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.
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
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 -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.
