Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India You Can Visit by Train

India is currently home to 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and there is no more authentic way to reach them than by the Indian Railways. In 2024, heritage tourism in India was valued at approximately $32 billion, with a significant portion of travelers choosing the rail for its scenic beauty and connectivity.

Traveling by train isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the storytelling landscape that unfolds outside your window. Here are the top 10 sites where the journey is as legendary as the landmark.

Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India You Can Visit by Train

If you’re looking to swap the sterile airport terminal for the rhythmic “clack-clack” of the tracks and the aroma of station-side masala chai, this guide is for you.

1. The Mountain Railways of India (Kalka, Darjeeling, & Ooty)

This isn’t just one site, but a collective marvel of engineering. The “Toy Trains” of India are perhaps the most romantic way to experience the mountains.

• The Experience: These narrow-gauge wonders—the Kalka-Shimla Railway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and Nilgiri Mountain Railway—navigate steep gradients and hairpin curves.
• Expert Tip: Book the Vistadome coaches on the Kalka-Shimla route for a 360-degree view of the Shivalik hills through glass ceilings.

2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai

Rarely does a railway station itself become a UNESCO site. Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, CSMT is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.

• The Experience: Walk through the station to see the gargoyles, stained glass windows, and the magnificent stone dome.
• Station Code: CSMT (Mumbai).

3. The Taj Mahal & Agra Fort, Agra

The “epitome of love” needs no introduction. What many don’t realize is how seamlessly the Gatimaan Express (India’s first semi-high-speed train) connects Delhi to Agra in just 100 minutes.

• The Experience: Arrive at Agra Cantt station, and you’re just a short rickshaw ride away from the marble marvel.
• Pro Tip: Take the early morning Shatabdi to catch the Taj at sunrise, avoiding the heavy afternoon crowds.

4. The Group of Monuments at Hampi, Karnataka

Stepping off the train at Hospet is like entering a time machine. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, and its boulder-strewn landscape is dotted with over 1,600 ruins.

• Train Route: Take the Hampi Express from Bengaluru.
• Key Sight: The Virupaksha Temple and the iconic Stone Chariot.

5. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

While the caves are near Aurangabad, the rail journey through the Sahyadri range is stunning. These rock-cut sanctuaries date back to the 2nd century BCE.

• Nearest Station: Aurangabad (AWB) or Jalgaon (JL).
• Storytelling Moment: Legend has it the Ajanta caves were “rediscovered” by a British officer, John Smith, in 1819 while he was out hunting tigers.

6. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh

Famous for its intricate erotic sculptures and Nagara-style architecture, Khajuraho is now well-connected by a dedicated railway station.

• The Experience: The temples represent a unique harmony between the spiritual and the physical.
• Train Route: The UP Sampark Kranti or the Khajuraho-Udaipur Express.

7. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha

Resembling a colossal chariot with 24 carved stone wheels, this 13th-century marvel is a tribute to the Sun God, Surya.

• Nearest Station: Puri (PURI) or Bhubaneswar (BBS).
• Insider Info: The wheels of the temple are actually sundials that can calculate time accurately to the minute!

8. Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh)

Rajasthan’s forts are best explored via the “Desert Circuit.” These massive fortifications, like the Amber Fort and Chittorgarh Fort, reflect the military Rajput architecture.

• Train Tip: Travel between Jaipur and Jodhpur on the Vande Bharat Express for a high-tech, comfortable dash across the desert.

9. Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell), Gujarat

Located in Patan, this isn’t just a well—it’s an inverted temple. Designed to store water and provide a cool retreat, it features over 500 principal sculptures.

• Nearest Station: Mehsana Junction (MSH) or Ahmedabad (ADI).

10. Great Living Chola Temples, Tamil Nadu

The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur is a testament to the Chola Empire’s glory. The granite dome (Vimana) is carved from a single rock weighing 80 tons.

• Train Route: Take the Chozhan Express from Chennai for a scenic ride through the lush paddy fields of the Kaveri delta.

Planning Your Heritage Rail Trip: At a Glance

Expert Tips for the “Heritage Rail” Traveler

1. Book in Advance: IRCTC tickets for popular routes like the Toy Trains open 120 days in advance and sell out within minutes.
2. Choose the Right Class: For long-distance heritage tours, 2AC or 3AC offers a perfect balance of comfort, safety, and a chance to meet fellow travelers.
3. The “Chai” Ritual: Never skip the station-side tea. Each region has a different flavor—from the clay-pot (bharun) tea in Bengal to the frothy filter coffee in the South.
4. Stay Near the Station: For cities like Mumbai or Agra, staying near the station saves commute time, allowing you to hit the monuments before the tour buses arrive.

The Verdict: Why Train Over Plane?

While flying is faster, the train offers context. You see the transition of languages, the change in soil color, and the evolution of architecture. As you pull into a station like CSMT, you aren’t just arriving at a destination; you are becoming part of a living history.

If you truly want to understand India, skip the flights sometimes—take the train, feel the journey, and let history unfold outside your window.