The Independence Day of India (August 15) is the day to recall sacrifices by the freedom fighters that made evergreen history for generations. The map of India is dotted with multiple sights and spots of freedom struggle as the freedom movement had spread like wild fire across the country. Some of our customers who are flying to India in the second week of August this year approached us with a request to recommend the best places to visit on Independence Day in India. Indian Eagle picks up the following:

Cellular Jail, the Andamans

The Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands tops the list of the places to visit on the Independence Day of India. It is a living witness to the brutal treatment of the freedom fighters behind the bars. The Cellular Jail reminds generations of the solitary confinement that the heroes of the National Freedom Movement were sentenced to suffer for years during the colonial rule. An important chapter in the history of British India, the Cellular Jail was declared a national memorial in 1969. On display are the sculptures silently retelling the stories of atrocity that the prison inmates were subjected to.

Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar

Jallianwala Bagh is a must visit in Punjab. Located near the Golden Temple, it is the site where General Dyer shed the blood of thousands who had assembled for a meeting in protest against the Rowlatt Act in 1919. The massacre of 1919 which Jallianwala Bagh has been bearing witness to in form of bullet marks on inside of the wall is one of the most condemnable British acts during the colonial times of India. Jallianwala Bagh is a must stop during Punjab travel at any time of the year.

Indian Coffee House, Kolkata

If you are in Kolkata this Independence Day, do visit Coffee House nearby Presidency University on College Street, have a cup of brewing coffee, and take a walk down the memory lane to the bygone decades when the College Street Coffee House used to be a hotbed of debates on politics, art, music, cinema and culture in the then Calcutta. A favorite haunt of the elite, the literati, and intellectuals of Bengal, including Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, Mrinal Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, Samaresh Majumdar, Sunil Ganguly and likes, Coffee House was also frequented by the then political revolutionaries. In the post-independence era, Kolkatas College Street Coffee House witnessed to several mass agitations and movements in the changing socio-political landscape of Bengal. Integral to the cultural history of Bengal, Indian Coffee House in Kolkata is one of the best places to visit on the Independence Day of India.

Also Check: Proposed Museum on History of College Street and Coffee House

Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram

The Sabarmati Ashram was Mahatma Gandhijis workplace for social activism and his activities for National Freedom Movement. He spent 12 years of his life here. The ashram is the place where Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement and Swadeshi Movement had gathered momentum at. Situated on the bank of the Sabarmati River, the ashram is one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad.Gandhijis Dandi March to disobey the Salt Act implemented by the British began from the ashram in 1930. The Sabarmati Ashram introduces visitors to Gandhijis values, philosophy, vision and support for self-reliance.

India Gate, New Delhi

The India Gate, one of the most popular Delhi attractions, is not just a monumental architecture but also a war memorial. Also known as the All India War Memorial, the India Gate has been carrying the names of nearly 70, 000 soldiers who fought and died in the First World War, and the names of some 12, 516 Indian soldiers who embraced martyrdom on the North-west Frontier. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the India Gate and the Flame of the Immortal Soldier under the archway stand for the martyrs of India. It is a must see during Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Santi Institute Library, Kolkata

A most significant among the age-old, red-brick buildings in Kolkatas Bowbazar is the Santi Institute. The 100-year-old building of the Santi Institute is not just an iconic library of 41000 books of various genres but also a lesser-known historical place. Founded as a haven of peaceful reading after the First World War, the library was started with just 27 books and 21 young members. Gradually, it grew into a hub of stimulating discussions and animated debates among the then liberals, revolutionaries and freedom fighters. A favorite of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, the Santi Institute Library in Bowbazar was also frequented by Bipin Behari Ganguli, Surendranath Banerjee, the educationist Triguna Sen, the historian Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, and the the famous lawyer Radhabinod Pal.

Agra Fort, Agra

The Agra Fort, an integral part of the Mughal history of India, is associated with the history of British India as well. One of the world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, the Agra Fort was the site of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, it was the first seed of the National Freedom Movement. Located by the Yamuna River, the fort features a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles in construction as well as design.

