a In a modern world where traveling between destinations is viewed as a waste
of time and resources, it is hard to actually comprehend the beauty of some of
the most spectacular rides on the planet. Far less comfortable, yet far more
beautiful and interesting, the time spent between two destinations is equally
captivating and offers many sights and sounds.
While we are very much in a century where we have ‘no time to stand and stare’,
there are still some awesome train rides across the globe where the trip itself
turns into a destination. So how about hopping on these grand train journeys?
Glacier Express
Arguably the slowest ‘express’ on the planet, the 180 mile ride on this
delightful route takes a good 8 hours. Not that we are complaining about the
pace as this offers you loads of time to catch a glimpse of the magical panorama
that lies on its path, which links the two mountain resorts of St. Moritz and
Zermatt in the Swiss Alps. 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and an altitude of 6,670 feet
make this train ride similar to an expedition through fairyland.
Spectacular, stunning and picture perfect, this is a trip that the shutter bugs will really love!
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Linking some of the best cities of Europe including London, Venice, Rome,
Budapest or Prague, the Orient Express is the most charming way to travel on
tracks. With scores of movies, novels and romantic Hollywood scenes captured on
this luxurious trip, this is one for those with deep pockets. The three day trip
past the beautiful countryside of France, Switzerland and Austria will cost well
over 2,000 Euros for the old-age charm of the Orient Express.
Pride of Africa
The Pride of Africa is a train journey that no nature lover should ever miss if
they wish to explore the beauty, majesty and the hidden grandeur of the
spectacular Dark Continent at a leisurely pace. Apart from the impeccable
comfort it has to offer, the once in a year trip planned on the ‘Pride of
Africa’ will take you on a 14-day epic expedition through Cape Town, Dar Es
Salaam, Kimberley, Pretoria, the Kruger National Park, Beit Bridge, Bulawayo,
Victoria Falls, Lusaka and through Tanzania to Dar Es Salaam
Billed as the most luxurious train in the world, you’d better not lose the
opportunity if you’re planning a romantic vacation through the heart of
Southern Africa.
Eurostar
While not many will really be happy with the fact that you get to spend plenty
of time in the Eurostar under the sea, it sure offers a great mix of comfort and
class. Apart from getting you to your chosen destination in a pretty short time,
it is a much better option compared to choosing the flight between London and
Paris. Innovative …
Flam Railway
Remember the awesome Norwegian Fjords? Well, here is a train ride through the
world’s longest fjord Sognefjord, where on a 20 kilometer trip you’ll get to
see an amazing descent from an altitude of almost 3,000 feet into the fjords of
Flam. The ride looks both enthralling and hair-raising with its narrow passage
way and the unforgettable sights.
A popular tourist attraction in Norway, this is all about exploring
unadulterated beauty of nature at a leisurely pace.
Palace on Wheels
Step on the Palace on Wheels and you will find exactly what you have been promised with the name. The train that starts from Delhi in India and ends up in the royal state of Rajasthan, offers complete luxury on tracks, much like the pampering enjoyed by royal kings in the days long gone. Just to roll back time, a steam engine is used to pull the train initially out of Delhi, adding further to the experience. An elephant welcome in Jaipur, lunch at the Lake Palace in Udaipur, a camel safari near Jaisalmer and an afternoon at the Taj Mahal; the Palace on Wheels is the most comfortable way to explore India.
Eastern & Oriental Express
Stretching between the ultra-modern Singapore and Bangkok, and traveling through
lush green tropical forests, the Eastern and Oriental Express is modern, stylish
and comfortable.
Apart from all the delights it offers in terms of cuisine and hospitality, the
train journey presents a perfect window into South-East Asia, its changing
topography and the contrast between its urban present and its naturally-endowed
past.
Royal Scotsman
If you are getting on board the Royal Scotsman, then you must have really deep
pockets – it’s the most expensive train ride on the planet. Just consider
the fact that a 4-day trip on the Royal Scotsman costs more than an entire
19-day first-class trip on the Trans-Siberian, and you will get the idea. The
observation car accommodates 36 passengers (yes, only 36 passengers allowed) in
comfortable armchairs along with cabins specially designed for dining and other
purposes.
The train pulls over at night when you need to sleep and while the trip offers a
great passage through little known waterfalls, mountains and valleys, it is
obviously not for everyone.
Trans-Siberian Railway
There is hardly any doubt that a 6000 mile ride across the vastness of Russia
that carries you over a distance of one-third the planet is the grand daddy of
them all. The Trans-Siberian train ride is a journey that has already achieved a
mythical status for the vastness it encompasses and the magnitude of brilliance
that it has in store.
From Vladivostok across Siberia to Moscow and then to St. Petersburg, the 19-day
ride offers more than you could ever find on any other train. Carriages once
used by the Politburo are fitted with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a
sitting/dining-room, complete with private chef. Carrying you in comfort across
seven time zones, this is the ultimate experience on tracks.
It is a unique feeling to carry home when your whole journey becomes your destination as there is never a dull moment on your trip. Instead of waiting for fun and good times to start rolling as you sit in your airline seat, the great train journeys turn every moment into a memory you can cherish for a lifetime.
It is a unique feeling to carry home when your whole journey becomes your destination as there is never a dull moment on your trip. Instead of waiting for fun and good times to start rolling as you sit in your airline seat, the great train journeys turn every moment into a memory you can cherish for a lifetime.
