Lets go on a Joyride……

The time appeared to have stopped at the Kalka Station, where my brother and I stood with our father, foreseeing the thrill of a journey on a toy train to Shimla. We were not small kids, and, this was not our maiden trip, but the memory is still fresh. The enigma of travelling on this heritage train was mesmerising. The heritage train, built in 1903, covers 102 tunnels and many bridges while traversing the hills where pines, oaks, and deodars add to the breathtaking view as the train slowly meanders toward the mountains. The hide-and-seek of darkness and light in the tunnel in the mountains is mesmerising.

The picturesque Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the majestic facade of the Kanpur railway station, and the preserved heritage at the Kolkata or the Lucknow stations speak volumes of the significance of railways in the past, which has somewhat diminished in today’s fast-moving times. Train excursions seem remote and minuscule in the time of air travel. There is no match to the enchanting train ride with its deliberate slow movements, the film of the sooted, crowded cities threaded by the vast green fields with its everyday clamour running in front of our eyes appearing magical. The crisscrossing train across the picturesque hills in the North, the dense forests of the East, the vast deserts of the West, and the seaside beaches in the South of India are captivating. We disembark on train journeys in the expectation of finding new places, and there is a thrill of discovering places and the inexplicable happiness these rides give us. The rhythm of the rambling train traversing the ever-changing terrain of faraway towns and villages, historic cities, expansive coastlines, or rugged mountains is a visual treat. My childhood passion for the window seat still stays as my heart fills with wonder as I see the world pass by. 

The famous Darjeeling toy train merges with the road or runs parallel to the tracks, as it slowly meanders like a snake toward the rising hills. In the quaint villages in the mountains, one often comes across small children innocently waving to the passing train. The moving scenic beauty and the cool fresh air refresh the mind while we catch glimpses of the surreal backdrop and the expanding horizons. We form connections with the places we visit and the people we meet during the journey, and find friends for life.

Nilgiri Mountain train, made iconic with the Chaiya Chaiya song, with its quaint heritage train traversing through lush greens meadows, alluring valleys, and rolling hills  is worth  a visit when one is in Tamil Nadu. While on a memorable train journey from Pune to Mumbai, the moving images of the concrete jungles lulled me to sleep.  I woke up surrounded by the towering mountains of Lonavala looming large, and the breathtaking view refreshed my being as the rattling train traversed through the mountains. The ease of the train journeys opens the door to a new vista of a world of its kind,  a great way to experience  varied and vast landscape of our country. 

People moving hurriedly or eagerly waiting, coolies vying to catch the prospective customer, the lone bookstore hoping for customers in the internet era, the echoes of the voices of the rushing hawkers, and the lingering fragrance of the food spread around the place. You observe and reflect on how you fit in this expanse of life while the slow-moving scenery forms the backdrop. These journeys are full of promise, take you to your inner realms to rediscover yourself, a rejuvenating mental elixir. 

It is a great way to explore the places while on a road trip, a rage these days thanks to the shared experiences of people on the social media.  With technology coming to our aid, it is easier to plan the  road trips. The GPS and the online maps ensure you plan a trip to precision to discover the places on your bucket list. These expeditions offer flexibility and are a great way to destress and clear your head from the daily grind to come back rejuvenated. There is a joy in exploring the desired places at your own pace while you enjoy the journey listening to your favourite music in your earphones. Who would not mind seeing the countryside, the historical places, or discovering the local food as you move at the desired pace? 

When you set on a journey, you enjoy the kaleidoscope of landscapes where the world rumbles by, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. 

Pictures from Google