Netaji Bhawan, Kolkata

Netaji Bhawan or Netaji Shubhash Chandra Boses residence in Kolkata City is among the places that remind of British India, freedom fighters and national movement. It is the place where he was put under house arrest and where he escaped from to Berlin in 1941. A part of Netajis life, struggle and mission for freedom of India, the house has got a museum and a library today.

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla

Viceregal Lodge, a splendid English Renaissance architecture of colonial times in India, is not just a tourist attraction of Shimla but also a historic place. Viceregal Lodge was the summer residence of Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy of British India, and the place where discussions on the most fateful India-Pakistan partition were held. Also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, this colossal landmark in Shimla houses a museum exhibiting some stories of Indian freedom movement.

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Himachal Pradesh, a north Indian state, is the ultimate destination for romance, relaxation and rejuvenation in the Himalayas. It is a gateway to the world of adventure too. The valleys and hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are not just summer retreats but also adventure hotspots. They become camping grounds with ample room for adventure activities from March to September. Those who feel drawn to the enigmatic beauty of the Himalayas fly to India for camping in Himachal. It drives Indian Eagle to list the most popular Himalayan sites for camping.

Chail

Chail is more adventurous than Shimla for camping in the Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above the sea level, Chail is only 45 kms away from Shimla. The landscape of this Himalayan camping site is dotted with soaring deodars. Chail is not only known as a hill station with a thick cover of greenery but also famous for the cricket ground that is the highest in the world. This Himalayan destination for camping is a must visit for nature lovers too.

Shimla

Shimla is one of the few Himalayan hill stations where romance and adventure go hand in hand. Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj and the present capital of Himachal Pradesh, is ideal for camping in North India. The idyllic landscape, rugged terrains and pleasant weather of Shimla fetch hundreds of youngsters for camping and trekking every summer. Shogi, Mashobra, Summwe Hill and Fagu are some of the hot spots for camping in Shimla.

Nahan

Nahan in Solan at an altitude of 932 meters above from the sea level is one of the best summer camping destinations in the Himalayas. Nahan is a picturesque town with clean streets and glimpses of natural beauty hanging all around. Karan Prakash, the King of Solan had laid out the foundation brick of Nahan in 1621. The town boasts a pleasing climate throughout the year. There is a beautiful artificial lake on the camping site in Nahan.

Manali

Manali is a wonderful summer retreat and an adventuresome camping spot. One of the most popular summer tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, North India, Manali is a must stop on the National Highway to Leh in Ladakh District. It is one of the few places to find beauty in adventure. Manali is a must-visit summer camping resort town with snowcapped peaks, the meandering Beas River, fruit orchards, lush green landscape, and rolling fields.

Kullu

Kullu is a 40-km long drive from Manali on the way to Leh. A resort holiday destination with snow-covered peaks, Kullu is a favorite of trekkers and campers. It is equally popular for sightseeing and adventure. The season of camping in Kullu spans from April to June and from mid-September to mid-October. Kullu has several trails in the Himalayan range.

Sangla Valley

Sangla Valley is one of the lesser-known camping destinations in the Himalayan region. Situated at an altitude of 2600 meters from the sea level, the valley is towered by the huge Kinner Kailash peak. The zigzag slopes of Sangla Valley are flooded by the beauty of cedar, pine, walnut, apple and apricot trees. The picturesque hamlets with wooden walls make Sangla Valley a remarkable spot for nature photography too.

Dalhousie

Named after its founder, the British Viceroy Lord Dalhousie, Dalhousie is a most popular Himalayan hill station with adventuresome camping spots. Nestled on the western end of Dhauladhar, Dalhousie fetches not only domestic travelers but also foreign tourists. Raw natural beauty of the lush green landscape dotted with pine, cedar and deodar trees is the best bait of Dalhousie to adventurers, photographers and nature lovers. Dalhousie is the only place in Himachal to offer soulful views of the horizon where the sky and earth embrace each other.

Dharamsala

Camping in Dharamsala is an adventure in the lap of nature. Dharamsala, a Himalayan hill station in Himachal Pradesh, offers multiple opportunities for active camping. March to mid-September is the best time camping in Dharamsala.

