-offs — would wear me down.

But as soon as I arrived in the hill top town, I felt my spirits lift. I have discovered after almost 15 months of travel in India, spread over five trips, that places either strongly agreed with me — or the opposite. Simla agreed with me. It turned out to be the perfect place for a break from it all. I found the mountain air and panoramic views reviving, and I loved to just stroll along the ridge-top Mall discovering historical sites like the former Viceregal Lodge (now an educational institute) and Scandal Point.

After a day or two in Simla, my boyfriend joined me, and when together we walked along the Mall I was aware that at one time we would have caused a scandal indeed: a woman of British descent walking with an Indian man. In fact, it would have been illegal for him to walk on the Mall before independence. Times do change for the better.

When it came time to leave our beloved sojourn in Simla, we took the toy train down to Kalka, where we were meeting the train back to Delhi. We stopped and ate snacks along the way, counted the 103 tunnels, joked about walking alongside the train (and probably getting to our destination faster) and had a delightful time.

It was several years before I travelled to my second hill station. I was approaching a red-letter birthday — a biggie! — and I pondered deeply about where I wanted to spend it. But even though I pondered, I knew: Watching the sunrise against the backdrop of the white wall of the Himalayas from Tiger Hill, outside of Darjeeling.

I arrived the day before my birthday and it was love at first sight. I walked up to the top of Observatory Hill, to Mahakala Temple, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists and then had tea at the historic Windamere Hotel, one of Asia’s top heritage hotels. The views of swirling mist around the mountain top; the sound of the temple’s hundreds of prayer flags flapping; the taste of the light, fragrant, tea — I loved it all.

The next morning, I bound out of bed before dawn to make the drive up to Tiger Hill for the sunrise — knowing that we may or may not have a clear day (the odds seem to be about 3-to-1 against). Luckily for me, and a good augur for the decade to come, the morning dawned perfectly clear. And though the viewing area was crowded and noisy, and I was tired and cold, watching the sunrise light up the white wall of the Himalayas in the distance — colouring the mountains gold, rose pink and deep mauve by turn — was worth the effort. It was one of the most spectacular travel moments of my life.

My guide Paras and I walked part way down Tiger Hill, stopping at a tiny, ancient Durga temple, built literally into the side of the hill, with earth and tree roots forming the interior. We arrived just in time for puja — just Paras, me and three female devotees — and I received a blessing. As we walked further down, we continued to see the five massive peaks of mighty Kanchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain, looming above the valley like a giant ocean liner sailing on a sea of clouds.

Back at the Windamere for breakfast and more Darjeeling tea, I was served on the terrace with the panoramic view. And as I watched the dance of the breaking sun vying with the swirling mists, and heard the prayer flags from the temple above flapping in the breeze, I felt serenely, majestically happy.

Images are of Darjeeling and the Makaibari Tea Company. See more of Mariellen’s photographs from this trip.

About the guest blogger: Mariellen Ward is a Canadian freelance writer and travel blogger, well-known on the Internet for her love of “all things India.” Mariellen has traveled for more than a year altogether in India and publishes an India-inspired travel blog Breathedreamgo. She writes about India, meaningful adventure travel and yoga for newspapers, magazines and many online sites and recently published her first book, Song of India: Tales of Travel and Transformation.

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If you are a keen photographer with an eye for a great photo then don’t miss out on the opportunity to win a three week photographic commission tour around India with our travel photography contest on Facebook.

Perhaps no other country is as photogenic, as multidimensional India. From ornate temples to crumbling fortresses, bustling spice markets to tranquil yoga retreats and population packed metropolises to quiet hill stations; India is a country of contrasts. Packed with colour and inquisitive people, India is a travel photographer’s dream destination.

If you are the lucky winner, we will fly you and your guest to Delhi to start your trip, which will take you to some of the most diverse sights of India. Please click here to see a route map of the journey you will take, which includes:

• The Tibetan settlements of Dharamshala in North India
• A houseboat experience in Jammu and Kashmir
• India’s most iconic building, the Taj Mahal in Agra
• The pink city of Jaipur, springing from the desert in royal Rajasthan
• A night time safari in the wildlife, and big cat haven of Pali.

We are looking for a talented photographer capable of capturing the essence of India. In order to enter you will need to submit three of your best travel images (which can be taken anywhere in the world). You will need to supply photos taken in each of the following categories:

1. Travel Icons
Photos from this category should be taken outside and can include portrait shots of people that represent local culture or iconic / typical buildings that represent a destination.

2. Indoor
Photos in this category should show how you manage with difficult lighting situations. Shots could include the interior of temples, interesting shops or restaurants or people in their home.

3. Landscape
Photos in this category should capture the visual glory of the destination; from brightly lit cityscapes to breathtaking valley views.

To find out more details or to submit your entry please visit our Facebook page. Entries can only be accepted via our official entry form.

