Train to Kashmir: From Delhi’s Bustle to Mountain Calm

The rail journey includes key stops like Ambala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Jammu Tawi, Katra, Banihal, and finally Srinagar. Along the way, passengers witness natural beauty and iconic engineering feats, most notably the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, soaring 359 meters (about 1177.82 ft) above the river. This stretch is a standout moment of the journey, combining adrenaline with awe.

This new connectivity is part of a broader national initiative to establish a fully integrated rail network into Kashmir. With the Banihal–Srinagar–Baramulla corridor under active development, seamless travel deeper into the Valley will soon become a reality.

Whether you are planning a leisure vacation, family visit, or a spiritual journey, this new train route offers a more immersive, eco-friendly, and scenic way to reach Kashmir, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.

When traveling by train between Delhi and Srinagar via Katra, most journeys require a stop at Katra to change trains. Here is what you can expect during that stop:

Delhi → Srinagar (Stopping at Katra)

• Transit: You disembark from your Delhi-bound train at Katra and move to the connecting train heading into the Kashmir Valley.
• Security check at Katra: There may be routine security checks, including:
  • Bag scans via X-ray
  • Random frisking by the Railway Protection Force (RPF)
  • Ticket and ID verification
• Security check at Srinagar: Upon arrival at Srinagar Railway Station, there may be additional security checks like Katra—bag scans, frisking, and ID verification.
• Duration: The Katra stop is generally 15–45 minutes, giving enough time to change trains.
• Tips: Keep your ID ready, pack light for the transfer, and follow station staff instructions.

Srinagar → Delhi (Stopping at Katra)

• Transit: Traveling southbound, you arrive at Katra from Srinagar and board your train to Delhi.
• Security check at Srinagar: Before departure from Srinagar, routine security checks may include bag scans, frisking, and ID verification.
• Security check at Katra: On arrival at Katra, similar checks may be conducted before boarding the train to Delhi.
• Duration: Expect 15–45 minutes for the transfer at Katra.
• Tips: Have your tickets and ID ready and stay alert for announcements regarding your connecting train.

With the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express trains, reaching Kashmir has become more convenient, comfortable, and scenic. Unlike flights that rush you from point A to B, this train journey offers a seamless transition from the plains of Delhi to the mountains of Srinagar in under 12 hours, including the smooth changeover at Katra.

The Vande Bharat Express trains offer a premium travel experience with modern amenities such as clean bio-vacuum toilets, automated doors, onboard catering, rotating seats (in Executive Class), and indigenous advanced safety systems like Kavach. Passengers can choose between two classes: AC Chair Car (CC) and Executive Chair Car (EC), both designed for comfort and convenience.

The journey from Delhi to Srinagar involves a two-leg booking. For the first leg, from New Delhi to Katra, ticket prices are approximately (these may change):

• Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹3,065
• AC Chair Car (CC): ₹1,680 

For the second leg, from Katra to Srinagar, fares are: 

• Executive Chair Car (EC): ₹1,325 
• AC Chair Car (CC): ₹720 

Together, this route offers a smooth and scenic way to reach the Valley, blending speed, comfort, and panoramic views along the way

Booking is simple via the IRCTC website, mobile app, or at station reservation counters. However, given the growing popularity of this route, especially during tourist and holiday seasons, early reservations are strongly recommended.

For those who value comfort, scenic travel, and budget-friendly options, the Vande Bharat train experience is quickly becoming the top alternative to flying into Kashmir.

The journey to Kashmir aboard the Vande Bharat is not just a way to reach the Valley it is a moving showcase of India’s natural wonders and engineering brilliance. With every passing tunnel and bridge, the landscapes shift dramatically, giving travelers a truly memorable ride.

One of the most unforgettable moments is crossing the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, standing a staggering 359 meters (about 1177.82 ft) above the river. As the train glides across this steel giant, passengers are treated to dizzying yet beautiful views of the gorge far below a marvel that perfectly blends thrill and scenery.

Just before that, the train also passes over the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge. Suspended between rugged cliffs, this striking structure dances above a deep canyon and offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, a photographer’s dream, and an engineering triumph.

