Love India's scenic train journeys? Here are 7 countries you can explore next

India's scenic rail routes from the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to the Konkan Railway and Nilgiri Mountain Railway have long been favourites among travellers. If you're looking to take your rail adventures overseas, these seven countries are renowned for journeys through snow-capped mountains, fjords, coastlines, forests and vast countryside, where the train ride is as memorable as the destination.

Switzerland is synonymous with scenic rail travel, thanks to its network of panoramic trains that wind through the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express, often called the world's slowest express train, connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing hundreds of bridges and mountain passes. The Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage route, takes passengers past glaciers, turquoise lakes and picturesque villages, making it one of Europe's most iconic train journeys.

Japan offers much more than its famous Shinkansen bullet trains. Across the country, scenic sightseeing trains travel through coastal landscapes, mountain valleys, hot spring towns and rural countryside, allowing visitors to experience a different side of Japan. Seasonal journeys during cherry blossom, autumn foliage and winter snowfall add to the appeal, making rail travel an attraction in itself.

Norway's railway network showcases some of Scandinavia's most dramatic landscapes. The Bergen Railway, connecting Oslo and Bergen, passes across mountain plateaus, lakes and snow-covered terrain, while the Flåm Railway descends through steep valleys, waterfalls and fjord landscapes. These routes are widely regarded among the most scenic train journeys in Europe.

Canada's vast landscapes are best experienced by rail. The legendary Rocky Mountaineer offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, deep canyons, rivers and forests, while VIA Rail's The Canadian stretches across the country from Toronto to Vancouver, passing prairies, lakes and mountain ranges. The journeys offer an opportunity to experience Canada's wilderness from the comfort of a train.

New Zealand's rail journeys are known for showcasing the country's diverse natural beauty. The TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps, winding through river valleys, alpine passes and native forests, while the Coastal Pacific hugs the Pacific coastline with sweeping ocean views. Together, these routes offer some of the Southern Hemisphere's most memorable train journeys.

Australia's iconic long-distance trains provide a unique way to explore the country's vast interior. The Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin through the Red Centre, crossing deserts and remote outback landscapes, while the Indian Pacific links Sydney and Perth across mountain ranges, plains and the Nullarbor Plain. These multi-day journeys are considered bucket-list experiences for rail enthusiasts.

Scotland's West Highland Line is celebrated for its dramatic Highland scenery, with trains passing lochs, rugged mountains and open moorlands. The route crosses the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognised worldwide from the Harry Potter films, before continuing towards the fishing port of Mallaig. The combination of historic engineering and breathtaking landscapes makes it one of Britain's most celebrated rail journeys.