The best train rides of our times
Belmond Hiram Bingham, Peru
see the Unesco-protected Machu Picchu a different way from the Belmond Hiram Bingham.
This train ride travels through the most romantic scenery in Peru, and ends at the ancient Inca ruins, high in the Andes Mountains.
It starts from the ancient city of Cusco, before traversing the sacred Valley of the Incas (a stunning vale formed by the winding Urubamba River), and passing through the tiny village of ollantaytambo.
Golden Eagle Danube Express
Traverse from Istanbul to Budapest on this epic route through four countries. You’ll start in Turkey with a chance to see the Blue Mosque, before wending through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary over seven days. The highlight for some, particularly literary fans, will be the views of 14th-century Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle – in Brasov, Romania.
Durango & Silverton Gauge
The coal-fired Durango & silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad is the one for history buffs. It was originally constructed as a means of hauling silver and gold from the san Juan Mountains in Colorado, and has been in continuous operation since it was completed in 1882.
Now, the railroad allows passengers to enjoy the same incredible journey taken by old West miners and settlers more than a century ago.
The 72km (45mi) route moves alongside the Animas River, winding through the remote wilderness and fabulous canyons of san Juan National Forest.
Bangkok to Nam Tok
It may be nicknamed The Death Railway, due to its dark World War II roots, but don’t be fooled by the misleading moniker of this section of the Thailand-Burma railway.
over 402km (250mi) of Thai railroad track will tempt travellers with a fantastic journey from Bangkok to Nam Tok. Trudging deep into the jungle, the train rattles along wooden trestles, waving to vibrant stations and batting away low-hanging branches.
Though this route is a sombre one, travellers can learn more about the tragic history of the railway in Kanchanaburi, just west of Bangkok.
Cannes, France, to Ventimiglia
Train travel often caters to slow travel, but for those who are short on time, the Riviera Railway is ideal.
Travellers are transported from Cannes, France to Ventimiglia, Italy, in under two hours with spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
shutterbugs will love snapping shots of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, while country-counters can conveniently check Monaco off their list.
WHEN the train rolls to a stop in ancient Roman sites and beaches await.
Hanoi to Da Nang
Ventimiglia, sunsoaked
The capital city of Vietnam is rich with culture, but visitors would be remiss if they didn’t take advantage of the diverse scenery offered via the Reunification Express.
Though one could ride the rails all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, the stretch leading to Da Nang is a wondrous journey in itself.
Miles under the jungle canopy are juxtaposed with intimate views of villages and jaw-dropping cliffside glimpses of the south China sea.
Da Nang awaits with French colonial architecture and century-old pagodas.
Xining to Lhasa
Mountain climbers and locomotive lovers should set their sights on the Qinghai-Tibet railway. scaling up the mountainside to around 5,000m (16,404ft) above sea level, this route is home to the highest section of railway in the world. Passengers shouldn’t be surprised if they are left breathless by the temples, wildlife and snow-capped mountain tops — thankfully, purified oxygen is pumped into each train compartment to help with any altitude sickness.
Mumbai to Madgaon, India
There are few better ways to spend the day along the Konkan Coast of India than on the Mandovi Express. This half-day train ride from Mumbai to Madgaon may consume other breakfast, lunch and dinner plans, but it’s well worth the trip for those with an appetite for indulging in one of the finest routes offered by Indian Railways.
The Mandovi Express has a reputation for serving great regional cuisine (at an extra cost) throughout the 12-hour journey. Between quaint countryside views and flavourful meals, travellers will disembark with a full stomach and a full camera roll. — Culture Trip.
Nick Dauk reporting. contributed additional