Scenic Routes: Watching India's diverse landscapes unfurl from a train window is a fabulously relaxed way to see the country – whether it’s taking you past majestic mountain scenery, across remote rural areas or through the heart of bustling cities. Keep your camera at the ready!

Convenience: The Indian Railways network is extensive, connecting even the most remote areas. With 130,000kms of track, there’s likely to be a train route to get you to wherever you want to go – then all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

Comfort: Long distance trains offer a number of booking classes, and it pays to upgrade to a sleeper carriage on overnight journeys. First Class is generally the most comfortable option but as much of the stock is quite old, isn’t comparable to first class trains you may have experienced elsewhere. We found AC2 (2nd class air conditioned) perfectly acceptable. But do take an eye mask and ear plugs if you are light sleeper.

Meeting the locals: You’ll find Indians are super friendly, curious, and love a good chat, never more so than on a train. Sharing tips, stories and snacks with fellow passengers will be a real highlight of your journey.

Food on the move: You can pick up provisions on the platform before boarding, but don’t worry if you run out as vendors hop on and off at stations, selling everything from steaming chai to spicy samosas. It's a great way to sample regional cuisines without stepping off the train. Some booking classes include food in the ticket which is generally served piping hot and fine to eat.

Affordability: While it might not always be the quickest way to travel, train travel is a budget friendly option compared to flights especially when you factor in not needing a hotel for overnight journeys.

Boasting one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, how do you choose your route? It’s simple. Our team of travel experts know India like the back of their hand and can easily put together a tailormade India itinerary just for you, whether you want to do the whole trip by train or include just a few journeys to give you a taster. But here’s a few of my favourites as a starting point:

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of firsts. It was the first narrow gauge toy train to operate in India - the first train ascended to the hill station of Darjeeling on 4 July 1881. It was also the first Indian mountain railway to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Enjoying the views as this vintage steam train chugs its way between Darjeeling and Ghoom (India’s highest train station!) is an unmissable experience.

Maharajas' Express is India's most luxurious train. There’s five routes to choose from, each showcasing India's finest sights, but it is the overall experience, both on and off the train, that sets this journey apart. As well as opulent accommodation and fine dining on board, you will enjoy inclusive touring accompanied by expert guides and experiences such as tiger safaris and desert champagne receptions. You'll also have the chance to dine in some of India's top 5★ heritage hotels.

India is rapidly developing a high-speed rail network and it won’t be long before bullet trains are in operation. Currently the fastest trains are the Intercity Express which offer a premium service (modern reclining seats, wi-fi and usually a meal) as they travel up to 160km/hr. The Gantimaan Express which travels Delhi to Agra in just 90 minutes is a great one to try.

The longest train journey in India we took was Bhubaneswar in Orissa to Cochin, Kerala which took 34 hours. But this is nothing compared to the Vivek Express which travels from Dibrugarh in Assam, at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas to Kanyakumari, India’s very own ‘Land’s End’, at the southernmost tip of the country. Crossing eight states and covering 4,200kms it’s genuinely of epic proportions. If you are up for the challenge of spending three and a half days without getting off, you’re guaranteed bragging rights for having travelled India’s longest train ride.