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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
5 Train Journeys To Shillong That Will Take Your Breath Away
The serene and pleasant capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong, is dubbed the 'Scotland of the East' because of its mesmerizing natural beauty, such as, splendid landscapes, rolling hills, and calm valleys. Getting to Shillong is slightly tricky as the city does not possess its very own railway station. However, you can get close to the city through various train routes. In these routes these travelers are treated with delightful greenery and stunning waterfalls in the middle of the journey. Here are 7 pointers that make Shillong reachable by some of the most convincing train routes. 1. Guwahati Railway Station: The Gateway to Shillong Gauhati serves as the primary terminal station from all over India for trade and commerce, from which Shillong is 100 km away. Gauhati is well connected by train with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. Trains like Rajdhani Express, Northeast Frontier Railway services, and other express trains also make the most arduous journeys comfortable. There are multiple travel options available including taxis, shared cabs, but the most preferred option is a taxi after reaching Guwahati. The captivating beauty of the shimmering rivers and lush forests makes the long taxi drive through the smooth and spiraled roads of East-West Khasi hills incredibly picturesque. 2. Guwahati to Guwahati by Saraighat Express You may need to book your train in advanced-like the Saraighat Express that leaves from Guwahati and goes all the way to Kolkata. With a variety of Saraighat Express (12345/12346) options, you can easily reach Shillong in no time! Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery of West Bengal and Assam. You will be amazed by the mesmerizing views of lifestyle and nature. As you reach Guwahati, you can take the last ride towards Shillong while driving through Umiam Lake, which is known for its breathtaking views. 3. Delhi to Guwahati via North East Express The broad areas to the west through which the train travels – Gangetic plains, as well as the Himalayan foothills – are bound to leave you amazed with their scenic beauty. The North East Express does not leave the beauty of the North Indian states out. The tea gardens and thick forests of Assam are no less beautiful! What's more, upon finishing your trip, arriving at Guwahati brings you one step closer towards the splendid hills and breathtaking views of Shillong! on the Lumding – Badarpur Line The Lumding – Badarpur line may be primarily for freight, but it serves as another route to Weaver City. Travelers can get off at the Badarpur Junction in the southern part of Assam and drive northwards towards Weaver City. This path is rich with the natural beauty of Assam with its rice paddies, bamboo orchards, and charming villages. Badarpur to Weaver City is also a wonderful road trip, given its height differences and beautiful hills. of Rourkela from Umiam Lake during the trip from Guwahati Umiam Lake is a stunning man-made lake and one of the most popular visitor spots of Shillong, so no article about Shillong can be complete without mentioning it, even if it was outside of the train trip. The 15 kilometers that separate this lake from the city make for some beautiful road travelling from Guwahati. The Umiam Lake framed with evergreen hills, mirrors the sky like a jewel. People can be seen boating here or enjoying a peaceful moment before taking in the full beauty of Shillong. Exploring Local Culture Through Rail Travel Traveling by train to Shillong is not solely about the picturesque landscape; it also helps one appreciate the northeastern region's culture. Stops at Guwahati's markets to the tribal settlements near the train lines allow passengers to witness local customs, food, and handicrafts, making the journey educational. For example, devouring Assamese foods such as khar and pitha while on the train further deepens your travel experience. Seasonal Highlights Along the Routes Each season has its own charm during the train journeys to Shillong. The spring season marks Tehran with the blossoming vegetation of orchids and rhododendrons in vivid colors on the skyline with the refreshing greens post monsoon and accompanied by the golden glow of autumn rides becoming a delight to the photographer in winters. Every shift of season, offers a vibrant range of experiences to cherish and ensures no two journeys is the same. Conclusion While you may need to mix train and bus transport to get to Shillong, the breathtaking beauty of the region makes the effort worthwhile. The train rides leading to Shilling are exceptional. From the lively atmosphere of Guwahati to the soothing views of Assam's countryside, every single leg of the journey is special. Whether you take the Saraighat Express, the North East Express, or one of the many other options available, the spectacular train rides coupled with the thrilling bus rides will make your trip to Shilling unforgettable. Now, get your bags, cameras, and head out to one of the most beautiful places in India.
