Scenic Rail Journeys in India That Feel Straight Out of Europe

When people think of Europe-style train journeys, images of snow-capped Alps, rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and storybook villages instantly come to mind. But what many travellers don’t realise is that India offers rail routes just as breathtaking, combining natural beauty, engineering marvels, and cultural richness  all from the comfort of a train window.

From misty mountains to turquoise seas, here are five Indian train routes that deliver a truly Europe-like experience, proving that scenic rail travel doesn’t always require a Schengen visa.

Often compared to the Swiss mountain railways, the Kalka–Shimla toy train is a UNESCO World Heritage site  and for good reason.

Stretching over 96 kilometres, this narrow-gauge railway passes through 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, pine forests, deep valleys, and colonial-era stations. As the train slowly climbs into the Himalayas, clouds drift past your window and quaint hill towns appear like postcards.

Much like European alpine routes, the journey prioritises experience over speed, making it perfect for travellers who enjoy slow, immersive travel.

If coastal train rides in Italy or southern France appeal to you, the Konkan Railway is India’s answer.

Running along the western coastline, this route treats passengers to lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, coconut groves, and glimpses of the Arabian Sea  especially stunning during and after the monsoon season.

With over 2,000 bridges and 90 tunnels, the Konkan Railway is also an engineering feat. The constantly changing landscape mirrors the charm of European coastal rail journeys, where every turn reveals a new view.

Another UNESCO-listed marvel, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty feels remarkably similar to scenic rail routes in Austria or Switzerland.

Pulled by heritage steam engines on steep gradients, the train winds through tea gardens, eucalyptus forests, mist-covered slopes, and colonial hill stations. The rhythmic pace, cool climate, and panoramic views give it a timeless European countryside feel.

It’s not just a train ride  it’s a journey back in time.

Often called the “Toy Train”, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers views that rival Scenic Alpine railways.

The train snakes through tea estates, mountain roads, forested slopes, and hill markets, sometimes sharing space with pedestrians and cars. On clear days, passengers can even catch a glimpse of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain.

Much like iconic European heritage trains, this route blends natural grandeur with colonial charm,making it one of India’s most romantic rail experiences.

Still lesser-known to many travellers, the Kashmir Valley rail route feels straight out of Scandinavian or Swiss landscapes.

The train passes through snow-clad mountains, apple orchards, rivers, and wide valleys, with long tunnels and striking bridges adding to the drama. In winter, the scenery resembles a Nordic postcard, while spring and summer bring lush green meadows.

This route showcases how modern rail infrastructure can coexist beautifully with fragile, high-altitude ecosystems  much like Europe’s best mountain rail networks.

Several factors give these Indian train journeys a Europe-like charm:

In fact, many international travellers rank these routes among the most scenic rail journeys in the world, often comparing them favourably with European classics.

You don’t need to travel abroad to experience the magic of scenic train journeys. India’s rail network offers routes that rival Europe in beauty, history, and romance  often at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you dream of mountain vistas, coastal views, or heritage railways, these five routes prove that India’s trains can deliver a world-class, Europe-like travel experience  right outside your window.

So the next time wanderlust strikes, consider booking a train ticket instead of a flight. The journey, after all, might just become the highlight of your trip.