The Most Stunning Train Stations You Must Visit
Posted on December 1, 2025
India’s vast railway network isn’t just a lifeline connecting bustling cities and remote villages—it’s a canvas of architectural marvels and natural wonders. With over 7,300 stations, many stand out not only for their functionality but for their breathtaking designs, historical significance, and scenic backdrops. Inspired by global lists of the world’s most beautiful train stations, this blog dives exclusively into India’s hidden gems. From colonial-era grandiosity to modern eco-friendly hubs, these stations are destinations in their own right. Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, history buff, or casual traveler, hop aboard and let these 10 iconic stations take you on a visual journey across the subcontinent.
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai’s chaotic energy, CSMT—once known as Victoria Terminus—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival fused with Indian motifs. Built in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, its honey-colored basalt structure boasts soaring turrets, stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings of flora, fauna, and mythical creatures. The massive central dome and clock tower dominate the skyline, while the interiors echo with the chatter of millions of daily commuters. Fun fact: It’s not just a station; it’s a living monument that has starred in countless Bollywood scenes. Next time you’re in Mumbai, arrive early to soak in the architectural symphony before your train departs.
2. New Delhi Railway Station
As India’s second-busiest hub, New Delhi Station blends red-brick colonial elegance with practical modernity. Opened in 1903, its Indo-Saracenic style features grand arches, ornate chandeliers, and a towering entrance that evokes the imperial era. The station’s vast concourses handle over 500 trains daily, but it’s the heritage clock tower and mosaic-tiled floors that steal the show. Surrounded by the capital’s monuments, it’s a perfect starting point for exploring Delhi’s wonders. Pro tip: Visit during the quieter evenings when the station’s lights illuminate its intricate details like a palace under the stars.
3. Howrah Junction, Kolkata
Spanning the Hooghly River opposite the iconic Howrah Bridge, this 1906 behemoth is the world’s busiest station by platform count (23 in total). Its Italian Renaissance-inspired facade, with parabolic arches and a massive iron framework, was designed to withstand Bengal’s humid climate. The station’s unassuming exterior hides a hypnotic vintage charm—think bustling chai stalls, vintage ads, and the rhythmic clatter of trains. As a gateway to Eastern India, Howrah isn’t just functional; it’s a cultural pulse point where history meets everyday hustle.
4. Charbagh Railway Station, Lucknow
Named after the “four gardens” it overlooks, Charbagh is a poetic blend of Mughal and Awadhi architecture, completed in 1932. Its terracotta dome, minarets, and intricate floral motifs draw from Lucknow’s nawabi heritage, making it feel like a slice of paradise amid the city’s chaos. With 10 platforms and lush green surroundings, it’s more museum than station. The station’s clock tower and jaali work (lattice screens) are Instagram gold, and its inspired the design of stations across India. If you’re in Lucknow for kebabs, don’t miss this elegant halt.
5. Ghum Railway Station, Darjeeling
Perched at 2,258 meters, Ghum claims the title of India’s (and the world’s 14th) highest station, part of the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This tiny 1881 outpost, surrounded by mist-shrouded tea estates and snow-capped peaks, is a toy train enthusiast’s dream. Its simple colonial bungalow-style building belies the drama of its location—trains chug through hairpin loops to reach here, offering panoramic Himalayan views. Ride the steam-powered toy train for the full effect; it’s a nostalgic nod to British hill-station life.
6. Jaisalmer Railway Station, Rajasthan
In the heart of the Thar Desert’s “Golden City,” this station lives up to Jaisalmer’s regal reputation. Its Rajputana-style architecture—complete with sandstone domes, jharokhas (overhanging balconies), and frescoed walls—mirrors the nearby fort. Hosting luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels, it’s a luxurious oasis amid arid dunes. The station’s warm yellow hues glow at sunset, blending seamlessly with the desert landscape. For desert safaris or camel rides, this is your glamorous entry point.
7. Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, Bhopal
India’s first world-class station under a public-private partnership, this 2021 revamp honors Gond queen Rani Kamalapati with sleek, airport-like efficiency. Solar-powered roofs, rainwater harvesting, and spacious lounges make it a sustainable marvel, while tribal motifs and murals nod to Madhya Pradesh’s indigenous heritage. With 14 platforms and modern amenities, it’s a far cry from dusty depots—think glass facades and green spaces. Bhopal’s lakeside beauty starts here; it’s proof that Indian stations are evolving into eco-friendly icons.
8. Dudhsagar Railway Station, Goa
Tucked in Goa’s lush Western Ghats, this modest halt is all about its jaw-dropping location beside the thunderous Dudhsagar Waterfalls—one of India’s tallest at 310 meters. Trains slow to a crawl here, allowing passengers to snap photos of milky cascades crashing through dense forests. The station itself is unpretentious, with basic platforms enveloped by biodiversity hotspots. Famous from Chennai Express, it’s a nature lover’s pitstop on the Goa-Londa route—pure, unfiltered magic.
9. Coonoor Railway Station, Tamil Nadu
Amid the rolling Nilgiri tea plantations, this 1899 station on the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a verdant escape. Its British bungalow aesthetic, with tiled roofs and verandas, overlooks mist-veiled hills where eucalyptus scents the air. The toy train’s blue coaches puff steam through 46 tunnels and 208 curves to reach here, making arrivals feel like stepping into a postcard. Pair it with a tea estate walk—Coonoor’s cool clime and colonial charm are unbeatable.
10. Varkala Railway Station, Kerala
Overlooking the Arabian Sea’s cliffs, Varkala’s station is Kerala’s cutest coastal gem. Its simple red-tiled roof and palm-fringed platforms lead straight to golden beaches and black sand shores. Built in the early 1900s, it captures the state’s laid-back vibe—think salty breezes, fresh seafood stalls, and waves crashing below. As a halt on the Trivandrum-Quilon line, it’s ideal for surfers and sunseekers. Sunset views from the platform? Chef’s kiss.
Why These Stations Deserve a Spotlight
India’s train stations aren’t mere transit points; they’re testaments to our diverse heritage—from British Raj opulence to indigenous artistry and cutting-edge innovation. Many, like CSMT and Ghum, are UNESCO treasures, while others like Dudhsagar remind us of nature’s grandeur. In a country where trains carry dreams and stories, these spots elevate the ordinary to extraordinary.
