Explore India’s World Heritage Sites and Celebrate Railway Day with Mountain Railways
India, which attracts visitors from around the world with its ancient civilization, religious temples, Mughal architecture, and unique ethnic culture, also boasts a fascinating collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among these, the railways that wind through the mountains are particularly captivating. To celebrate the 123rd anniversary of the “2010 Taiwan Railway Day,” the India-Taipei Association set up a booth at Gate 2 of Taipei Main Station. The exhibit showcased India’s historic railway transportation system, and participants had the chance to win a grand prize—a voucher for an 8-day train journey on the “Indian Buddhist Circuit Train”!
Experience India aboard the “Maharajas’ Express.” Photo provided by Maharajas’ Express
Since April 16, 1853, when the first commercial passenger train in Indian railway history—pulling 14 carriages and carrying 400 passengers—departed from Bombay (Mumbai) Station, the country’s rail history has spanned 157 years. This marked the first time Indian Railways was invited to participate in Taiwan Railway Day. The theme focused on two of India’s 27 World Heritage Sites related to railways: the famous three mountain railways of India, and the bustling Mumbai Central Railway Station. In addition, there were many travel itineraries showcasing how to explore India by train, including the “Buddhist Circuit Train” that traces the life of the Buddha, and the “Maharajas’ Express” that offers a taste of the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by ancient Indian maharajas. There was also a wealth of free travel information about India available for visitors to take home.
India’s three famous mountain railways are the DHR Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which spans 88 kilometers and winds through 919 curves and over 550 bridges, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and lush tea plantations; the KSR Kalka-Shimla Railway, located between Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in northern India, stretching 96 kilometers to an altitude of 2,094 meters, passing through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges, and featuring breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and fragrant blossoms; and the NMR Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a 46-kilometer route taking about 22 minutes, climbing from 330 to 2,200 meters above sea level with 208 curves and 250 bridges. It is a World Heritage Site renowned for its rack railway system.
A train passing the Taj Mahal. Photo provided by Maharajas’ Express
The bustling Mumbai Central Railway Station, often regarded as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, was inaugurated in 1888 after a decade of construction. Originally named Victoria Terminus in honor of the British Queen, its exceptional architectural structure and craftsmanship are considered masterpieces of 19th-century architecture. The station features a grand central dome, prominent arches, and an off-center plaza with a circular layout reminiscent of Indian palace design. Mumbai’s many public transportation systems converge here, including the Mumbai Suburban Railway, which is the busiest railway system in the world, carrying over 3 million passengers daily. Related reading: Yuyuan Garden, a famous classical garden in the Jiangnan region (provided by Tripass Attractions)
The model trains displayed in Taiwan were specially flown in for the Indian World Heritage Railways Exhibition. They included the WP7200 and the still-operational tourist train FAIRY QUEEN. During the Railway Day event from June 9–13, the India Railways booth at Gate 2 of Taipei Main Station featured daily performances of classical and vibrant Bollywood dances, as well as a variety of lucky draw prizes such as the “Great Indian Railways” DVD, a special issue of the World Heritage Magazine focused on India, and four dining discount vouchers for Taipei Grand Formosa Regent. The grand prize, provided by Gulf Travel Service, was a voucher for an 8-day journey on the “Indian Buddhist Circuit Train,” giving travelers interested in Buddhism or World Heritage Sites the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Buddha and explore India’s World Heritage Sites.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
(Provided by Youtube)
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