Top 7 Beautiful Railway Routes Of India

1. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or "Toy Train," is a 88 km narrow-gauge line from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and very popular heritage ride known for its stunning mountain views coupled with unique engineering in the form of the Batasia Loop. 

2. Jammu–Baramulla Railway is a 356 km line with all-weather access connecting Jammu to Baramulla in Kashmir. The Chenab Bridge is the world's highest rail bridge. As a lifeline that offers rich views of valleys and mountains, this railway has huge potential for tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

3. Kalka–Shimla Railway is an engineered road on a 96 km narrow gauge from Kalka to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and 919 curves and offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik hills. Known for its toy trains, this is a very popular tourist route and an engineering marvel. 

4. Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Railway is a 300 km long line crossing Rajasthan's Thar Desert from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. Desert landscape and cultural attractions make the railway very important for tourism and strategic connectivity close to the India-Pakistan border.

5. Mandapam–Rameswaram Railway connects Mandapam to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, crossing the iconic Pamban Bridge over the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its ocean views and is a must for tourists and pilgrims visiting Rameswaram. 

6. Konkan Railway is a 740 km line on India's west coast connecting Mumbai to Mangalore. It offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats, with very impressive tunnels and bridges improving travel and trade in the region.

7. Mettupalayam–Ooty Railway is a 46 km scenic narrow-gauge line in Tamil Nadu that climbs up to the Nilgiri hills to Ooty. This railway has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and uses rack-and-pinion technology to ride the steep inclines, thus giving it some amazing views of mountains.