7 Stunning Train Journeys You Must Take To Reach Chandigarh
The capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is well known for its exquisite features in urban planning, architecture as well as its beautiful natural sceneries. Nicknamed as the “City Beautiful,” Chandigarh is much favored by tourists for its combination of the modern world blended with nature. The city itself is amazing to put into your itinerary but the trip to Chandigarh can be just as beautiful, especially if you opt for a train ride. India is filled with the best railways which offer some jaw-dropping views, some of which pass through Chandigarh. Here are a few of the most stunning train rides in the country that will take you to this beautiful city:
1. Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to Chandigarh.
This specific train route is a part of the heritage railway site and it is also popularly referred to as the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train. It is one of the most famous and loved train rides of India. Even though this route starts from Kalka which is around 30 km from Chandigarh, it is best known for its terminus. This toy train goes through 102 tunnels and over 864 bridges while providing an astonishing view of the Shivalik Hills, dense forests, and Himalayan foothills. The train journey’s retro pace makes the scenic views very nostalgic for the viewers.
Upon arrival in Kalka, the drive to Chandigarh is just a short distance, thus serving as a wonderful preview to your trip.
2. New Delhi to Chandigarh Shatabdi Express
Did you know that if you get on the Shatabdi Express, you will arrive at Chandigarh in 3 hours? Shatabdi Express is one of the top three most luxurious trains in the country and the fastest one as well. It is hard to pass through the Aravalli Hills and not notice the scenic beauty around as well as the lush green fields of Haryana and Punjab. The train also goes through industrial cities and farming areas, so you can catch a glimpse of the differentiation in northern India. Travelers headed to Chandigarh often prefer the Shatabdi Express because of its level of comfort and speed.
3. Mumbai to Chandigarh via the Himalayan Queen
Travelers from Mumbai can also take the Himlayan Queen, which is not only scenic but also a bit different to what most trains offer. This train takes you through the heart of India by crossing Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana. One of the best parts of the trip is through the Aravalli range where all passengers are awarded breathtaking views of valleys and rocky land. As the train passes through the Thar Desert, a beautiful as well as stark contrast to the greenery in Punjab it is very noticeable when you near Chandigarh.
4. Katra to Chandigarh By The Shivalik Express
The Shivalik Express Train travels to Katra, which is the starting point for the voyage to Vaishno Devi and later up north to Chandigarh. This journey is interesting because Shivalik Hills are part of it, having some mind blowing views of the Himalayan foothills, river waterfalls, and lush dense forests. The train route takes passengers to Jammu and then to Pathankot, later on to Una. As always, cultural and natural beauty is in abundance. The Chandigarh city scape is radically different from Katra, so it is a refreshing change after having witnessed the peaceful surroundings.
5. Amritsar to Chandigarh Intercity Express
Amritsar-Chandigarh Intercity Express is an essential line in the transport map of tourists visiting Punjab. It brings one smack in the middle of the Punjab countryside by covering regions with unending standing crops of wheat, mustard, and rice. This train passes through Patiala and Ludhiana too, which are historic towns, thus giving one a view of the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. Like all journeys, this ride too is remarkable and untold because every sunrise leaves golden glitters on the fields and every sunset bathes Punjab in golden glory.
6. Kolkata to Chandigarh via the Howrah-Kalka Mail
The Howrah-Kalka Mail has one of the longest Indian railway routes from Kolkata to Kalka, which is just a few miles away from Chandigarh. On this journey you will pass through the Gangetic plains, the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the foothills of the Himalayas. The train journey encompasses various states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana which all add to the vast range of sceneries that can be witnessed during the trip. The sight of the Ganges River with the lush forest of Jharkhand and the rolling hills of Haryana is a breathtaking journey to witness.
7. Jaipur to Chandigarh via the Jaipur-Chandigarh Express
The Jaipur Chambigadi Express train ride shows the beauty of the desert in Rajasthan along with the rich farmland in Haryana and Northwestern India. While riding the train you will spot the famous Aravalli Hills and get a view of the rocks and dry land. The train ride to Chandigarh will show an amazing transformation to green fields with plenty of fruit trees as well. The journey perfectly combines the rustic beauty of Rajasthan and Agriculture of Punjab.
Why Choose a Train Journey to Chandigarh?
Traveling by train to Chandigarh offers more than reaching the destination. It presents an opportunity to witness the beauty and variegated cultures that India boasts of. From the Thar Desert, Himalayan foothills, to the fertile Punjab plains, every route has something unique to offer as far as the geography of the country is concerned. In addition to this, traveling by train is also cheaper and better for the environment, which is the reason why both international and national travelers prefer them.
Final Thoughts
Earning the reputation of a city that mesmerizes tourists, Chandigarh in itself is an attraction and the journey to the city can be equally astonishing. The exquisite Shatabdi Express and the UNESCO listed Kalka Shimla toy train, have their own elegance that ranges from natural scenic beauty to rich history. All of these trains to Chandigarh are ideal for any nature lover, history buff, or anyone in need of a peaceful getaway. Therefore, on your next visit, perhaps flying straight to Chandigarh might not seem ideal. Go ahead and try out the journey that the city boasts of too.
News