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The prize for week three was a trip to Nainital, a hill station in North India. Once again we were looking for the lowest unique bid to secure the holiday.

The lucky winner was Manoj Kumar Aggarwal from New Delhi with a bid of 14 Rs. Manoj, pictured above with his family, was delighted to be declared our week three winner.

He said, “When I found the holiday auction contest for Mahindra Homestays on Facebook I started to dream of a vacation, now winning the contest has made that vacation a reality.

The prize for week four was a trip to lovely Matiana, in Himachal Pradesh.

The winner for week four was Navalkishore Chhawchharia from Ahmedabad (pictured above) with a winning bid of 10 Rs.

When he found out he was the lucky winner he said, “I just saw an advert for the competition on Facebook and decided to try my luck with it. I used my date of birth to choose the number 10. Luckily I won the prize.

“I was planning to do a tour of Himachal next year in February; maybe God heard my wish to travel there. I am really happy to be the winner.”

We are launching a new contest next week where a lucky winner will win a three week tour of India for themselves and a partner. Make sure you like us on Facebook to be alerted when the contest goes live!

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Not too many countries on earth have a state budget made separately for the Railways, neither have they inspired authors and film-makers for ages. The Indian Railways, carrying 30 million passengers and joining 65,000 km of India, isn’t unique only for these numbers, but for the diversity it carries along. It joins the length and breadth of India and touches her heart like no one else does. Probably the best way to see India is by taking a train ride, sneaking into her undiscovered cultures, gazing into her unexplored landscapes and soaking in her invigorating air.

Being a passenger in the Indian Railways for over twenty years and having travelled on numerous routes, it isn’t an easy task to choose the best routes; still I will try and do my best.

The expensive special trains and their journeys will be kept out of this post for obvious reasons. Let the budget traveller rule the roost!

1. The Kashmir Railway (Jammu – Udhampur)

The Kashmir Railway is one of the most challenging engineering projects in India. The extremes of cold and heat along with the unfavorable terrain and political scenarios make this route one of the most thrilling of all Indian train routes. This route has 20 major tunnels and 158 bridges which offer awe inspiring views of the rivers and valleys around the beautiful Shivalik Mountain Ranges.

2. The Snow Sojourn (Qazigund-Srinagar-Baramulla)

This is a part of the Kashmir Railway, but currently work is going on the section between Jammu and Qazigund, thus making this another separate leg of the journey. When complete, this will be a part of the greater Kashmir railway which will connect Jammu to Baramulla, or rather the plains to the Valley.

The journey promises a refreshing ride through the Kashmir Valley, weaving through the snow capped peaks at a distance and the Chinar trees all around. The best part of taking this journey is during the winters when the surroundings are filled with snow.

There is only the option of an unreserved DEMU train currently on this route.

3. The Kangra Valley Odyssey ( Pathankot – Kangra-Palampur-Jogindernagar)

The Kangra Valley Railway belongs to the sub-Himalayan region in Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Pathankot in Punjab, it covers 164 kms to Jogindernagar in Himachal Pradesh, meandering through numerous passes, rivers and valleys. Even though it’s a laid back option of traveling across the Kangra valley, yet the views it offers compensates the speed. The sight of the snow capped Dhauladhar hills at a distance after Palampur rewards the tired soul exuberantly.

The journey of 165 km from Pathankot to Jogindernagar takes almost a whopping 10 hours.

The unreserved Kangra Valley Passenger is the only train on this route currently.

4. The Konkan Railway(Ratnagiri-Madgaon-Honnavar-Mangalore)

Amazing greeneries, plethora of water bodies, stunning curves and the magnificent Sahyadris join hands to make this one of the most sought after train travel experience for any railway enthusiast in India.

The Konkan Railway is also an example of the high spirits of the engineers of this country, who constructed this marvel battling against a hostile loose terrain with frequent landslide tendencies.

5. The Goan Experience ( Vasco Da Gama – Londa Jn)

Goa might be known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters, but there is another side of Goa which cannot be missed. The lush green villages, thick jungles and the abundant waterfalls constitute a charming world of Goan Rails. A train ride from Vasco takes you from the serene beaches to the precarious curves of Western Ghat Mountains offering a breathtaking sight of the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, one of India’s highest and most exquisite falls.

6. Nilgiri Mountain Railway(Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam)

When the blue and cream coloured coaches chug up the blue mountains, even the crudest of all hearts will skip a beat. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, running for over a 110 years is another train journey, you simply cannot miss.

The steam engine covers the 46 km to Ooty in four and a half hours, twisting and turning through the rocky terrain, before slowly meandering into the sprawling tea estates. The familiar chuffing sound of the steam locomotive casts an old world charm and reminds of the legacies of the British Raj.

