Kerala train travel is scenic and connects Thiruvananthapuram in the south to Kasaragod in the north. You pass rivers, lakes, paddy fields and coconut plantations along the way. Major cities on the route include Kollam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur. Alleppey serves as a gateway to popular destinations like the beautiful Vembanad Lake and hills of Munnar.
History of Kerala Train Travel
The first railway line in Kerala ran from Beypore to Tirur on March 12, 1861. Tirur railway station is the state’s oldest. Later the Kollam-Sengottai railway was built between 1902 and 1904. This was the first railway line for the former Travancore state. Cochin Railway was the brainchild of Rama Varma XV of Cochin. The 104 km Shoranur-Cochin line became operational in 1902.
The Konkan Railway began operations in the 1990s and the long journey on the Jayanti Janata Express could be skipped for Keralites living in Mumbai. The travel time on the Mumbai – Kannur train route dropped dramatically.
The Kerala rail network is now fully electrified, thereby lowering carbon emissions significantly.
Significant Rail Bridges in Kerala
Major bridges on the Kerala railway network include the Vembanad Rail Bridge. It is the longest railway bridge in India, connecting Edappally and Vallarpadam in Kochi for freight trains. The Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge, a historic 13-arch colonial bridge near Aryankavu, is another remarkable structure. Other notable bridges are the Punalur Suspension Bridge over the Kallada river and Kerala’s highest railway bridge – Ayamkadavu Bridge in Kasaragod.
Top Three Railway Stations in Kerala
Based on financial performance, passenger traffic and overall importance, the top three railway stations in Kerala are:
- Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC): The highest-earning and busiest railway station in Kerala. It is a a principal landmark in the state capital.
- Ernakulam Junction (ERS): An important railway junction in Kochi and ranks second in passenger revenue. It is also the first fully disabled-friendly railway station in India.
- Kozhikode (CLT): One of the state’s largest stations and ranks third in revenue. It was also named The Cleanest Railway Station of India in 2018.
Gateways to Tourist Destinations
Trains on the Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod Route
Booking Train Tickets