7 Breathtaking Train Routes To Chennai You Must Experience
Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, serves as a center of culture, history, and innovation. It is one of the most frequented tourist spots in India, thanks to its stunning beaches, temples, and mouth-watering food. India’s picturesque train routes are yet another reason why this city receives so many tourists every year. In fact, the journey can be just as mesmerising as the destination. The Indian Railways lines offer some of the most picturesque train tours where passengers can enjoy breathtaking views. Here are some of the most scenic ones:
1. Mumbai–Chennai Express via the Western Ghats:

Chennai Express is one of the Indian trains famous for its train routes. It showcases the beauty of the Western Ghats and all of India’s greenery up until the misty mountains. You will travel through an expanse of gushing waterfalls, green forests, and so much more. Another highlight of this route is the Konkan Railway section, known for its marvelous engineering. This section is studded with several tunnels and viaducts. And the most famous landmarks which can be sighted throughout the ride would be Tunnel 1 and Panval Nadi Bridge in Ratnagiri. Having the opportunity to view the Arabian Sea alongside the train tracks is mind-blowing. The dramatic shifts in the landscapes, both covered in dense forests and coastal plains, will leave you astounded.
2. Kanyakumari – Chennai Trivandrum Mail Along the Southern Coastline
If you really want to appreciate the southern coastline of India, then the Trivandrum Mail, which connects Kanyakumari to Chennai will really blow your mind. Passengers can enjoy the breathtaking views of the serene backwaters as well as palm studded beaches near the Bay of Bengal. It also includes some prominent points like temples at Tirunelveli and fishing hamlets at Nagapattinam. The icing on the cake is watching the sun rise as the ocean looms in the backdrop.
3. Bangalore – Chennai Shatabdi Express Through Rural Karnataka And Tamil Nadu

For a blend of urban and rural areas, the Bangalore Chennai Shatabdi Express offers a holistic view as the train sets off from Chennai. While leaving Bengaluru, the train passes over agricultural fields and Bridlington’s small towns. The area between Arakkonem and Krishnagiri is particularly beautiful with hills and farmland surrounding the area. This train, being a high speed one, places the well-being of passengers first while also giving them a chance to admire the countryside beauty in southern India.
4. Hyderabad-Chennai Central Dakshin Express Across Deccan Plateau
Passengers taking the Hyderabad-Chennai Dakshin Express can observe the beautiful contrasting landscape of the Deccan Plateau. The train passes through desolate areas covered with chunks of stones, dried up riverbeds, and some green fields. While traveling, the Nallamala Hills and Pulicat Lake, one of the largest brackish lagoons in India, are some of the prominent geographical features that can be seen. This journey is very different due to the change from Hyderabad’s semi-arid scenery to Chennai’s tropical setting.
5. Visakhapatnam-Chennai Coromandel Express Along the Eastern Coast

The Coromandel Express that goes from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to Chennai covers the eastern part of India bordering the Bay of Bengal. The train also travels through important cities like Vijayawada and Rajahmundry which are well known for their culture. The region of the Godavari River delta with its maze of canals and rice fields is a delight to behold. Gold beaches dotted with rows of coconut trees come into view as the train nears Chennai.
6. Puducherry-Chennai Egmore Passenger: Sustains through Coastal Villages
The picturesque train journey on the coast village salt pans and peaceful backwater are a calm and serene ride for the family. This section of the southern coast is best explored by train between Puducherry and Thailand. The French colonial structure and tempered promenade of Puducherry are amazing starters for this trip alongside the cool breeze and stunning views from the sea. One can say that this heritage train provides an untainted blend of culture and view for families who would want to travel leisurely with a hint of adventure.
7. Madurai-Chennai Vaigai Express: Sustains through Temple Towns and Countryside

The Vaigai Express crisscross rides in between Malaysia and Chennai, showcases the best parts of Tamil Nadu with spirituality. Starting from the city of temple energy, Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) with the stunning rock fort temple to the greater Thanjavur containing the Brihadeeswarar temple. For the agricultural lovers, the enriched land of Cauvery Delta or more popularly known “the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu” is filled with an entire region of beautiful vast paddy fields. As the train goes towards the north side, the abundance of the city starts to increase and merges into the renowned Chennai.
Why Consider These Paths?
All the trains going to Chennai have something special to offer based on different people’s interests. If you’re someone who enjoys nature, loves history or simply wishes to relax in stunning places, these routes will make you happy. The vast system of Indian Railways not only enables travel but also maintains the beauty of diversity in the different regions. In addition, train travel allows you to experience the diverse prodigies of India’s landscapes, making the journey far more memorable than any other means of travel could provide.
Advice For Every Traveler
- Reserve Tickets On Time: Trains such as the Shatabdi and Coromandel Express are used often and will have no seats available during busy seasons.
- Go For Window Seats: This would ensure that there is no obstruction in your view which enables you to make the best of the picturesque beauty.
- Take Local Foods: A lot of long haul trains do provide food during the trip but bringing in some local delicacies makes your journey even better.
- Take Pictures: Always be prepared to snap a picture of nature’s beauty as it transforms in front of your eyes.
Restating everything, traveling to Chennai by train is more than just getting to your destination. It is about savoring every aspect of the journey. These train routes capture India’s beauty and culture from the rugged hills of the Western Ghats to the calm shores of the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, the next time you consider traveling to Chennai, make sure to book one of these trains for a memorable trip.
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