7. Himalayan Queen(Kalka – Shimla)

Being the only mountain railway in India, to be used by regular commuters, the heritage railway between Kalka and Shimla features in the Guinness Book of World Records for offering the steepest rise in altitude in the space of 96 kilometers.

Built in 1903, it passes through 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, flanked by the picturesque Shivalik Hills on both sides. The train guzzles along the track, built over viaducts which resemble the arch galleries of ancient Roman architecture. A morning ride on this stretch, wrapping the fresh air, whistling past the oak, pine and maple trees has all the ingredients to make it a journey of a lifetime.

8. The Toy Train-Darjeeling Himalayan Railway( New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling)

The oldest of all mountain railways in India, the Toy Train is also a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1999.Loops are a special feature of this railway to give it a natural ascent. The most popular being the ‘Batasia Loop’ which offers stunning views of Darjeeling town and the snow capped Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day.

On its ascent from Sukna, the train crosses a few settlements and towns weaving through the tea gardens, tea factories and small forests of maple, chestnut, pear and cherry. One can also sneak a peek into the hustle bustle of the Gorkha settlements on the way. Gorkhas are an ethnic group of this region with Mongolian features known for their valor and bravery.

The train chugs alongside the busy highway and often intrigues the traveller with its slow, yet effective pace.

9. Matheran Hill Railway (Neral-Matheran)

Matheran, nestled in the Western Ghats, is one of the favourite weekend destinations for busy Mumbaikars. It still holds its charm, thanks to no vehicles being allowed in the town. One has to take a pony ride or walk on the dusty and muddy roads to go around Matheran.

The Matheran Hill Railway is the only heritage railway in Maharashtra. This narrow gauge rail link between Neral and Matheran was built by Abdul Hussein Adamjee Peerbhoy between 1901 and 1907 at the cost of Rs.1600000. The route, through large swathes of forest territory, covers a distance of 20 kilometers in about one and half hours, is full of panoramic views .Any lone visitor will surely enjoy the tranquillity this ride offers.

10. Dooars Voyage (Siliguri – New Mal – Hasimara –Alipurduar)

A vast expanse of dense forests brimming with wildlife, murmur of streams trotting down from the hills of Sikkim and Bhutan, interwoven by tea gardens and dissected by the gorging Teesta River make Dooars a unique palette of nature.

The train route recently converted to broad gauge has minimum traffic but passes through notable wildlife sanctuaries abound in a fascinating diversity of flora and fauna. It crosses Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forest, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve along with numerous stream crossings. You can get down at Chalsa, Hasimara or Rajabhatkhawa to get drenched in the Dooars experience.

11. Flavours of Assam (Guwahati-Lumding-Silchar)

The aroma of Assam runs into your senses as the train inches into the lush greenery of the adjoining valleys of Haflong, before joining the banks of River Jatinga and meandering along with it. A few hours later catch the flavour of the tea gardens of Barak valley, before running into the plains. This track now goes south and connects Agartala (the second largest city of North East India) to rest of the country.

12. Desert Queen ( Jaipur-Jaisalmer)

Jaisalmer is the gateway to all the camel safaris in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. A train journey from Jaipur to Jaisalmer can be a great experience of viewing the barren stretches of the Thar Desert. The vibrant settlements of colourful mud huts and stray camels grazing in the flat desert against the rising sun can be a sight to cherish forever in life.

13. Arakku Valley Railway ( Vizag – Arakku)

Arakku Valley is a popular hotspot for nature enthusiasts, boasting of thick forests and coffee plantations. Vishakhapatnam, an important port city of East India has a rail link to Arakku, which lies on the Kothavalasa and Kirandul (KK) Line. This is one of rare broad gauge hill railways of India, which was built to transport iron ore from the mines of Chattisgarh to the port city of Vizag, presently known as Vishakhapatnam.

The rail route is one of the better ways to travel to Arakku Valley, crossing quite a few caves and waterfalls on the way.

14. Malnad Magic (Hassan – Mangalore)

The picturesque green paddy fields and Areca nut palm trees of the Malnad region encompasses this route. The best stretch is the one between Sakleshpur and Subramanya stations, where the train chugs through 57 tunnels offering a stunning view of the misty mountains and the sparkling waterfalls all around.

15. The Sea Bridge Ride (Mandapam- Pamban- Rameswaram)

The bridge that connects Mandapam in TamilNadu to the Pamban island is the second longest sea bridge in India and even if you are not a pilgrim to the Varanasi of south, you will fall in love with this train ride crossing the Gulf of Mannar.

16. The Western Ghat Saunter( Karjat – Lonavala)

As the train passes Karjat in Maharashtra, it enters the hinterland of the Western Ghats, not the mightiest in terms of height but extremely rich in biodiversity. During monsoons, this journey comes alive with numerous streams and cascading waterfalls on its way. The dense foliage with the backdrop of the hills will make you move out of your seat and enjoy the scenery at the door.

