There’s something uniquely captivating about observing the monsoon from a train window—waterfalls suddenly appearing, paddy fields reflecting the sky, and mist…
1/71. Pamban Bridge, Chennai-Rameswaram | After leaving Mandapam Camp, the train glides onto the famed Pamban Bridge, encircled by the sea. Near its center, you find yourself above open water, with waves crashing below and brisk sea breezes on either side. Best time: June-September. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
2/72. Konkan Railway, Mumbai-Goa | Few routes bring the monsoon to life quite like the Konkan Railway — one moment you’re passing lush forests and dark tunnels, and the next you’re gliding past coastal cliffs near Ratnagiri, revealing views of the Arabian Sea. Best time: July-August. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
3/73. Castle Rock to Dudhsagar, Londa | This journey begins at Castle Rock, deep within the forest, where waterfalls appear along the trajectory — the pinnacle occurs at the Dudhsagar bridge, as the train runs right alongside the thundering waterfalls, with mist rising around you. Best time: July-September. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4/74. Sakleshpur Ghats, Bengaluru-Mangaluru | As the train approaches the Western Ghats near Sakleshpur, everything transforms — the Donigal-Yedakumeri segment is gradual and steep, with waterfalls cascading near the tracks amid coffee plantations surrounded by clouds. Best time: June-August. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
5/75. Kerala Coastal Railway, Kochi-Kasaragod | This portion turns strikingly picturesque during the monsoon. Between Thrissur and Shoranur, the train runs parallel to overflowing backwaters lined with palm trees; further north, the railway crosses narrow stretches of land bordered by water on both sides. Best time: June-September. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
6/76. Kerala’s Secret Branch Line, Shoranur-Nilambur Road | This journey is more serene and intimate — the train glides past paddy fields near Angadipuram, where flooded fields extend as far as the eye can see, before entering the Wandur teak forest on the way to Nilambur Road. Best time: June-July. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
7/77. Eastern Ghats Hideaway, Koraput-Araku Valley | Less frequented but equally breathtaking, this route twists through deep valleys and tunnels along the Kirandul line, traversing bridges high above monsoon streams before revealing Araku Valley’s coffee plantations and local tribes. Best time: July-August. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
