Families all around India are preparing for their upcoming trip as the summer holidays approach, whether it will be to serene mountain retreats, gorgeous beaches, or ancient towns. Indian Railways (IR) continues to be the preferred mode of transportation for many, providing a pleasant and picturesque means of getting to these ideal locations. According to redRail, demand for train travel has increased this year, with reservations for popular locations up 30% over the previous summer. Mid-April through late-May is when the busiest travel times occur. The top ten places to visit by train if you’re organizing a summer vacation are as follows:
1. Shimla & Manali
Shimla and Manali, both in the magnificent Himalayas, are perennial favorites. Reservations for trains to these locations have increased significantly, and the well-known toy train ride to Shimla provides an enthralling experience through verdant surroundings. Both Joginder Nagar and Kalka, the closest stations, offer easy access to these hill stations. Since 40% of tickets are already on the waitlist, it is best to book in advance to avoid losing out.
2. Kashmir, Leh & Ladakh
Adventure seekers are flocking to Kashmir, Leh, and Ladakh as summer approaches. Travelers can take trains to adjacent stations such Jammu Tawi and Pathankot before continuing their journey by road, even though there are no direct rail links to these areas. Travel to this breathtaking area will be further increased by the planned Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Katra and Kashmir and offer quicker and more comfortable access to the Kashmir Valley.
3. Mysuru & Coorg
Coorg’s verdant surroundings and Mysuru’s royal palaces make for perfect summer getaways. Reservations for trains to these locations have gone up by 50%. With additional road connections to Coorg, Mysuru Junction serves as the primary rail terminal for Mysuru. Remarkably, 41% of reservations are for AC class, whereas 59% are for sleeper class. It is advised to purchase your ticket as soon as possible because about 24% of tickets are on the waitlist.
4. Rishikesh & Haridwar
This summer, train travel has increased by a staggering 133% in both Haridwar, a spiritual haven, and Rishikesh, a center for yoga, rafting, and adventure activities. The primary entry points to these well-known locations are Haridwar Junction and Rishikesh Railway Station. With 42.4% of tickets now on the backlog, the New Delhi–Haridwar route is particularly popular.
5. Rajasthan
Rajasthan continues to attract a lot of tourists who want to see its magnificent palaces, desert safaris, and regal forts despite the scorching summer months. Train reservations in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer have increased by 54%. The main railheads that serve these historically significant cities are Jaipur Junction, Udaipur City, and Jaisalmer Railway Station. Currently, 68% of tickets are confirmed; but, as the summer goes on, this percentage is anticipated to drop.
6. Munnar & Alleppey
Kerala is a hot summer travel destination because to Alleppey’s captivating houseboat excursions and Munnar’s undulating tea fields. This year, train travel to these areas has grown by 105%. The nearest major railheads, Ernakulam and Aluva Railway Stations, offer convenient access to these picturesque locations. Early bookings are essential because the number of tickets on the waitlist has increased by 1.5 times since last summer.
7. Ooty & Kodaikanal
One of the most beautiful rail journeys is the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty, which winds through tea estates and mist-covered hills. Because of their tranquil beauty and temperate environment, Ooty and Kodaikanal are still well-liked. With Kodai Road Railway Station offering access to Kodaikanal and Mettupalayam Railway Station acting as the primary entrance point to Ooty, train reservations to both locations have increased threefold this year. Booking in advance is crucial because 42.5% of tickets are already on the waitlist.
8. Goa
In addition to being a popular winter vacation, Goa is also a popular summertime destination because of its golden beaches, exciting nightlife, and water sports. Train reservations to Goa have increased by 33% this year. The primary entry points are the Madgaon and Vasco do Gama Railway Stations, where families make up the majority of reservations while lone passengers make up 30%. The long weekends of Good Friday and May Day fall on the busiest booking days.
9. Darjeeling
Darjeeling, which is well-known for its expansive tea gardens and colonial elegance, has seen a five-fold rise in train reservations this season. A UNESCO World Heritage property, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers tourists a breathtaking ascent of the mountains. Through the toy train or a picturesque drive, New Jalpaiguri, the nearest main station, provides access to this famous hill station.