IndianEagle.com is the only online travel booking portal to offer guaranteed lowest airfare for trips to India. There is special discount on booking of flights for trekkers, nature lovers, photographers and adventurers this summer.

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We often halt at the pictures of Indian summer destinations such as Kashmir, Ladakh, Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Goa and Munnar on Google, Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest and Instagram. But we hardly move beyond some common expressions – ‘wow’, ‘amazing’, ‘if I were there’, ‘mind-blowing’, ‘beautiful’, etc. We keep sitting on the couch and repeating these exclamations. Many take fancy to a product but don’t pick up it until it is endorsed by their favorite stars or style icons. The same is true about passive travelers. IndianEagle lists some summer destinations which have been filmed multiple times in popular Bollywood movies, in a bid to activate you for a summer trip to India.

Goa – the most youthful summer retreat

Goa began riding the waves of popularity with youngsters, lovebirds and honeymooners in 2001 when Dil Chahta Hai, a Bollywood blockbuster, had hit the screens. Goa boasts the fame of being a favorite haunt of the youth in summer, spring and winter. The story of three friends’ journey to Goa and their fun indulgences in Dil Chahta Hai there is inspirational even today. Since 2001, Goa has been a prime shooting location of many Bollywood films. Goa is mild and pleasant in summers unlike other beach destinations in India. What is the most fascinating about Goa is bohemian ambience.

Manali – the best place for romance in summer

Does the idea of romance in summer and that too in India repel you? Indian Eagle recommends a trip to the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dharamsala and Dalhousie are among the best tourist destinations where summer is a stranger. Blessed by the Himalayas, Shimla and Manali are safe from the fury of the sun even in the thick of summer. Several Bollywood films of different genres, to say Mani Ratnam’s Roja and Ayan Mukherjee’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, have been shot in the snowy worlds of Himachal Pradesh. So don’t worry! Summer won’t dare to spoil your mood for romance in Manali, Shimla or Kullu.

Kashmir – the coolest place in summer 

Kashmir hit the headlines for heavy snowfalls a few days back. Just imagine how cool Kashmir is in summers! It is not only the crown of India but also the summer paradise in the country. Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, this northernmost region wakes up to the soft and smiling sun, whereas summer is fuming in other parts of the country. In Kashmir, the sunrays make the snowy surface on ground glitter like a sheet of white gold and make the atmosphere feel pleasant instead of heating it. If you find our eloquent praise of Kashmir as the best summer retreat, watch the video of the song ‘Jiya re jiya re’ in the music album of Yash Chopra’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Besides the popularity of these summer haunts, the cheapest flight to India is another reason why we are all set to motivate you for summer trips. Unbelievable? Why not check it on our website IndianEagle.com!

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India recreated the history of transportation and communication yesterday, which had begun with the first railway service between Bombay and Thane in 1853. The historic steam engine from the bygone British era has been brought back on the Kalka-Shimla heritage track in Himachal Pradesh. A wonder of engineering technology, the locomotive KC 520 dating back to 1905 boasts a rich history of 109 years.

The Kalka Shimla railway track is one of the rail lines laid out through the precarious regions in India. The UNESCO World Heritage Site list has incorporated it as one of the marvels in the country. The locomotive KC 520, the narrow gauge steam engine, took more than one hour to revive the 22-km long journey along the track after a long period of time.

The steam engine-driven train was put on track under the care of the Indian Railway and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). IRCTC is a wing of the Indian Railways. Two chartered coaches of the locomotive KC 520 train were booked for foreign tourists for INR 96,000. The coal-fired steam locomotive was launched by the Indian Railways in February 2013, for the first time.

Two or three coaches of the locomotive KC 520 train can be hired on one-time rent by individuals for a family holiday or by corporates for official trips. The collective space of two or three coaches is enough to accommodate up to 40 passengers. The passengers will be served delectable food on board as per the hospitality service.

The steam locomotives used to carry the British to and from Shimla, which had the distinction of being the summer capital of India during the British rule. The narrow gauge steam engines were replaced with diesel engines from 1952 onwards. The locomotive KC 520 is a witness to the 150-year old history of Shimla. Now Shimla is the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, the only Indian state which is mostly famous for its snow-covered, beautiful hill stations.

