Through the Aravallis–Heritage Hills on Rails

A Century-Old Mountain Railway Journey Near Dev Shree Deogarh, Rajasthan

Step aboard the century-old metre-gauge train winding between Kamli Ghat and Phulad, and you are not simply riding a railway—you are travelling through time. Conceived in the early 1900s, this remarkable feat of colonial-era engineering was laid using Barrow steel rails and developed through a unique royal collaboration. The Maharana of Udaipur funded the track, rake, and engine as far as Phulad, while the Maharaja of Jodhpur extended the line onward through Marwar to Jodhpur.

Today, only the Kamli Ghat–Marwar Junction section remains operational, but it continues to preserve the spirit of its steam-era origins. Slow, scenic, and deeply nostalgic, this heritage railway journey offers one of Rajasthan's most rewarding experiences for travellers seeking to explore the region beyond its palaces and forts.

The World's Oldest Mountains, on the World's Oldest Rails

The railway route winds through the Aravalli Hills, among the oldest fold mountain ranges on Earth. These ancient ridges have witnessed hundreds of millions of years of geological history, their weathered slopes creating a landscape unlike any other in India.

Local communities once referred to these mountains as Ado Vallo, meaning "valleys that run across"—a name inspired by the region's distinctive undulating terrain. Over time, British administrators adapted the pronunciation into the name now recognised worldwide: Aravalli.

A similar transformation occurred with one of the region's most important heritage destinations. Originally known as Dev Gagh, meaning "Fort of the Gods," the town gradually became known as Deogarh through postal and railway records. Today, both names remain woven into the region's history and identity.

For guests staying at Dev Shree Deogarh, this railway journey is more than a scenic excursion. It is an opportunity to travel through the landscapes, stories, and traditions that have shaped this remarkable corner of Rajasthan for centuries.

The Journey - Station by Station

The adventure begins at Marwar Junction, where the train departs in the early morning before arriving at Phulad around 9:30 AM. From here, the most spectacular section of the journey unfolds as the train begins its gradual ascent through the celebrated ghat section of the Aravalli Hills.

• Phulad: The gateway to the mountain section and the starting point of the railway's most scenic stretch.

• Through the Ghat Section: The train winds around steep ridges, crosses dramatic valleys, passes through cool stone tunnels, and reveals sweeping views of terraced fields and forest-covered hills.

• Goram Ghat: One of the journey's most memorable stops. During the monsoon season, travellers can walk to the nearby Jogmandi Waterfall, where cascading waters and lush greenery transform the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle.

• Kamli Ghat: Reached at approximately 11:00 AM, this is the highest point of the route and the culmination of the climb through the Aravallis.

• Return Journey: At around 2:30 PM, the train begins its descent back towards Phulad. Golden afternoon sunlight filters through the hills, peacock calls echo across the valleys, and the rhythm of the railway creates an atmosphere of complete tranquillity.

Every bend in the track reveals a new perspective of the Aravalli landscape, making the journey as rewarding as the destination itself.

More than a Train Ride

The Kamli Ghat mountain railway offers something increasingly rare in modern travel: the opportunity to slow down. There are no tight schedules, crowded attractions, or hurried itineraries—just the gentle pace of a historic train moving through one of India's most ancient landscapes.

For railway enthusiasts, it is a fascinating example of early twentieth-century engineering. For nature lovers, it provides access to some of the most scenic stretches of the Aravalli Hills. For heritage travellers, it offers a glimpse into a Rajasthan that exists beyond the well-known palace circuits.

Combined with a stay at Dev Shree Deogarh, the experience becomes part of a broader exploration of the region's royal heritage, natural beauty, and living traditions. Together, they create an off-the-beaten-path Rajasthan journey that feels both authentic and deeply rewarding.

The Kamli Ghat–Marwar Junction railway is best experienced as part of a wider heritage trail through the Deogarh region, where ancient mountains, royal legacies, and timeless landscapes come together to tell a story unlike any other in Rajasthan.