“The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot
Many scenic routes are spread across the vast network of Indian railways and these offer you a scope to just stare out of the window and enjoy nature! But sadly, during our train trips we are so engrossed in reaching the destination that we tend to overlook these beauties that appear during the journey! And if you believe that journey is not just a mode of reaching a destination, rather a scope to enjoy all those small and beautiful moments, then you have got to plan a train journey to the very beautiful Northeast India. For this part of the nation, blessed with awesome landscapes, blows your mind away even during the journey with its beauty! With that thought in mind, let us take a look at the most stunning Indian railway routes of Northeast India.
Route #1: Guwahati to Agartala
This is undoubtedly one of the most amazing train journeys one can take. Passing through Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and finally to Tripura you get to enjoy through your window seat various landscapes, cultures and habitations that are different yet similar. Rail connectivity in Tripura is still a new phenomenon and this train trip takes you through tea plantations, lakes, coal mines and breathtaking villages.
Most of the tea plantations appear in the Assam leg of the train trip. With some luck, you can even spot an elephant taking a leisurely stroll through the tea gardens. As the train moves beyond Assam, you can enjoy the sights of lakes and small hills. As there is no direct rail connect between Guwahati and Agartala, you would have to change trains from Silchar (in Assam). Situated on the banks of the Barak River, Silchar is one of the most beautiful cities of Northeast and you can explore this city with an overnight break in journey.
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Route #2: Harmuti to Naharlagun
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the newest entrants in the wide rail network of India. The train rides between Harmuti (in Assam) to Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh) is one of the most captivating travel experiences. The train crisscrosses paths with the Subansiri River and valley through this train journey. You can expect to witness a wide range of colors and hues through this train journey. You come across forested hills and gently flowing streams. Agricultural lands, brimming with vegetation, lying on the foothills offer you some great photographic moments!
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Route #3: Dibrugarh to Ledo
Want to explore a land filled with unmatched beauty? Then Ledo should be in your must-visit list! The journey from Dibrugarh to Ledo would prepare you aptly for the experiences ahead. Apart from being the easternmost Indian railway station, Ledo is a town with rich historical significance. But we are not here to tell you all about Ledo here. What we want to bring before you are some attractions of train journeys between Dibrugarh and Ledo. The journey takes about three and a half hours, and what an enthralling ride it is! The train chugs through paddy fields, green forests and some beautiful tea gardens. During the journey your train speeds past many small Assamese villages and you can get an idea about the way of life for these villagers. But the biggest attraction of this Indian railway route is the Brahmaputra River. You get a chance to cross over and enjoy the beauty of Brahmaputra from the train seat.
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Route #4: New Jalpaiguri to Tinsukia
Starting from the hilly terrains of West Bengal (in New Jalpaiguri), this one should be among the best hill journeys in India. As you leave the cities of North Bengal (which have their own charms), you fall into large forested stretches. The train runs through some well-known national parks of the area. And you know what that means, if your windows are open you can enjoy the song of birds and the occasional calls of the wild! And if you are lucky, you could even watch an elephant waiting to cross the tracks! As you head into Assam, the forests are replaced by tea gardens. Women wearing colorful attires can be seen plucking the best varieties of Assam tea leaves. But that is not the end of your experiences, for the train also trudges past rice fields bordering the hills and rolling valleys.
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Route #5: Siliguri to Alipurduar
This route is not really in Northeast India, but it borders the province. This train ride is a must for someone who loves to see varied scenes and settings. Passing mostly through the countryside, dense forests teeming with wildlife, tea gardens and the gorgeous Teesta River, the train journey between Siliguri to Alipurduar offers a unique experience for nature lovers. One can feel the fascinating diversity of the flora and fauna as the train passes through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Chapramari Forests, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Buxa Tiger Reserve. This is one of the best Indian railway routes for wildlife spotting without moving an inch from your window seat!
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So, now that you know, when are you planning a train trip through these scenic routes of Indian railways? The memories of such a trip would surely linger on for long! For hassle free train ticket booking and journey experience use RailYatri’s services.
Travelling is always fun. I would be travelling to New Jalpaiguri to Tinsukia this time for sure.
Very informative article.