The Konkan magic (Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra)
Lying between the Sahyadri Mountains on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Konkan Railway is an engineering marvel and covers some 738 km of spectacular landscape along the south-west coastline. The single-track line takes you through soaring mountains, plunging valleys, emerald green cropland dotted with coconut and mango trees and over endless rivers and water bodies leading out to the sea. There are 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges across this stretch, of which the Panval Nadi Bridge (a 64m tall and 424m long bridge on the Panval River in Ratnagiri) is currently the highest viaduct in India and Asia’s third highest. The journey starts from Thokur (near Mangalore) in Karnataka and ends at Roha in Maharashtra, passing through the state of Goa at its pristine best. Those who can’t travel the entire stretch can easily catch the Mumbai-Madgaon (Margao) Mandovi Express to experience a part of the scenic journey. For leisure travellers, we suggest a ride on the Netravati Express that covers around 1,800 km between Mumbai and Trivandrum via Mangalore. It will take around 32 hours and unveil the most beautiful views that you can cherish forever.
Image: Wikipedia
Vistas of sylvan Goa (Londa Jn-Vasco Da Gama, Karnataka-Goa)
Another beautiful rail route, not exactly along the sea, but weaving its way in and out of the mesmerising land called Goa. The quaint villages snuggled in the vibrant greens, the dark, emerald forests and the gushing, sparkling waterfalls make it a picturesque land even when you are travelling off-coast. A train ride from Londa Junction, Belgaum, to Vasco (about 30 km from Goa’s capital Panjim) will take you past the precarious curves of the Western Ghats and the cascading waterfalls in free flow. Don’t miss Dudhsagar, one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls of the country. At 310m, it is India’s fifth tallest waterfall and ranks 227th in the world. Take a slow train from Londa – it takes around 5 hours to cover the 145 km stretch – and enjoy every moment of this magnificent ride. Better still, break your journey; get down at Castle Rock/Collem and go on an adventure trek that will take you closest to the spectacular Dudhsagar.
Image: Wikipedia
The backwater charm, from Kerala (Ernakulam-Kollam-Trivandrum, Kerala)
Who said you can’t soak in the golden sun and the emerald backwaters of Kerala unless you are sailing? Here is one train ride, so aptly called the Kerala Anubhavam, which can fascinate you more as you discover the laid back, outdoorsy charm of the coastal state. The 205 km stretch between Ernakulum (Kochi) and Trivandrum via Kollam (Quilon) offers a picture postcard backdrop – complete with the tranquil backwaters, pristine lakes, rows of coconut palms dotting the shorelines and a close look at rural Kerala. Take your fill of the striking landscapes and the waterscapes chugging past, offset by the dense greenery and bathed in the golden sun – that’s the best way to relax and chill out when you are in Kerala. Loads of trains are running between Ernakulam Junction and Trivandrum Central, and it takes around 4-5 hours to cover the distance. But then, who wants to rush when visiting God’s own country?
Image: Wikipedia
The green journey (Kollam-Punalur-Shenkottai, Kerala-Tamil Nadu)
An incredible journey through the scenic Western Ghats although there is no coastal view at this part of the country. The historic meter gauge track running through the challenging mountain terrain was completed in 1902, involving construction of long arch bridges over steep valleys and tunnels across the rocky mountains. This part of the track has been recently converted to broad gauge and more work is going on. But you must not miss a ride along this route on the ‘green trains.’ Also visit the Pathimoonnu Kannara Palam or Thirteen Arch Bridge, another architectural marvel lying on this railway route. Located at Kazhuthurutty in Kollam district, this bridge is one of India’s oldest mountain rails en route to Thenmala-Chenkotta.
Image: Wikipedia
Finally, the ride out to the sea (Mandapam-Pamban-Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu)
Crossing the century-old sea bridge that connects Rameswaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam in mainland Tamil Nadu is an experience you are not likely to forget in a hurry. The 2.4 km cantilever bridge on the Palk Strait is the second longest sea bridge in India, after the Bandra-Worli sea link, and currently sports a broad gauge track. The quaint construction rests on concrete piers, but the double leaf bascule section midway is still running fine and is routinely raised to let the ships pass. The wind speed here is 30 kmph and the trains are restricted to a speed of 15 kmph while crossing the cantilever bridge. There is also a parallel road bridge built over the sea. Together, they offer a spectacular view as the land, the sea and the sky merge in the horizon.
Image: YouTube