Indian Railways runs everything from UNESCO-listed mountain lines to luxury charters. The train is often the journey rather than the transfer.
UNESCO mountain railways
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Narrow gauge, loops and zigzags to Darjeeling.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Rack-and-pinion climb to Ooty.
Kalka–Shimla Railway
Tunnels and arched viaducts into Himachal.
Scenic routes
Konkan Railway
West coast line past Dudhsagar Falls.
Kashmir valley line
Crosses the Chenab bridge.
Vivek Express
Assam to Kanyakumari, India's longest run.
Araku Valley line
Tunnels up into Andhra's coffee hills.
Luxury trains
Palace on Wheels
Rajasthan circuit.
Maharajas' Express
Multiple long north-India itineraries.
Deccan Odyssey
Maharashtra and neighbouring states.
Golden Chariot
Karnataka and south India.
Booking, practically
Reservations open in advance on IRCTC. Foreign passport holders can use the foreign tourist quota; Tatkal releases a small number of seats one day before departure at a premium.
1A
First AC: lockable two- or four-berth cabins.
2A
AC two-tier: curtained bays of four plus two side berths.
3A
AC three-tier: bays of six plus two side berths.
SL
Sleeper: non-AC open berths, windows that open.
CC
AC chair car on day trains.
EC
Executive chair car, wider seats.