The best way to imbibe the true essence of India is to travel by train. Indian Railways have provoked dreamers, intrigued authors and inspired filmmakers. We have handpicked the best overnight train journeys that you can undertake on your next semester break.
1. Khajuraho-
We all know that The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya pradesh, are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. They hint at the Indian tradition of respecting and accepting diverse religions. From this village, you can see the outcrops of the Vindyan Range. Do visit Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Lakshmana Temple, Panna National Park, Varaha temple and Nandi temple.
Distance from Delhi: 604 km(approx).
Train and time: Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti Express, 8:10 p.m.
2. Banaras-
Mainly known as Kashi, Banaras is a north Indian city on the banks of the river Ganges. Apart from being the spiritual capital of India, it is the holiest of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism and Jainism. Do visit Sarnath, New Vishwanath temple,Kedar Ghat, Nepali temple, Tibetan temple, Ashoka Pillar, Bharat Mata temple, Bharat Kala Bhavan, Thai temple and the Monkey temple.
Distance from Delhi: 758 km(approx).
Train and time: Swatantrta Express, 8:40 p.m.
3. Ranthambore-
It is one of the largest national parks in northern India. It was declared a Project Tiger reserves, by the Indian Government in 1973. Apart from tiger, it provides a home for leopard, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, hyena, sloth bear, southern plains gray langur, rhesus macaque and chital.
Distance from Delhi: 350 km(approx).
Train and time: Mewar express, 7:00 p.m.
4. Gwalior-
It is a historic and major city in Madhya Pradesh and one of the Counter-magnet cities. High rocky hills surround Gwalior from all sides and before Independence, it remained a Princely state of the British Raj. Do visit Jai Vilas Palace Museum, Sas Bahu Temple, Gurudwara Data Bandi Chhod, Gopachal Parvat, Sun Temple, Teli Ka Mandir, Samadhi of Rani Lakshmi Bai,Tomb of Ghaus Mohammed and Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum.
Distance from Delhi: 312 km(approx).
Train and time: GWL Sushasan Express, 1:00 a.m.
5. Udaipur-
It was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Fantastic palaces, temples and countless narrow and colorful streets adorn this place and make it a major tourist attraction. This place has enough tranquility and beauty to soothe your nerves and make you forget the hustle-bustle of your city.
Distance from Delhi: 659 km.
Train and time: H Nizamuddin Mewar Express, 7:00 p.m.
6. Rishikesh-
Rishikesh is known as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. It is the Yoga capital of the world. Apart from being a religious city, it is a center for hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling and kayaking. Do visit Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Parmath Niketan Temple.
Distance from Delhi: 286 km(approx).
Train and time: Superfast Nanda Devi Express, 11:50 p.m.
7. Jhansi-
Jhansi is a historic city, that is located on the banks of Pahuj river. The major tourist attractions in Jhansi are Jhansi Fort, the Government Museum and Rani Mahal. Do pay a visit to St. Jude’s Shrine, Maharaja Gangadhar Rao ki Chatri, Parichha Dam, Barua Sagar Fort, Ganesh Mandir Temple and Maha Lakshmi Temple.
Distance from Delhi: 410 km(approx).
Train and time: Bhopal Express, 8:55 p.m.
So, what are your waiting for? Gear up, pack your bags and get ready to embrace the unknown. Happy journey!
