Hidden Gems: Offbeat Destinations Accessible by Trains in India

India boasts the world's third-largest railway network, offering an efficient transportation system. Spanning over 60,000 kilometres, this extensive network interconnects more than 7,500 stations, facilitating the daily commute of approximately 20 million passengers. Despite the country's vast distances and the railways not ranking among the world's finest, embarking on a train journey in India introduces a captivating facet to a traveller's experience. It serves as an excellent opportunity to forge connections with the local populace and witness the awe-inspiring and diverse landscapes that characterise India. On numerous routes, railways stand as both the swiftest and most cost-effective mode of travel.

India is home to a plethora of hidden gems that are accessible by train. Here are some offbeat destinations that you can explore via Indian Railways:

1. Majuli Island, Assam: Majuli Island is the world's largest river island and is located in the Brahmaputra River in Assam. It is accessible by train from Guwahati and Jorhat.

2. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: Kasol is a picturesque village located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty, trekking trails, and hippie culture. You can reach Kasol by taking a train to Joginder Nagar or Pathankot.

3. Gokarna, Karnataka: Gokarna is a small town located on the western coast of Karnataka. It is known for its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and laid-back vibe. You can reach Gokarna by taking a train to Ankola or Kumta.

4. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh: Mandu is an ancient city located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its historical monuments, palaces, and scenic beauty. You can reach Mandu by taking a train to Ratlam or Indore.

5. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland: Dzukou Valley is a hidden gem located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, trekking trails, and unique flora and fauna. You can reach Dzukou Valley by taking a train to Dimapur or Guwahati.

6. Kumbalangi, Kerala: Kumbalangi is a small fishing village located near Kochi in Kerala. It is known for its backwaters, mangrove forests, and traditional fishing practices. You can reach Kumbalangi by taking a train to Ernakulam Junction or Cochin Harbour Terminus.

7. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu: Chettinad is a region located in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its unique cuisine, architecture, and cultural heritage. You can reach Chettinad by taking a train to Karaikudi or Chettinad railway station.

8. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang is a scenic town located in the Himalayas of Arunachal Pradesh. It is known for its ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. You can reach Tawang by taking a train to Tezpur or Rangapara North.

9. Hampi, Karnataka: Hampi is an ancient city located in the Bellary district of Karnataka. It is known for its historical monuments, temples, and stunning landscapes. You can reach Hampi by taking a train to Hospet Junction.

10. Kutch, Gujarat: Kutch is a region located in the westernmost part of Gujarat. It is known for its white salt desert, handicrafts, and cultural heritage. You can reach Kutch by taking a train to Bhuj railway station.

To reach the aforementioned destination or any other hidden gem & offbeat destinations in India, you need not physically go anywhere; simply secure your train ticket through online train booking. You have all the options to reserve train tickets or verify your PNR status via the Indian Railways' official website or redRail mobile application/website. To reserve a train ticket, you must create an account on IRCTC platform, furnish your travel particulars, choose your preferred train and class, and complete the payment online. Upon successful payment, a confirmation message with your ticket details will be sent to you.

For checking PNR status, simply input your 10-digit PNR number into the Indian Railways website or mobile app. This unique number is located at the top left corner of your ticket.

To opt for a hassle free train booking experience, choose RedRail to facilitate online train ticket bookings. The website and mobile app enable you to explore train options, assess availability, and reserve tickets. RedRail also offers extra features like real-time train tracking, seat availability, and fare comparisons.