These 4 Indian railways are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites—any guesses?

Time of India

2 days ago

India's railways are a living, steaming slice of history! Dating back to the British era, some stations have been standing tall (and fully functional) for over a century. While the world upgraded to bullet trains, these vintage beauties stuck around and became legends.
For generations, trains have been the go-to ride for budget-conscious travellers. But for true rail enthusiasts, it's not just the price tag, it's the charm, the clatter, the chai at every stop.
And here's the real twist: Did you know that a few of these iconic railway stations have earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site badge? Now that's a ticket to fame! Here's all that you need to know.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
This railway station is an architectural marvel with a breath-taking fusion of Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architecture and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This station was designed by F.W. Stevens and was completed in 1887. What makes this station an architectural marvel is the pointed arches, ribbed stone dome, stained glass windows, and carved gargoyles, which were created by Indian craftsmen.
This is the perfect blend of two cultures giving a unique identity to the Mumbai station. This station will greatly give you the feel of the rapidity of life here, and the station becomes even more beautiful during sunset with a golden glow all around.
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
This railway is India's first hill railway, which was built from 1879–1881. This train travels from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The Darjeeling station is surrounded by colonial boarding schools and emerald tea gardens, and Mt. Kanchenjunga also plays a great role as it increases the beauty of the station. The Ghum station is the highest station in India, standing at 7,407 ft, and also has a DHR museum here that showcases the history of the railway, including old photos, models, and the oldest DHR locomotive, 'Baby Sivok'.
Kalka Shimla Railway
This station is covered by the Kalka–Shimla railway that goes through the Shivalik hills. The Shimla station was initially built in 1903 and it had wooden walls and a galvanized iron roof. Then it was rebuilt in 1921 and turned into a two-story brick masonry building. This station has a wood-framed colonial look located beside the Southern Himalaya. At this platform, one will find old semaphore signals and vintage Himalayan Queen or Shivalik Deluxe coaches that will definitely make you feel nostalgic.
The railway line in itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it offers the mesmerising views of the hills and surrounding villages and also connected Shimla, the summer capital of India during the British Raj, with the rest of the Indian rail system.
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Nilgiri Mountain Railway
This charming narrow-gauge track has been chugging along since 1908! Connecting Mettupalayam to the misty hills of Ooty via spots like Kellar, Coonoor, Wellington, and Lovedale, this ride is all about scenic things. Crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the railway offers jaw-dropping views of the Western Ghats and rolling tea-covered hills. The real thrill? You'll pass through 16 tunnels, cross 250 bridges, and sway around 208 curves—all while soaking in scenery straight out of a postcard.