South to Desert: Kottayam to Panvel | 16312 Shri Ganganagar Express Journey | Episode 1

Описание: Ep-1: From Kottayam to Panvel (Mumbai) section (S. Rly, K. Rly, C. Rly, W. Rly and N. W. Rly).
Date- 7-12-2024.
Train- Sri Ganganagar Jn bound 16312 Sri Ganganagar Express from Kottayam to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur, hauled by Electric locomotive.
Accommodation- Air-conditioned Two- tier coach.
Fare- ₹ 3490 INR (charged from Kottayam to Bikaner Jn).
Total distance= 3,004 Kms (from Trivandrum North to Bikaner Jn.

My journey begins with a scenic rail trip through the Konkan region, experiencing the lush landscapes before heading towards the vast desert landscapes of Rajasthan. After exploring the desert beauty, I board another train to Ferozepur in Punjab, where I soak in the rich culture and history of the region. Finally, my adventure takes me to Rishikesh, nestled in the mountains, where I explore the spiritual and natural beauty of the Himalayas, completing a truly diverse and captivating journey across India.

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Chapters:
0:00 intro.
00:28 - The hustle and bustle at Kottayam station as dusk sets in at 18:00 hours.

00:41 to 02:01 - I am about to board the 16312 Express to Bikaner Junction. I get nostalgic, reflecting on my previous trips on this train when it was hauled by ALCO diesel engines in its glory days. There are also glimpses of my parents in the video. I also mention the running schedule of this train.

02:07 - The 16312 Express finally arrives.

03:07 - I board my coach and show the interior views.

04:19 onwards - I engage in conversation with my parents, who came to drop me off at the station.

05:50 onwards - The train departs, and I bid goodbye to my parents. My journey to Rajasthan officially begins.

08:43 onwards - Arrival at Ernakulam Town.

10:33 - The 16312 Sri Ganganagar Express departs from Ernakulam.

13:32 to 25:07 - The mesmerizing views of the South Konkan line between Mangalore and Goa, with mountains and greenery lining the tracks, unfold as we journey through.

21:04 - I meet my co-passengers in my compartment.

25:08 - Arrival in Goa, where the track on the right, coming from Castle Rock via Doodhsagar Falls, meets our train at this junction point heading towards Madgaon Junction in Goa.

29:18 onwards - Arrival at Madgaon Junction, Goa, with the station bustling with activity.

34:41 onwards - Departure from Madgaon Junction and a conversation with my fellow passengers.

38:20 onwards - The Konkan landscape begins with tunnels, rivers, bridges, and rocky terrain, all surrounded by lush greenery. We are now entering a stretch with more than 100 tunnels on the way to Mumbai.

40:51 - Shafeik, Khaderji, and the others start having lunch and invite me to join them. Initially, I politely refuse, but as the smell of homemade chicken curry fills the air, I can't resist. I join them and savor the tender chicken pieces. The curry is absolutely delicious, with a rich, typical Kerala-style flavor. A big thank you to my fellow co-passengers for sharing such a wonderful meal, which made the journey even more memorable.

42:49 onwards - The tunnels continue to appear, one after another, as we make our way along the Konkan route. The thrill of rushing through the tunnels and emerging into the lush landscapes is one of the defining features of this beautiful route.

1:05:12 onwards - Arrival at Ratnagiri.
1:08:26- Departure from Ratnagiri.

1:10:13- After Ratnagiri, we enter some of the most thrilling and challenging terrains along the route. The train now passes through the longest and deadliest tunnels, cutting through the hills and mountains. The landscapes become even more dramatic, with steep slopes and dense forests. As we move forward, the thrill intensifies with each tunnel, creating an exhilarating experience. The beauty of the Konkan region continues to unfold, making this stretch of the journey truly unforgettable.

1:16:53- The Ernakulam-bound Mangala Express waits for our train at Sangameshwar Road station. As our train passes through, we catch a glimpse of the Mangala Express, poised and ready to continue its journey. The two trains briefly cross paths, adding a moment of excitement to the ride as we move forward on our own adventure.

1:50:50- As the journey progresses further north, the wind starts to feel colder. It's the first sign of winter, a refreshing change from the warmth of the southern regions. The crisp air carries a hint of chill, signaling the arrival of the first wave of winter. It adds a new layer to the experience, making the journey even more exciting as we move through different climates and terrains.

1:47:31 - We near Bombay.

1:51:04 - Arrival at Panvel Junction.
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This episode ends here. I hope you all enjoyed the video. More exciting moments will continue in the upcoming episodes. Thanks for watching!