8 amazing train journeys through South India

Trains weave through lush green forests, misty mountains, and stunning coastal vistas in vibrant South India.

Traveling by train is one of the ultimate pleasures of any India trip, whether you're climbing into the hills on a UNESCO-recognized miniature train or rattling along the sunlit, coastal Konkan Railway.

In the south, landscapes transition from golden beaches and palm-lined backwaters to dense jungle hills, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling cities. There’s no better way to experience it all than from the window of a charming train, sipping sweet chai from a white-paper cup.

Delicious food is often part of the journey, with vendors skillfully navigating carriages at stations, and premium tickets often including on-board meals. As you travel through the stunning landscapes of South India, you'll encounter local favorites like potato-stuffed dosas (crispy lentil-and-rice crepes), crunchy vadas (savory fried dough), and coconut-rich Keralite stews, all while soothing chai and filter coffee appear at just the right moment. Some stations are renowned for their unique regional dishes, and certain trains are celebrated for their exceptional culinary offerings.

Discover eight fantastic train journeys that showcase the allure of India’s sultry south.

Mettupalayam to Ooty (Udhagamandalam) on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway

46 km (29 miles), –4.75 hours

Experiencing South Indian rail adventures doesn't get more iconic than riding the renowned, UNESCO-listed “toy train” into the misty Western Ghats of northern Tamil Nadu. As the narrow-gauge, rack-and-pinion steam train climbs from the quaint town of Mettupalayam into the Nilgiri Hills, it weaves through 16 tunnels and crosses 250 bridges, all while jade-green tea plantations, lush jungles, and cascading waterfalls vie for your gaze. The journey culminates at the popular hill station of Ooty, sitting at 2240m (7350ft), with a stop at Coonoor, the second hill station, perched at 1720m (5643ft). First launched in 1899 and extended to Ooty in 1908, the NMR attracts a lively domestic crowd, often cheering as the train plunges into dark tunnels.

The charming blue-and-cream miniature train departs for Ooty daily at 7:10 am, taking 4.75 hours to reach its destination. It returns to Mettupalayam at 2 pm for a shorter -hour journey. To get to Mettupalayam, the best option is the overnight Nilgiri Express from Chennai Central, or you can board it at Coimbatore, which has an airport, arriving just in time at 6:15 am.

Bengaluru (Bangalore) to Gokarna aboard the Karwar Express

711 km (442 miles), 14 hours

Flights connect Karnataka’s vibrant capital, Bengaluru, with the coast in about an hour, but that means missing out on a stunning slow-travel experience through the lush, biodiverse beauty of the Western Ghats to reach the serene beaches of Gokarna. Departing from Yesvantpur Junction three days a week at 7 am, the Karwar Express travels along the Green Route of inland Karnataka, famous for its wild green forests, dense coffee plantations, and over 100 bridges. After arriving in the charming coastal town of Mangaluru (Mangalore), the train continues north along the coast to Gokarna Road station, where some of South India’s most enchanting and laid-back beaches await.

For those preferring an overnight journey to the beach, hop on the daily Panchaganga Express at 6:50 pm from Bengaluru City station, which arrives at Gokarna Road 12 hours later.

Mumbai to Margao (Madgaon) via the Mandovi Express

765 km (475 miles), 12 hours

Starting at the breathtaking Gothic-style, colonial-era Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai at 7:10 am, embark on an exhilarating coastal journey southward to the sun-kissed shores of Goa. The iconic Konkan Railway, established in the 1990s, spans 756 km (470 miles) and features 2216 bridges and nearly 100 tunnels, including one of India's tallest viaducts at 60 m (197 ft) near Ratnagiri. As you travel through Maharashtra, enjoy views of tropical fruit orchards, rice paddies, winding rivers, and lush green coconut palms, eventually arriving in Margao, the primary transport hub of southern Goa, from where you can easily reach tranquil beaches like Palolem and Benaulim.

The Mandovi Express isn’t just about the stunning scenery; it’s also renowned for its delicious food, thanks to a catering company from Karnataka that treats travelers to samosas, idli-sambar, vadas, and other favorites. Continuing south through Goa, the Konkan Railway approaches the borders of Karnataka and Kerala.

Varkala to Kanyakumari aboard the Island Express

127 km (79 miles), four hours

Embark on a relaxing journey from the golden-black beaches, vibrant surf-and-yoga culture, and sacred temples of Varkala on Kerala’s southern coast to the tip of India in Tamil Nadu. Known as the point where three seas converge – the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal – the tranquil Kanyakumari is home to a revered waterside temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kumari, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The beloved Island Express departs from Varkala at 10:55 am, allowing you to soak in the hazy daylight beauty of southern Kerala's palm-fringed landscapes.

