If you love the thrill of waking up in a new place or experiencing changing scenery as you cross through hills, mountains, plains, green fields and more, these train journeys that span over a night will surely make a home in your heart! By Anushka Goel
The Indian railway network is by far among the best in the country. Tracks run through terrains, connecting cities and states across the nation’s varied terrains and landscapes, passing through quaint hamlets and bustling cities.
Train journeys are always a fun experience – opening snack boxes as you settle in comfortably for your long journey ahead, meeting new people and hearing the cacophony of vendors, coolies and more at the stations is almost a comforting experience. And among the best memories of trips have stemmed from rail journeys for most of us – travelling long distances with our families, hearing stories of our parents and grandparents and how they used to explore the length and breadth of the country, purchasing snacks and tea on the stations and arriving at their destinations covered in black soot from the train’s exhausts.
Among the best train experiences, we believe, are overnight journeys. There’s a certain thrill in waking up at a new place, especially when you went to bed in a completely different landscape. Some of these journeys come complete with beautiful scenery to keep you up all night, while some others allow you to explore the stunning sights in broad daylight. And if you love rail journeys (or the idea of them) as much as we do, may we suggest you check out these overnight train journeys that will surely make a permanent home in your heart?
Overnight train journeys in India that you should check out
Dibrugarh-Delhi
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This journey from Dibrugarh to New Delhi definitely spans longer than one night, but the changing views from the stunning Northeastern mountains to the plains, traversing through various hills, fields, cities and more is definitely worth the time!
Time taken: 37 hours, 35 minutes
Pune-Delhi
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One of the few non-stop express trains connecting cities, the Duronto Express that connects Delhi and Pune covers major cities on the route, and takes one on a scenic overnight train journey through stunning landscapes such as rivers, deserts, mountains and so much more. What’s more, be assured of getting served delicious snacks and meals.
Time taken: 19 hours, 35 minutes
Madgaon-Mumbai
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One of the most stunning train journeys in India is the one between Madgaon and Mumbai. The journey, onboard the Mandovi Express, takes one through the changing topography of hills and beaches, and even allows one to witness stunning waterfalls, making it a truly exciting journey to undertake.
Time taken: 12 hours, 15 minutes
Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari
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Among the longest train journeys, spanning not just overnight but over three nights, is from Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari. The journey takes one from the Northeast to the southernmost tip of India, covering the vast landscapes of rainforests, bridges, cloud-covered hills, and a lot more, before reaching the coastal, beachy locations.
Time taken: 74 hours, 35 minutes
Bengaluru-Goa
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Another stunning route that allows one to view the magnificent Dudhsagar Falls en route Goa. The overnight train journey takes the passengers through one after the other picturesque views of Bengaluru’s misty weather to Goa’s more coastal, beachy one, and ensures your journey does not fall short of the thrill!
Time taken: 16 hours, 30 minutes
Ratnagiri-Mangalore
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The Konkan Railways offer stunning routes, thanks to their ghat routes and hill views. And the journey from Ratnagiri to Mangalore is stunning, complete with forest views, ghats, river bridges, tunnels and so much more!
Time taken: 10 hours
Bengaluru-Kanyakumari
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Take this beautiful route when planning an overnight train journey in the Bengaluru-Kanyakumari course. The journey takes one through the south of India, crossing bridges, rivers, waterfalls and a lot more before reaching the southernmost tip of India, where the three oceans meet.
Time taken: 15 hours
Guwahati-Silchar
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Lush tea plantations, forests and several high bridges will enchant you on this train journey, which will take you through the Northeastern forests, mountains and provide you with stunning rain-soaked views.
Time taken: 9 hours
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock
Related: These Trains In India Offer The Ultimate Travel Experience With Vistadome Coaches
Anushka Goel
Digital Features Writer
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
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