India’s vast rail network is not just a mode of transport—it’s a window into the country’s heart. From the misty mountains of Himachal Pradesh to the golden deserts of Rajasthan, train journeys in India offer some of the most stunning visuals a photographer could dream of. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or a professional with a DSLR, these routes promise countless frames worth capturing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best train routes for photography in India, what makes them special, and why they should be on every traveler’s list.
1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – The Toy Train Ride of Dreams
Route: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) → Darjeeling
Distance: 88 km
Travel Time: Around 7 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹1,400 – ₹1,800 (First Class)
Why It’s Special
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a living legend. Built in the 1880s, this narrow-gauge toy train climbs from the warm plains of Siliguri to the cool air of Darjeeling, winding through tea gardens and colonial-era villages.
As the blue carriages curve along steep slopes, the scenery changes from dense forests to clouds brushing your window. The train passes through the famous Batasia Loop — a circular track that offers a full panoramic view of Darjeeling with Kanchenjunga standing tall in the distance.
It’s slow, peaceful, and incredibly photogenic — every bend opens a new canvas of mist and green.
Photography Highlights
- Tea gardens stretching endlessly along the slopes.
- The Batasia Loop and its memorial are surrounded by mountains.
- Kids and locals waving as the train passes through hillside towns.
2. Konkan Railway – The Sea, the Sky & 91 Tunnels of Wonder
Route: Mumbai → Goa (Madgaon)
Distance: 580 km
Travel Time: Around 8–9 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Why It’s Special
The Konkan route is one of India’s greatest engineering marvels — a line carved between the Arabian Sea and the towering Western Ghats.
The train crosses over 2,000 bridges and dives through 91 tunnels, revealing coastal villages, lush coconut groves, rivers, and endless green hills. During the monsoon, waterfalls pour down from cliffs, and the world outside becomes a blur of mist and emerald.
This route is pure cinematic beauty — a living postcard of coastal India.
Photography Highlights
- Panvalnadi Bridge, one of India’s tallest railway bridges.
- Cascading waterfalls during monsoon season.
- Sunset views near Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg with the sea in the background.
3. Kangra Valley Railway – Through the Heart of Himachal’s Serenity
Route: Pathankot → Joginder Nagar
Distance: 164 km
Travel Time: Around 9 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹40 – ₹500
Why It’s Special
This slow-moving train in Himachal Pradesh is a journey through stillness and purity.
Built in 1929, the Kangra Valley line travels through peaceful villages, pine forests, and fertile farmlands, with the snow-capped Dhauladhar Range always visible in the distance. The narrow tracks cross old stone bridges and sleepy rivers, while local life unfolds quietly outside your window.
There’s no rush here — just the hum of the train and the whisper of the wind through the mountains.
Photography Highlights
- Dhauladhar mountains glowing at sunrise.
- Kangra Fort visible in the distance.
- Bridges over the Beas River and terraced fields around Palampur.
4. Nilgiri Mountain Railway – The Blue Train of the South
Route: Mettupalayam → Ooty
Distance: 46 km
Travel Time: Around 5 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹600 – ₹1,000
Why It’s Special
This route is pure nostalgia, taking you from the tropical plains to the misty Nilgiri hills.
Built in 1908, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the only rack-and-pinion railway in India, allowing the train to climb steep slopes. The vintage blue train puffs through 250 bridges, 16 tunnels, and miles of forest, tea gardens, and waterfalls.
As you approach Ooty, the air turns cool and fragrant with eucalyptus, and the world feels like it’s floating in clouds.
Photography Highlights
- The blue train curving through the valleys.
- Coonoor’s lush tea estates and bridges.
- Old colonial stations surrounded by pine and mist.
5. Desert Queen – The Golden Sands Express
Route: Jaisalmer → Jodhpur
Distance: 300 km
Travel Time: Around 5–6 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹500 – ₹1,200
Why It’s Special
This is a journey through Rajasthan’s golden heart — the Thar Desert.
