Kerala, God’s own country, is alluring for travelers and a paradise for globetrotters. Draped with nature’s bountiful beauty, the state has plenty to offer to soothe our eyes. The tea and spice terraced plantations, the gorgeous beaches, the ancient historic structures, the sparkling sea waters, the lagoons and backwaters, the dense green forests, and the majestic hill ranges are the treasures of Kerala. And is a pleasure for a traveler to dig into the core of the treasure and relish the magnificence and enthralling charm dwelling throughout the state.
Imagine pondering upon this striking beauty in a train with the soothing breeze and pleasant winds entertaining the soul at each and every moment. A definite venture right? So here we go with the seven enchanting and best train journeys in Kerala, for you to refer to and plan. The scenic views from the trains in Kerala must not be missed while planning a trip to the state.
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1. Goa to Kerala- The journey through Konkan
A Train journey from Goa to Kerala by train is a great way to experience the Konkan Route and see the countryside. The Konkan Railway, which links Maharashtra and Kerala, is one of the most scenic train journeys in India. The journey starts in Mumbai and ends in Kanyakumari where it is connected between Maharashtra and Goa with Karnataka and Kerala through trains.
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The Konkan Railway was built by the British in 1853 as an alternative route to transport goods from Mumbai to southern India bypassing the difficult terrain of Karnataka. The line was later extended up north, connecting with other Indian railway networks at Sawantwadi on Maharashtra-Karnataka border.
The train journey is verdant with beautiful greenery with multiple long tunnels in the way and there are trains that run every day on this route and there is also a night train that runs once a week. There are many trains available for this journey but it is recommended that one takes the Konkan Express or the Malabar Express because they offer better amenities than other trains on this route. It takes about 16 hours to reach Kerala by train from Goa and there are two stops along the way – Ratnagiri and Thokur – where one can get off and take a break before continuing their journey.
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2. Kollam to Sengottai
Kollam is a beautiful and quaint town and seaport along the banks of the river Kallada and lake Ashtamudi. It hosts the second largest railway station in Kerala with 17 tracks and one of them leads to Sengottai. The rail travel between Kollam and Sengottai is one of the best train journeys in Kerala. The city is ancient as well as scenic in its natural beauty and is the southern gateway to the Backwaters of Kerala.
Sengottai is also a gateway to southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The thought of connecting the two places was first conceived by Maharaja Uthram Thirunal of Travancore. In 1902 the construction of the railway track was completed and was opened for operations.
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The key attractions of the route are:
- 13 Kannara Bridge which is as old as 108 years and with 13 arches. You will love to watch the bridge connecting two hillocks and standing high on the granite pillars. The architectural brilliance of the bridge is something to be noticed and appreciated as you cross the bridge
- Aryankavu-Puliyara tunnel or Kottavasal tunnel stretches long for almost 2230 feet. The beauty of the tunnel is the conch shell symbol of the rules of Travancore on both sides.
3. Alleppey to Trivandrum
Several trains operate between the two prominent tourist destinations of Kerala. With Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram being the capital city of the state and famous for the beaches and the temples, the route is said to be one of the most popular and best train journeys in Kerala.
You will be greeted by the scenic landscape draped with exotic flora. It’s an absolutely magical amalgamation of the mountains, seas, rivers, forests, and plains. Traveling on a train and witnessing such varied beauty of nature is something which you will not want to miss. You must have traveled in a car or cab a lot in many tourist destinations and you may consider it as a convenient mode of transport. Buy once in a while you must avail this beautiful train journey and feel the essence of nature’s eccentric beauty.
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4. Kozhikode to Ernakulam
Kozhikode is a picturesque town and a coastal city in Kerala. Being a major trade center and flanked by beaches, lighthouses, sea waters, and fountains, it is quite alluring for travelers to spend time in Kozhikode. If you indeed desire to immerse in the solitude of the place, then it is recommended to avail the train from Kozhikode. Though you can visit several other prominent tourist destinations, traveling to Ernakulam is one of the best train journeys in Kerala.
Traveling to Ernakulam will keep you engaged with the views of the high-rise buildings and skyscrapers. It’s a charming transition from the majestic beauty of Kozhikode to the towering establishments in Ernakulam. And the moment you reach Ernakulam you will be welcomed by the aroma of the local Keralan foods and seafood.
5. Kollam to Varkala
Varkala is significantly renowned for its beaches. Temples, and monuments in the town, too, are great attractions for visitors. The route between the two scenic towns of Kerala – Kollam, and Varkala is filled with breathtaking views of nature enfolding each and every moment. Indeed considered one of the best train journeys in Kerala.
You will be amazed to gaze at the pleasing and spectacular scenery and the environment throughout the train journey. The greenery around will mesmerize you and refresh your heart and mind. Besides, the breeze and the air will further entertain you and enliven you. Small houses, coconut trees, and the greenish-blue sea waters are the key attractions in the journey.
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6. Thalassery to Ernakulam
Thalassery is a town along the Malabar coast in Kerala and is famous for upholding the historical heritage of the state and the cultural extravaganza. Being a prominent tourist spot, people often wonder about the mode of transport to avail for traveling to the other tourist destinations of the state, one of them being Ernakulam.
The recommended option is rail, as it provides an incredible opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, ancient history, and sprawling buildings in one go.
Whizzing past the greenery, small residential villages, coastal areas, buildings, and small water streams allure travelers. Even if the railway stations remain busy, yet once you board the train it is a pleasure watching the beauty outside.
7. Kollam to Kochi
Kollam and Kochi are the two picturesque towns in Kerala where you can find the major footfall of tourists. With the two places conveniently connected by rail, it’s a boon for the tourists to hop on to their preferred spots at ease and admire nature’s bountiful beauty.
The best part is the view of the backwaters encompassed by dense green trees and the blue sky above. If you travel during dusk, you can witness the stunning sunset views as the golden sun rays cast a magical aura covering the sky and the sea waters beneath.
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8. Alleppey to Kochi
Alleppey is popularly known as the “Venice of the East”. Its captivating backwaters and the line of palm trees and coconut trees capture the attention of the tourists. The railway station at Alleppey is a major one and quite popular due to the breathtaking views of the panoramic landscape.
Kochi is the major port city of Kerala and has various historic sites and natural heritage destinations. A route connecting Alleppey and Kochi is considered one of the best train journeys in Kerala. Though the duration is only 15 mins, yet each and every part of the trip is wrapped with the serenity and tranquility of nature’s mind-blowing beauty.
There are multiple ways and options to travel in and around Kerala but beast train journeys in Kerala is a unique experience. Yet there is something special and unique to travel by rail and indulge in the phenomenal and splendid views proliferated throughout the state. Hence, without any confusion or doubt, you may safely book train tickets on any of the routes mentioned above.