Adding to the visual drama is the Pir Panjal Tunnel, India’s longest railway tunnel, stretching over 11.215 kilometers (about 6.97 mi). As you emerge from its cool, dark stretch into the open embrace of the Kashmir Valley, the sudden shift in scenery from rocky terrain to alpine meadows feels like arriving in a different world. Along the way, pine forests, riverbanks, and Kashmiri villages complete the storybook setting, making this journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

While Srinagar is the destination, stops like Jammu and Katra along the route offer excellent stay options for travelers looking to explore more or break the journey overnight.

In Jammu, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Jammu , Radisson Blu Hotel, Jammu offers upscale comfort just minutes from the station and airport, ideal for a short stay or city tour before continuing onward.

In Katra, a town known for the revered Vaishno Devi shrine, the The White Hotel Katra, a member of Radisson Individuals provides a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the Trikuta hills, perfect for rest before boarding the connecting train to Srinagar.

As the train gently pulls into Srinagar, there is a noticeable shift in the crisp mountain air, the scent of pine, and a stillness that immediately contrasts Delhi’s bustling pace. The station is quieter than most metros, but it hums with a unique charm that signals you have entered an entirely different rhythm of life.

From the moment you step off the train, the valley begins to unfold around you whether it is glimpses of distant peaks, the welcome of a local driver, or the quiet dignity of Srinagar’s streets. Many travelers find that staying close to the Jhelum River allows for the smoothest transition, wHere refined hospitality and nature’s calm work in harmony. The Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar is a perfect example of that blend, serene views, and thoughtful comfort right where the river bends.

For those arriving with plans that mix leisure and a light itinerary, the Radisson Hotel Srinagar offer a dependable and well-placed base in the heart of the city. From here, you are never far from the gardens, markets, or a late evening shikara ride; the best of Srinagar begins just outside your door.

Kashmir is a destination that transforms with every season, offering a different kind of magic throughout the year. Choosing the best time to visit depends on what you seek from your journey, whether it is flowers in bloom, lush green valleys, golden foliage, or snow-draped mountains.

Spring (March to May) is when the valley bursts to life with blooming tulips, almond blossoms, and fresh mountain air. It is the perfect time for nature walks, photography, and the famous tulip festival in Srinagar.

If you are exploring the valley, consider staying at the Radisson Golf Resort Pahalgam, which offers tranquil surroundings, luxurious comfort, and easy access to the scenic Lidder Valley.

Summer (June to August) brings lush meadows, cool evenings, and clear skies ideal for family vacations, treks in Pahalgam or Sonamarg, and escaping the northern plains’ heat.

In Sonamarg, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and the Radisson Hotel Sonamarg both serve as excellent bases for your alpine explorations, offering comfort with panoramic mountain views.

Autumn (September to November) cloaks the valley in golden chinar leaves. The air turns crisp, the crowds thin out, and the entire region feels dipped in poetry. It is a deeply serene, reflective time to visit.

Winter (December to February) transforms Kashmir into a snowy fairytale. With Gulmarg’s ski slopes in full swing and Srinagar wrapped in silence and snow, winter is for those who seek beauty in stillness and do not mind the chill.

It is also the time of Chillai Kalan, the harshest yet most magical 40-day cold spell in Kashmiri tradition, when the valley slows down, the rivers freeze, and life embraces a quieter rhythm beneath layers of white.

No matter the season, Radisson properties in Kashmir provide a warm welcome, refined hospitality, and a front-row seat to the Valley’s ever-changing charm.

From the moment your train pulls away from Delhi to the second you arrive in Srinagar, this journey is more than just a change in geography it is a passage through some of India’s most remarkable landscapes, engineering marvels, and cultural contrasts.

Whether you are sipping chai aboard the Vande Bharat, crossing the iconic Chenab and Anji Khad bridges, or stepping into the calm elegance of your Srinagar stay, the Delhi-to-Kashmir train experience blends adventure with comfort in a way few other routes can.

Kashmir has long been called “paradise on earth,” and the journey there only deepens that truth. From the warmth of Kashmiri hospitality to the region’s timeless traditions, every moment feels like a window into a culture as rich as the landscapes themselves. Whether it is savoring the aroma of Kahwa, admiring the artistry of Pashmina, or listening to the soothing notes of the santoor, Kashmir is as much about its people and heritage as it is about its valleys and mountains. It is not just the destination that leaves its mark, but the way the mountains, valleys, and people come together to create an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.

All that is left is to book your ticket, pack your bags, and let the journey unfold.