Discover Jerin George, the individual known for his punctuality, who always manages to catch his train without fail.
Discovering India's Scenic Railways: A Passionate Journey with Jerin George
Jerin George, a dedicated trainspotter, prefers the sleeper class for train journeys, finding it more enjoyable. His love for trains began early, inspired by the British Railway series Thomas the Tank Engine.
George follows a meticulous routine before embarking on any trainspotting trip. This includes seeking advice from those who have been to the location and booking tickets well in advance. His preference for equipment is practical – he uses a GoPro for long journeys and a point-and-shoot camera for close-up shots, avoiding using his mobile camera due to potential theft.
Some of the most scenic train routes and stations in India recommended for trainspotters or railfans include the Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, the Konkan Railway (Mangalore start), the Trichy to Rameshwaram section, the Kalka–Shimla Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and various others.
The Delhi to Srinagar Vande Bharat Express offers breathtaking views transitioning from the North Indian plains through Haryana and Punjab into the Himalayan foothills of Jammu and Kashmir. Highlights include crossing the world’s tallest Chenab River bridge and India’s longest rail tunnel near Banihal, with panoramic mountain and valley views.
The Konkan Railway, renowned for its coastal scenery, passes through lush rainforests, cliffs, waterfalls, and more than 2,000 bridges and 90 tunnels. It is highly recommended for its panoramic and monsoon lushness scenery.
The Trichy to Rameshwaram section is favored for its diverse landscapes and the iconic Pamban Rail Bridge connecting mainland India to Rameshwaram Island, offering unique engineering and scenic rail experiences.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a heritage mountain railway that winds through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges amid pine-covered slopes in the Himalayas. It blends engineering marvels with natural beauty, ideal for those seeking mountain views and historical charm.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs through forested slopes, tea plantations, and waterfalls, offering old-world charm and picturesque mountain terrain.
Notable scenic train stations for trainspotters include Muthalamada station, known for the banyan trees flanking the tracks and beautiful spotting opportunities, and Melattur station, famous for its scenic beauty and heritage status, although current train services are limited.
Additional recommended scenic routes with Vande Bharat trains include Delhi to Dehradun, Patna to Howrah, and Jodhpur to Sabarmati.
George's passion for trains has led him to various memorable journeys. His first foray into trainspotting began with a small camera gifted by his father. He has traveled the farthest to capture a train in West Bengal, chasing the New Jalpaiguri Shatabdi Express. His most memorable train journey was aboard the Mandovi Express in 2010.
George has encountered unpredictable moments during trainspotting, such as a monkey stealing his khichdi while he was adjusting his camera. Despite these challenges, his all-time favorite engine is the WDM2, which used to commonly haul the Chennai-Trivandrum Mail.
George studies maps and directions to locate ideal trainspotting spots. He recommends the Konkan Railway route starting from Mangalore and ending near Mumbai as a must-see for every railfan. His early fascination with trains was sparked by the variety of liveries on diesel locomotives.
George's appreciation for Muthalamada station on the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border for its beauty and Muthalamada's banyan trees reflects his dedication to capturing the essence of India's scenic railways. He has seen the tools for trainspotting evolve, from point-and-shoot cameras to mobile phones with powerful zoom lenses.
[1] Railway Age [2] Indian Railways [3] India Today [4] The Hindu [5] The Hindu BusinessLine
- Jerin George's passion for trains extends beyond just trains themselves, encompassing lifestyle elements such as home-and-garden, as he meticulously plans his trainspotting trips and seeks beautiful stations like Muthalamada for spots of scenic beauty.
- In addition to discovering India's scenic railways, Jerin George's journeys also encompass travel, capturing trains on the Konkan Railway and other scenic routes, and sports, competing with the unpredictable moments encountered during trainspotting and the thrill of capturing rare train sequences.