India.com
29-05-2025
- India.com
6 Most Scenic Train Journeys Leading To Guwahati
Situated on the riverbanks of Brahmaputra, Guwahati is often referred to as the gateway to Northeast India. Guwahati is well-known for its culturally rich heritage, beautiful landscapes, and spiritual landmarks, making it a popular tourist destination. The city itself is packed with treasure-like experiences and its overall charm makes it exciting even before reaching the city, however, the train ride to the city from other states is guaranteed to be picturesque. The region is marked by hills, forests, and peaceful rivers allowing train journeys to be breathtaking. Here are some of the most scenic train journeys leading to Guwahati City. 1. Dibrugarh–Guwahati Rajdhani Express The Dibrugarh–Guwahati Rajdhani Express is one of the most luxurious and scenic train route destinations within Northeast India. This part of the train route travels through the heart of Assam which is complemented by tantalizing views of tea gardens, paddy fields, and eclipsed by Brahmaputra river. As the train snakes its way through the greenery of the Brahmaputra Valley, passengers relax in a tranquil and wonderful setting. As the train progresses, riders are also able to spot reasonably sized towns and villages signifying the rural life of Assam. 2. New Delhi–Guwahati Rajdhani Express New Delhi-Guwahati Raja dhani Express is another longest running train that connects the capital city of India with Guwahati. The picturesque beauty of the journey first appears in the northeastern part of the country and then opens up directly towards the majestic plains of North India. The route goes through the lush green forests of West Bengal and Assam, while offering breathtaking glimpses of the famous Brahmaputra River. The train also crosses notable Saraighat Bridge and other landmarks, which serve as exceptional locations for viewing the river and its vibrant valleys. 3. Kolkata–Guwahati Saraighat Express This includes trains from Saraighat that link Guwahati with Kolkata. This portion of the trip is exquisitely beautiful because the train is traveling through the green and fertile region with an abundance of Assam and West Bengal. The track runs along the shores of the Brahmaputra River for a considerable distance, providing beautiful scenery. Siliguri Junction is additionally included in the route, where this train goes to the famous Dooars region which is known for extensive tea and wildlife gardens along with Siliguri. 4. Doon Express: (Dehradun–Guwahati) The Doon Express, which runs from Dehradun in Uttarakhand to Guwahati, is one of the most interesting train trips to take. From North India to Northeast India, this route delivers a variety of views to tourists. The train travels from the highly productive regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar into the beautiful Assam state. While traveling along this route, the scenic beauty of the Brahmaputra River at Guwahati will be the crowning glory of your journey. At the starting point of the trip, passengers catch a glimpse of the highlights of the journey, which are the foothills of the Himalayas. 5. Kanchanjunga Express (Silchar–Guwahati) Though Kanchanjunga Express that links Silchar and Guwahati is an overnight train, the beautiful sights make this one of the more popular routes. The new Assam Barak valley with steep hills and rich forests offers incredible beauty to its passengers. This train has innumerable bridges and tunnels, from which passengers can see the majestic beauty of the valley and other regions. This journey is most picturesque during the monsoons because of the rich greens that occupy the land while the rains pour down. 6. Northeast Express (Anand Vihar to Guwahati) Among the widely used trains in India, the Northeast Express is one of them connecting the vital cities of Delhi and Guwahati. This train ride is particularly known for its changing scenery that ranges from dry and hot plains in the north to the green hills in the Northeast. It runs through UP, Bihar, West Bengal, and enters Assam. As it approaches Guwahati, the train provides breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River and the nearby hills. Wrapping Up As much as travelers love the heart of Guwahati, the ride to this beautiful area does not disappoint at all. Alongside the gorgeous foliage, rich culture, and unforgettable moments, the train routes to Guwahati are exceptional. These train rides promise to mesmerize nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and avid travelers seeking to discover the Northeast. Next time when you think of visiting Guwahati, book a train ticket and enjoy how every part of the region seems to be dipped in beauty.
