Nothing compares to the charms of a quintessential Indian rail journey. There’s always a sense of nostalgia that tags along. Thanks to India’s diverse landscape, the country is blessed with gorgeous train routes that add to the bliss. And then there are some railway stations that serve as destinations in their own right. Here are some of the greenest railway stations in India that every traveller must visit. By Karan Kaushik
Greenest railway stations in India
Karwar Railway Station, Karnataka
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First on our list is Uttara Kannada’s Karwar railway station. Flanked by mist-clad verdant hills of the Western Ghats, the station is connected by Konkan Railway. Established by the British in 1857, the beautiful town of Karwar is also known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka”. The station is connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, Ernakulum, and Coimbatore, among others. To witness the station at its picturesque best, visit in monsoons.
Haflong Railway Station, Assam
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Next up on the list is Assam’s Haflong railway station, also known as New Haflong railway station. Set in the pastoral Dima Hasao district of Assam, the station connects Haflong with Guwahati and Silchar. The lush Assam Hills serve as a fantastic backdrop to the station, making it a sheer treat for the eyes. Haflong is Assam’s only hill station and draws nature lovers with its untouched beauty. Lush landscapes, cotton clouds, rolling green valleys, and magnificent hills have lent it the epithet of “Mini Switzerland of Northeast”.
Kathgodam Railway Station, Uttarakhand
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Situated in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, the railway station at Katgodham looks straight out of a fairy tale. The majestic Shivalik hills encompass it, making it one of the greenest railway stations in India. Kathgodham in the Nainital district serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand like Nainital and Bhimtal. Some of the most popular trains that arrive here include the New Delhi-Katgodham Shatabdi Express, Lucknow Junction-Katgodham Express, Ranikhet Express, and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express.
Cherukara Railway Station, Kerala
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Undoubtedly the most beautiful hill station on this list, Cherukara Railway Station is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. It serves Cherukara in Kerala’s Malappuram. What makes the station incredibly picturesque is the canopy of dense banyan and teak trees that envelop it. The wonderful little station is a part of Southern Railway’s Shoranur-Mangalore section. It is connected to cities such as Nilambur, Angadipuram, and Shoranur.
Sevoke Railway Station, West Bengal
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If you are planning a summer trip to the popular hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal, make sure to include Sevoke in your itinerary. Spelt as Sivok, the station lies on the New Jalpaiguri-New Mal Junction-Alipurduar Junction route of the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Alipurduar division. The station is also the originating point of the under-construction Sivok-Rangpo Line, which will offer access to Sikkim’s capital Gangtok.
Dudh Sagar Waterfalls Railway Station, Goa
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You know a place is beautiful when lovely couples use it as a backdrop for their pre-wedding shoots. Dudh Sagar Railway Station is one such place. This small station lies in South Goa and connects nature lovers to the mesmerising Dudhsagar Falls. It’s a part of the scenic hill section Braganza Ghats that falls on the Goa-Karnataka border. This section connects coastal Goa and the hinterlands of Karnataka. Other stations on this route are Caranzol and Sonaulim.
Wellington Railway Station, Tamil Nadu
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This charming little railway station near Coonoor is a part of the World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. It comes under the Salem railway division of Southern Railway. The station serves the picturesque town of Wellington in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Replete with old-world charm, the station will set your mood just about right to embark on your natural adventures in Coonoor and the famous hill resort town of Udhagamandalam.
Barog Railway Station, Himachal Pradesh
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And last but definitely not the least, on this list is Himachal Pradesh’s Barog railway station. The station lies on the iconic Kalka-Shimla mountain railway track, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The prime attraction of the station is Tunnel number 33, which is claimed to be the straightest tunnel in the world. The station is surrounded by oak and pine trees and offers enough Instagram-worthy spots. Being located at a distance of only 300km from Delhi, Barog makes for a nice offbeat summer getaway.
