5 Most Scenic Train Journeys Leading To Coimbatore
1. Chennai – Coimbatore Express
This route is among the most travelled in the South of India and connects Chennai to Coimbatore. The Express train brings you closer to nature and has picturesque views of emerald green fields, quaint villages, and small towns. The rural charm of Tamil Nadu can be felt with Indian culture blooming out of every spot. With the start of the journey, you will see a transition from the coastal mainland of Chennai into the elevated areas of Coimbatore. This route looks beautiful at dawn or dusk, when the sun's golden rays sweep the landscape.
2. Mangalore–Coimbatore Route
Riding on a train along the Mangalore–Coimbatore route is a never before experience for anyone as it has all the beauty of nature. Alongside the Dudhsagar Falls, the train gradually ascends along dense forests, waterfalls, and mountains. In particular, the Sakleshpur region showcases beautiful valleys which only add to the scenic beauty of the ride. The beauty of the ride is multiplied while in the monsoon as streams of water can be witnessed at every corner, all while the greenery shines the brightest.
3. Bangalore–Coimbatore Shatabdi Express
As we shift our eyes towards Bengaluru, the beauty around the city is known by all. Businessmen often take the Shatabdi Express, for it usually does not stop anywhere, along with the fact that the view from the train is splendid. As the train transverses from Bangalore to Coimbatore, it zooms past forests, farmlands, and a lot more gems of nature. There are a couple of regions on the route which are particularly breathtaking, like the area from Salem to Erode which has hills alongside massive fields of crops.
4. Hyderabad-Coimbatore Express
The train journey from Hyderabad to Coimbatore connects the Telangana state with the Tamil Nadu state and is especially known for the picturesque views it offers while crossing over both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. When passengers are within range of Coimbatore they can see dry plateaus, river basins and crops growing in Tamil Nadu. All in all the beauty in nature makes this trip quite interesting.
5. Palakkad-Coimbatore Route
For those coming from the neighbouring state of Kerala, the Palakkad-Coimbatore route was very scenic. The route, which is covered in lush green tropical backwaters, leads to the Palakkad gap which is a tunnel through the Western Ghats and gets you to Tamil Nadu. During this journey, passengers get to experience breathtaking views of tea plantations, paddy fields and spice gardens. The difference in the greenery of Kerala and the barren land of Tamil Nadu is something that should not be missed.
Final Thoughts
Finding your way to Coimbatore by train is more than just travel; it is a visual journey through some of the most beautiful regions in South India. From traversing the Western Ghats to the rich cultural landscapes of Tamil Nadu and to savoring the heritage beauty of Nilgiri Mountain Railway, every journey is distinct from the other. These picturesque railway journeys take you nearer to Coimbatore, Deepening your love and respect for nature and culture. The next time you plan a visit to this amazing city, try taking a train for a remarkable experience.

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If you ever travel to Odisha on India's eastern coast, you might hear whispers about a mysterious temple that looks like a giant stone chariot, frozen in time as if it was about to roll towards the sea. That's the Sun Temple of Konark, one of the most fascinating buildings in India, and a place that has amazed travellers, artists, and scientists for hundreds of years. The Konark Sun Temple stands just a few kilometres from the Bay of Bengal. As you get closer, you might spot giant wheels, each one taller than you, carved with incredible patterns and shapes. The whole temple is built to look like the chariot of Surya, the Sun God, being pulled by seven magnificent stone horses. It's made entirely out of black granite and khondalite rock, and was built more than 750 years ago, during the rule of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the thirteenth century. 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For centuries, Konark was a place where artists and thinkers gathered, especially during the early morning, when the first sunlight would hit the temple's main entrance. The main shrine, which once held a massive statue of Surya, is now in ruins, but you can still sense the awe that people must have felt when sunlight filled the temple. Sadly, parts of the temple have collapsed over time, mainly because of the salty sea air, heavy monsoon rains, and even attacks by invaders. Still, what remains is enough to fill visitors with wonder. One of the most fascinating mysteries about Konark is how such a huge and heavy temple was built with no cranes or modern machines. Some experts think the builders used clever ramps, pulleys, and lots of teamwork. According to legend, a huge iron rod was used to hold the top stone together, and the temple was decorated with a magical lodestone, a natural magnet that was supposed to make ships' compasses go haywire. 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Some say there are hidden passages or treasures, while others are simply amazed by how carefully the entire structure is aligned with the east, so that the first light of the day touches the feet of the Sun God. If you ever get to visit Konark, try to wake up early and see the sunrise over the temple's wheels and horses. It's the perfect way to understand why, even after so many centuries, Konark still inspires awe. Temple is shaped like a giant chariot Konark's Sun Temple was built to look like Surya's chariot from Hindu mythology, complete with 24 massive wheels and seven stone horses. Works like a sundial The wheels aren't just for decoration—they're actually ancient timekeepers! You can tell the time by watching the shadows cast by the spokes. Konark once had a huge magnet Legend says the temple once had a giant lodestone (a natural magnet) at its centre, which was so powerful it could disrupt ships' compasses at sea. Temple faced the rising sun The main entrance was built so that the first rays of the sun would light up the idol of Surya inside the temple each morning. It's called the 'Black Pagoda' Sailors on the Bay of Bengal called Konark the 'Black Pagoda' because of its dark stones, which helped them navigate the coast. Many parts are now in ruins The main sanctum collapsed long ago, but much of the temple's beauty remains, attracting visitors and researchers from around the world. ISTOCK It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark Sun Temple is one of India's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised for its amazing architecture and history. ISTOCK Famous dance festival Every year, classical dancers from all over India perform at the Konark Dance Festival, with the temple as a stunning backdrop.


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