Alternatively, you can board in Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), which is three hours from Kanyakumari, or even travel from as far north as Bengaluru – a 19-hour overnight journey covering 944 km (587 miles) via Coimbatore, Kochi, Kollam, and more.

Vasco da Gama to Londa aboard the Goa Express

146 km (91 miles), hours

The spectacular cascade of Dudhsagar Falls, plummeting 603 m (1980 ft) high, offers the ultimate “wow” moment on any trip between the South Goan port city of Vasco da Gama and Londa, just across the border in Karnataka. As you travel, Goa's golden coastline transforms into the UNESCO-protected hills of the Western Ghats, leading you into the wildlife-rich Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

The 3 pm Goa Express (a daily superfast service) travels north from Vasco da Gama through Londa all the way to Delhi – a journey of 2208 km (1372 miles) taking approximately 39.5 hours. It also stops at Margao, which is a convenient alternative starting point for Goa.

Chennai to Hyderabad on the Chennai–Hyderabad Express

715 km (444 miles), 13 hours

Awaken to the ancient architectural treasures of Telangana’s vibrant capital, Hyderabad, which boasts some of India’s most stunning Islamic structures, including the chandelier-adorned Chowmahalla Palace, the historic 16th-century Golconda Fort, and the exquisite Qutb Shahi Tombs. Your adventure begins with a 4:45 pm daily departure from Chennai Central, complete with a South Indian-style dinner on the Chennai–Hyderabad Express as it travels north from Tamil Nadu. The next morning, you’ll likely find yourself chatting over sweet chai with fellow passengers, observing the landscape transition from countryside to the bustling city as you approach Hyderabad Deccan station.

Kochi to Margao aboard the Netravathi Express

849 km (527 miles), 14.75 hours

This overnight route follows the Konkan Railway for much of the journey, whisking you north from Kerala’s artistic cultural hub, Kochi, to the tranquil shores of southern Goa. Boarding at Ernakulam Junction in Kochi at 1:50 pm, you’ll watch Kerala whiz by in a vibrant blur of sun-kissed coconut palms. After sunset, you’ll traverse the coastal city of Mangaluru and the temple town of Udupi in Karnataka, finally arriving at Margao Junction just before dawn.

The Netravathi Express, in its entirety, connects Kerala’s capital Trivandrum with Mumbai, offering an impressive 30-hour journey covering 1805 km (1122 miles). It also provides convenient access to the less-visited beaches of northern Kerala, around Kannur and Bekal. You can board the train from locations further south, such as Alappuzha (Alleppey) or Varkala.

Chennai to Rameswaram aboard the Rameswaram Express

665 km (413 miles), 11 hours

Traversing the 2 km (1.25-mile) Pamban Bridge, with the Bay of Bengal swirling beneath, redefines the experience of train travel in South India. This bridge connects mainland Tamil Nadu to Pamban Island, where you'll find the small pilgrimage town of Rameswaram and the haunting ruins of Dhanushkodi, a once-bustling port devastated by a cyclone in 1964. It marks the final leg of an extended overnight journey south from Chennai Egmore.

Once known as the Boat Mail Express in the 19th century, this train was part of a rail-and-ferry route connecting Tamil Nadu with neighboring Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon under British rule), until the Pamban Bridge opened in 1914. You can also catch a train from the famed temple city of Madurai in southern Tamil Nadu; services depart regularly from Madurai Junction (taking about four hours).

As of this writing, train services across the original century-old Pamban Bridge have been suspended due to safety concerns raised in 2022, while a new bridge is being constructed.

Guide to booking trains in South India

The best resources for exploring South Indian train services are online platforms like Erail, Indian Railways, and Seat 61. The latter offers essential tips for navigating train travel in India, including ticket purchasing.

Since many trains can fill up well in advance, it's advisable to book as early as possible, preferably online. Long-distance tickets can be booked 120 days ahead. For overnight journeys, the most comfortable options are the reserved air-conditioned classes (1AC, 2AC, or 3AC). The simplest way to secure a reservation is through booking sites like Cleartrip or 12Go. The IRCTC government website also facilitates online bookings, though it can be somewhat cumbersome. At major train stations in cities like Mumbai and Chennai, you’ll typically find dedicated ticket counters for international travelers. Discover more about train travel in India here.