The British-era steam engine’s back to operations is part of the tourism development plan, undertaken and implemented to increase the number of domestic and foreign footfalls in Himachal Pradesh. Besides, the Kalka-Shimla track offers one of the most wonderful mountain railway journeys in India. It was inaugurated by Lord Curzon, the then British Viceroy.

IndianEagle.com can make your dream of a wonderful Shimla trip come true by booking your cheapest flight to India this summer.

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Shimla, the pride of Himachal Pradesh and the summer capital of British India, celebrated the 150th anniversary of its foundation this month. It has been the “Queen of the Hills” in the Himalayan region of North India for last 150 years. Since the British Raj, Shimla has been fetching honeymooners, vacationers, holidaymakers, merrymakers, filmmakers, artists, painters, photographers, poets, snow lovers and nature worshippers. Dotted with some 100 buildings of the colonial era, it is not just a hill station but a heritage town. Shimla is as beautiful as it was 150 years ago. Indian Eagle handpicked the seven best places to visit in Shimla for those who have not been there yet.

Viceregal Lodge

Viceregal Lodge is among the few things which stand ground in contrast to the changing picture of Shimla. One of the Shimla tourist attractions, this landmark is also known as Rashtrapati Niwas. An enduring English Renaissance architecture, Viceregal Lodge used to be the summer residence of Lord Dufferin, the then Viceroy of India, and other members of the British administration. Today, it houses Indian Institute of Advanced Study. The panoramic view around this heritage building is unique to the beauty of Shimla.

Shimla Hill

Despite the growing age of the city, Shimla Hill stands tall with its head held high. It comprises of 7 hills at different locations in the area of 18 sq km. Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Bantony Hill, Summer Hill, Invereram Hill, Jakhoo Hill and Elysium Hill, are the 7 hills. Each of the hills is a tourist spot with some or the other attraction.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex on Mall Road is a popular hangout cum tourist hotspot in the heart of Shimla. Since 1887, the building has been exuding charm of the Gothic architecture of the Victorian era. The Gaiety Heritage Cultural Building is home to a theater, a ballroom, a temple, a bar, restaurants and departmental stores. The theater has a tale to tell about the performance of such legendary actors as Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Rudyard Kipling, K.L. Sehgal and others.

Chadwick Falls

A waterfall in a hill station is like a pearl in an oyster. Located at a height of 1550m above the sea level and surrounded by lush green landscape, the waterfall is at a distance of 7 km from Summer Hill. Chadwick Falls is a rain-fed cascade whose natural beauty is a delight for photographers. It makes an ideal background for picnicking too.

Kufri

One of the must-visit tourist attractions of Shimla is Kufri which is famous for ski slopes and scenic views. Popular with snow lovers, Kufri is home to a Himalayan wildlife zoo where rare species of animals from the Himalayan region are preserved in a natural habitat. Tibetan wolf, Barking deer and brown bear are found here. Precisely speaking, Kufri is the central part of wildlife tourism in Shimla.

Shimla State Museum

Founded in 1974, Shimla State Museum is a treasure trove of the city’s natural and cultural wealth. Some of the exhibits in the collection belong to the age-old archaeology and anthropology of the state Himachal Pradesh. More than 9000 objects are displayed in the sprawling galleries of Shimla State Museum. The pre-historic collection includes woodcarvings, monument paintings, Gandhi Gallery, Rajasthan paintings, etc.

Kalka Shimla Railway

The heritage property of Himachal Pradesh, Kalka Shimla Railway has made its way through lofty mountains and rolling valleys. With 18 stopovers on the way, the Kalka Shimla train crosses 87 bridges and goes through 102 tunnels during the journey. The breathtaking sights of the Himalayan beauty of nature make the journey a memorable one. To know more about this UNESCO heritage, do check the most popular and wonderful railways in India.

Indian Eagle books trips to India at the lowest airfare throughout the year just like the constant natural beauty of Shimla. Check the latest cheap flight deals on IndianEagle.com.