The train passes through the village settlements of Thakurwadi before hiking up Monkey Hill, then crossing the romantic Khandala reaches Lonavala.

17. Chambal Express (Agra to Gwalior)

The infamous Chambal region has been in the news for decades, thanks to the dacoits who might have created a record for the maximum number of extortions, robberies and murders in the region. But there is something about the ravines of Chambal that impresses the eye. The terrain has been supporting the sons of her soil since ages, with its unique diversity of undulations that makes it easier for the villains to rob and escape. A train ride through the Chambal ravines can bring a rush of adrenaline to the adventurous and a sense of curiosity to the landscape lover.

18. The Kerala Anubhavam (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum)

There isn’t a better way to experience the magic of Kerala, than by taking a train ride from Ernakulam(Cochin) to Trivandrum via Kollam (Quilon).It is like a holiday package which offers you all in one. The enchanting backwaters, the pristine lakes, the coconut palms fencing the water channels and a peek into the rural life of Kerala living in islands formed out of the backwaters.

19. The Travancore Railway (Kollam-Punalur-Sengottai)

The erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore had flagged off the first train on this route, way back in 1907.The section from Punalur to Sengottai crossing the beautiful Cardamom Hills is the best part of this journey in terms of the lushness of nature and the architectural marvels. The famous 13 arched bridge is a sight to remember on this route.

This section is currently closed for gauge conversion. Once complete this will connect Trivandrum to Chennai in the fastest way. Expected to complete by 2013.Currently one can take a ride up to Punalur only.

20. Unknown Andhra (Guntakal – Guntur)

The section between Dhone and Cumbum on the Guntakal – Guntur boasts of a scenic journey through the Eastern Ghats. Most of the express trains pass this stretch at night, but there are a few passenger trains that can be taken to experience the scenic beauty of this unexplored part of Andhra Pradesh. One can also alight at Cumbum station to see the Cumbum Lake, the oldest man-made lake of Asia.

21. Tribal Orissa Odyssey (Koraput – Rayagada)

Popularly known as the KR line, the Koraput-Rayagada line is an off shoot from the Kirandul- Kothavalasa (KK) line. Koraput is about 800 meters above sea level and the journey till Rayagada at 200 meters is an enchanting downhill experience. The dense forests and horse shoe curves add a charm to this unknown ride.

22. Lake View Chilika (Bhubaneswar- Brahmapur )

Take a morning ride from Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur in Orissa to experience the grandeur of the Chilika Lake on your left and the Eastern Ghats on your right. Chilika is the second largest lagoon on earth and a haven for migratory birds. If you are into bird watching, make sure you sit on the train window with a binocular.

23. Aravalli Adventure (Himmatnagar – Udaipur/Mavli – Marwar)

The Aravalli range runs across the state of Rajasthan from north to south. These old mountains consist of steep rocky ridges, formed due to erosion of an ancient folded mountain. They are rich in the history of Rajasthan which unfolds when a journey is taken to the interiors meeting the locals, listening to the folklores.

A train journey from Ahmedabad to Udaipur passes through a section of the hills and is a nice experience.To travel into the interiors of Aravalli, the meter gauge line from Mavli to Marwar is ideal. Mavli is 43 kms from Udaipur City and is waiting for a gauge conversion to be sanctioned between Mavli and Marwar.

24. Gir Safari (Junagarh-Delvada)

The Metre gauge railway from Junagadh to Delvada in Gujarat is an interesting journey through the wooded hills of Gir National Park. It is an extremely slow journey but for the laid back traveller planning for a stopover at Gir and looking to soak in the culture of Saurashtra (western region of Gujarat), this is a journey to look for. The train stops at Sasan Gir station, which leads to start of the National Park. One can also head to Diu using this train passing through the coastline of western Gujarat.

25. Shindavane and Ambale (Pune-Satara)

The ghats of Shindavane are known for the barren and lofty Sahyadri Mountains. The railway cuts deep through the mountains and passes through loose rocks on all sides. This lies in the Pune-Satara section of the Central Railways.

Notes:

• The routes mentioned here can be closed due to various reasons, like gauge conversions, landslides or other unavoidable circumstances.Be well informed about the train availability on the routes before you plan a ride.
• Do check the official website of Indian Railways for all train and route related information: www.indianrail.gov.in
• Image Credits : Wikimedia Commons and IRFCA
• Special thanks to Apurva Bahadur, Jay Balakrishna, Lalam , Mohan Bhuyan, Bharath M,Naren Damodaran and Tushar from IRFCA for their support.

About the Guest Blogger: Arnab Maity is an independent traveller and a documentary photographer. He says, “Creating new trails and following the unknown paths satisfies the traveler in me. I am also an avid history and culture enthusiast looking for stories and structures lost with time.” He runs his own blog at Arnab Maity Travel and Photography.

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