By Karthikeyan SairamThere’s something magical about travelling by train during the monsoon. Raindrops race across the window as a steaming cup of tea and hot fritters keep you company. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks, the calls of station vendors and the changing landscape outside become part of the journey. Misty hills, overflowing waterfalls and endless shades of green make every kilometre feel like a postcard. For those looking for a refreshing monsoon escape without the stress of driving, these train journeys from Bengaluru offer memorable views and plenty of reasons to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.Bengaluru to GoaDuration: 12 hours approximatelyTrain to take: The Yesvantpur-Vasco Express; approximate cost for AC 3 Tier: 1,200 The USP: One of India’s most scenic train journeys during the monsoon, this route reaches its dramatic high point at the Castlerock–Dudhsagar Ghat section. The train winds through dense forests, mountain tunnels and dramatic valleys before passing the majestic Dudhsagar Falls. On a day journey, passengers may even feel the cool mist from the waterfall wafting through the windows. As the train rolls into Goa, the landscape transforms into coconut groves, paddy fields, peaceful rivers and homes reflecting the region’s Portuguese influence. The food changes along the way too — from Maddur vada and filter coffee in Karnataka to cutlet pao and batata vada in Goa.Food stops to savour: Arsikere: Pick up idli-vada, kesari bath and kaddi kaara.Chitradurga: Stop for Maddur vada and hot tea.Davangere: Don’t miss the iconic benne dosa — perfect for dinner.Hubballi: Try the famous girmit, mirchi bhajji or a hearty North Karnataka meal through e-catering.Braganza Ghats (Castle Rock–Kulem): As the train enters the misty monsoon landscape, enjoy hot tea, coffee, samosas or a bread omelette while taking in the views..Bengaluru to MumbaiDuration: 23 hours approximatelyTrain to take: Udyan Express; approximate cost for AC 3-Tier: 1,500 The USP: This route offers some of the most striking views of the Western Ghats, particularly around the Bhor Ghat section. Rolling green hills, hidden waterfalls, mountain tunnels and towering railway bridges make the journey especially memorable during the rains. The landscape gradually shifts from the rocky hills of the Ghats to the wide agricultural plains of the Deccan Plateau. If you’re lucky enough to catch the evening light, the countryside is bathed in shades of orange and gold.Food stops to savour: Wadi: Wake up to idli-vada before sampling Solapur’s kanda poha, sabudana vada and famous shenga chutney.Pune: The journey’s biggest food stop, offering everything from misal pav to full meals at station restaurants and through e-catering.Western Ghats: Enjoy hot batata vadas with ginger tea as the train winds through the hills.Lonavala: Don’t forget to pick up the iconic Lonavala chikki.Bengaluru to Mangaluru/KarwarDuration: 10 to 14 hours approximatelyTrain to take: Yesvantpur – Karwar Express Vistadome; approximate cost: 1,600 The USP: Popularly known as the Green Route, the stretch between Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road is widely regarded as one of India’s most beautiful railway journeys. The train passes through 57 tunnels, more than 100 bridges and valleys enveloped by thick rainforest. During the monsoon, waterfalls appear along the mountainsides, sometimes seemingly at every turn. As the train descends towards the coast, the cool mountain air gives way to a warmer sea breeze. The food changes too, with the journey offering everything from idlis and Maddur vada to Mangaluru buns and filter coffee.Food stops to savour: Hassan: Start the day with idli-vada or masala dosa.Sakleshpur: Try the popular vegetable pulao before the train enters the Western Ghats.Mangaluru: Savour the city’s famous goli baje.Udupi: Try mundu bajjis or kotte kadubu with filter coffee.Bengaluru to RameshwaramDuration: 14 hours approximatelyTrain to take: SSS Hubballi – Rameswaram Special; approximate cost: 1,200The USP: This journey combines tranquil countryside with one unforgettable engineering marvel — the Pamban Bridge. As the train crosses the sea just a few metres above the waves, passengers get the surreal feeling of floating across the ocean. The route also takes in salt pans, fishing boats, coconut groves and sleepy villages before reaching the temple town of Rameswaram. Early morning travellers can also catch beautiful views of the sunrise over paddy fields and rural landscapes. Food stops to savour: Bangarapet: Try the famous pani puri, Maddur vada and fresh filter coffee.Salem: For dinner, tuck into fluffy thatte idli or spicy kothu parotta.Tiruchirappalli: Stop for its celebrated biryani or a wholesome South Indian thali.Madurai: The next morning, don’t miss the iconic Jigarthanda and bun parotta.Rameswaram: Wrap up the journey with coastal favourites such as kari dosa or a comforting plate of pongal, medu vada and sambar.Make the most of your monsoon rail trip Book a window seat whenever possibleChoose a daytime train to enjoy the best viewsCarry a light jacket or raincoatDon’t miss local treats sold at stationsKeep your phone or camera ready for waterfalls, tunnels and valley views