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You may have heard several stories of Indian summer. That summer is hot and scorching in most of the Indian states is an undeniable fact. At the same time, it is true that India has many summer holiday destinations in the lap of nature. Since the British Raj, these destinations have been the summer capitals where heat does not dare to touch anyone. Most of these places are hill stations where nature does not obey to the whims of summer. Indian Eagle points out on the map of north, northeast and west India the top 10 summer holiday tourist destinations for fun, romance, peace, adventure, photography….

Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

It won’t be unjust to call Srinagar the goddess of natural beauty in India. The capital of Jammu & Kashmir, it is a mirror to the wonderful artifices of nature. The summer ambience of Srinagar is cozy and charming. Adding to the lure of the landscape and the serenity of the surrounding is the Dal Lake where the floating vegetable and flower market is a photographers’ delight, in the morning. Sonmarg at a height of 2740 meters is an ideal visit for trekking and skiing which offer dollops of adventure. The snowy beauty of Sonmarg is really admirable.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The summer capital of the British Raj in the colonized India, Shimla is one of the best summer destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The face of Shimla dramatically changed when Charles Kennedy, a Scottish Civil servant, set up his summer abode here in 1822, and when the town became the official capital of the British for the summer season in 1864. After the capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata (then Calcutta) to Delhi, the officers of the East India Company and the British ladies took refuge in the cool & cozy atmosphere of Shimla in summers. October to June is the best tourist season of Shimla.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

The geography of Darjeeling is waved by green valleys of tea plantation and rocked by scenic mountains. Established by the British as a summer destination for their army, this hill station is the life and soul of West Bengal tourism. Darjeeling ticks all the boxes – wildlife, adventure, fun and romance. The panorama of this tourist destination spans across Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill, Happy Valley Tea Gardens, Toy Train, Senchal Lake, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Photography is an irresistible pleasure during sunset and sunrise. To be precise, Darjeeling is nature’s darling!

Shillong, Meghalaya

Surrounded by rolling hills, landscaped by tall pine trees and beautified by picturesque waterfalls, Shillong is like a piece of cloud floating in the sky. Now the capital of Meghalaya, it used to be a major British settlement. The food habits of the locals are influenced by the British. One of the summer capitals of the British India, this northeastern hill station is full of tourist attractions such as Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Park, Wards Lake, Don Bosco Museum, and Mawsynram. Shillong takes pride in its hills and waterfalls which keep summer away.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Called “gateway to the heaven”, Rishikesh is a major destination in North India. Not only the beauty but also the spirituality of nature makes itself felt all over here. Home to hermits, sages and monks in the Himalayan region, Rishikesh is famous for the Gangotri. Besides being a spot of pilgrimage, a seat of meditation and a hub of yoga in India, it is a swing of adventure as well. It is equally popular with pilgrims and adventure buffs. It is a very short drive from Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Many foreign tourists visit Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival in the first week of March every year.

Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

One of the best summer destinations in India, Cherrapunji is the right place for those who spring into adventure even in summer. In India, it is one of the few tourist destinations where there is no off season. It teems with tourists and buzzes with activities throughout the year. The beautiful natural setting of Cherrapunji promises a rejuvenating vacation to the tourists in search of relief from the heat of summer. Among the tourist attractions of Cherrapunji, Mawsmai Falls is an irresistible temptation in itself.

Nubra Valley, Ladakh

The abstract beauty of nature is sensuously manifested in each nook and each corner of Nubra Valley in Ladakh. Nicknamed Ldumra that means “valley of flowers”, Nubra Valley defines how pleasant, how beautiful, and how relaxing the world of nature is. The passage to Nubra Valley goes through Khardung La Pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. Popularly known as the Orchard of Ladakh, Nubra Valley boasts two natural rich places – Hunder and Panamik. Waved by sand dunes, Hunder is called “desert in the sky”. Monasteries add to the picturesqueness of the valley.

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

If you are looking to spend summer months in the solitude of peace and silence, Tawang is a must visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Tawang is a sparsely populated town inhabited by the Monpa people who belong to the Monyul or Lhomon Kingdom. Home to beautiful monasteries, this region is like a hidden jewel. The tourist attractions of Tawang include Gorichen Peak, Craft Center, Sela Pass, Gorsam Chorten, Tsachu Hot Spring, Nuranang Falls, Banga Jang Lake, etc. This small town in Arunachal Pradesh has all the makings of a summer capital.