The train runs through wide stretches of sand dunes, small mud villages, and windmills that stand like silent sentinels. Early morning and sunset bring out surreal shades of gold, orange, and pink — a treat for photographers.
You’ll see locals dressed in bright turbans, herds of camels walking alongside the tracks, and the landscape slowly shifting from desert plains to the rocky hills of Jodhpur.
Photography Highlights
- Golden sunrise over the dunes near Pokhran.
- Villages and desert windmills.
- The majestic view of Mehrangarh Fort as you approach Jodhpur.
6. Matheran Hill Railway – Journey to a Car-Free Hill Station
Route: Neral → Matheran
Distance: 21 km
Travel Time: Around 2 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹400 – ₹600
Why It’s Special
This short journey to Matheran — India’s only hill station where vehicles are banned — feels like stepping back in time.
The small toy train climbs through thick forests, across curved bridges, and into clouds that wrap around the carriages. During monsoon, the route becomes a dream — waterfalls rush beside you, fog hangs over valleys, and the forests gleam with fresh rain.
It’s quiet, intimate, and filled with charm — every frame looks like a painting.
Photography Highlights
- Misty tunnels and lush valleys.
- Waterfalls during monsoon season.
- Dense green forests seen from mountain edges.
7. Himalayan Queen Express – Gateway to the Hills
Route: Kalka → Shimla
Distance: 96 km
Travel Time: 5–6 hours
Approx. Fare: ₹600 – ₹1,000
Why It’s Special
The Himalayan Queen Express is a tribute to the golden era of travel.
Built in 1903, this narrow-gauge railway climbs from the foothills to the pine-covered slopes of Shimla, crossing 864 bridges and 102 tunnels along the way. The pace is slow, but that’s what makes it so beautiful — you get time to notice every curve, every valley, and every small village on the hillsides.
The air turns crisp, the forests grow denser, and the view from your window feels like a watercolor painting that changes with every turn.
Photography Highlights
- Fog drifting over pine forests.
- Colorful colonial stations at Barog and Solan.
- Wide views of Shimla town spread across the mountains.
Why Choose These Train Routes for Photography?
- Unmatched Diversity: India’s terrain changes dramatically from state to state—mountains, beaches, forests, and deserts—all visible through a train window.
- Cultural Encounters: Train stations and rural halts offer candid moments of local life—vendors, families, and travelers.
- Slow Travel Advantage: Unlike air or road travel, trains move at a steady pace, giving photographers time to anticipate and frame shots.
- Affordable Adventure: Most routes are budget-friendly compared to organized photo tours, yet offer world-class scenery.
- Sustainable Exploration: Train journeys have a lower carbon footprint, making them an eco-conscious choice for travel photography enthusiasts.
Also Read: Maharajas’ Express Train Route, Ticket Price, Reviews & Everything You Need to Know
Conclusion
Exploring India through its railway network is more than a journey—it’s a story told through windows, landscapes, and human expressions. Each of these best train routes for photography in India offers something unique: the charm of the hills, the vibrance of deserts, or the calm of the coast. Whether you’re chasing sunrise over the Himalayas or reflections in backwaters, India’s trains offer moving galleries of life and color.
So, pack your camera, charge your batteries, and hop on board. You’re not just taking a trip—you’re capturing India, one frame at a time.
FAQs
Q1: Which is the most scenic train route in India for photography?
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Konkan Railway are often considered the most scenic for photographers due to their diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
Q2: Can I use a drone for train photography in India?
Using drones near railway tracks or stations is generally not permitted without special permission from Indian Railways and local authorities.
Q3: What is the best season for train photography in India?
The monsoon (July–September) brings lush greenery, while winter (October–February) offers clearer skies and pleasant weather—ideal for photography.
Q4: Are photography permits required on trains?
For regular photography from inside the train, no permit is needed. However, professional shoots or documentaries may require prior approval from Indian Railways.
Q5: What camera settings work best for moving trains?
Use fast shutter speeds (1/500 or above) for sharp shots from a moving train and wide apertures (f/2.8–f/5.6) to capture depth and motion beautifully.