Nainital, Uttarakhand

If Rishikesh is popular with the spirituality seekers, Nainital is a favorite of romantics. Among the best hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is gifted with the romantic beauty of nature. Lavished with serenity and greenery all over, this hilly region inspires tourists to fall in love with the lakes and hills. A must visit in summers, Nainital is sure to make you feel young during a sightseeing tour. Boating and angling in the Lake Naini are among the joyous things to do. The authentic Tibetan cuisine is a must try here.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

Glorifying Kashmir as a summer holiday destination in India is Gulmarg in the Baramula District. Gulmarg is the place to be for those who drink to pleasure out of peace and those who find adrenalin rush in adventure. Do feel the soulfulness of the place during a Gondola ride, do catch an eyeful of the panorama from the cable car, and do experience the kicks of adventure while skiing on the snow. So, why not add Gulmarg to your list of Indian destinations to visit in summers?

IndianEagle.com is booking the cheapest flights to the summer capitals of India. Hope, you are no more in two minds about flying to India in summer months!

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The mountain rail journeys in India are so diverse and panoramic that they never cease to enchant authors, filmmakers, photographers, explorers and travelers. With 17,000 trains of different sizes carrying more than 18 million passengers across the 64,000 km long track, the Indian Railways has many tales to tell. After a flight to India, do travel by trains which run through the remote interiors, forested areas, coastal regions, steep plateaus and precarious mountain terrains of the country. Train travel along the zigzag railway routes through the mountains of India is an exploration drive high on euphoria just like an escape to John Keats’ melodious world of nightingales. Indian Eagle shares tidbits of the best trains for mountain rail journeys in India.

The Kalka Shimla Railway

One of the most picturesque and highest railway tracks in the Himalayan region of India, the Kalka Shimla Railway is a wonder of technology. Built in 1903, the 96-km long rail route is a steep climb across the hills. The train Himalayan Queen crosses 900 curves, 102 tunnels and 87 bridges on the route. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Kalka Shimla Railway used to transport the English ladies to Shimla, the then summer capital of British India. The wonderful artifices of nature on both sides of the track make this train travel a euphoric experience. The train runs from the Shivalik foothills at Kalka, a town in Panchkula district of Haryana to Shimla at an altitude of 2,076 meters in Himachal Pradesh.

READ MORE  Travel Story of Spiti Valley

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Darjeeling is a paradise on earth, and the Toy Train is the gateway to this paradise in the Himalayas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train for its miniature size, is the first passenger route in the mountainous terrains of India. A World Heritage Site, the Toy Train was built in 1881 to boost the development of Darjeeling as a tourist destination in the Himalayas. The 88.48 km gauge track from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling passes through several green valleys and 11 hill stations. Ghoom, the second highest railway station in the world, is a halt on the way. The journey begins with an eyeful of green valleys and ends with a panorama of the Kanchenjunga. The 11 km long part of the track from Sukna to Rongtong consists of dense forests. The way up to Kurseong is a sprawling hilly area with tea gardens. The 30 km of the route up to Darjeeling is the alpine landscape dotted with Himalayan pine trees.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway in Tamil Nadu is the most scenic route penetrating the mysteries of nature. The beauty of this South Indian railway is aesthetically captured in the “Chaiya Chaiya” song in Mani Ratnam’s Bollywood blockbuster Dil Se starring Shahrukh Khan. Built in 1908, the 46-km long single track railway across an elevation from 326 m to 2,203 m is a marvelous work of engineering. One of the best trains for mountain rail journeys in India, the Nilgiri Passenger passes through 16 tunnels, 250 bridges and 208 curves during its uphill journey from Mettupalayiyam to Udagamandalam or Ooty at the peak of the Nilgiri Mountain. The route consists of tropical forests with eucalyptus and acacia trees.

READ MORE  Travel Story of Nilgiri Mountain Railway

We offer the lowest airfare to India just as these mountain railways provide pleasant travel experience. Online booking of the cheapest flight is just a few clicks away from IndianEagle.com.

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