Friday, June 24, 2011

Nine Awesome Railway Rides in the World

Whenever you make a list with the ‘best’ it is both subjective and sometimes there is just not enough space for all the good stuff in the world. And in the case of those spellbinding train journeys that you loved so much, that could not be truer. So here are 9 more great train journeys that just missed the cut last time around. They’re equally magical, offer great sights and sounds, and will leave your perception of traveling altered just like the first ones. Without further adieu, let’s hit the tracks once again …
The Hiram Bingham
the-hiram-bingham-1
For most people a trip to Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime experience that will fill you with memories for a lifetime. There is absolutely no other better way that to savor this astounding journey other than the luxurious Hiram-Bingham Express, that travels from Cuzco to Machu Picchu on a day’s trip that will see you pass from steep climbs  into the Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.
the-hiram-bingham-1
the-hiram-bingham-1
the-hiram-bingham-1
You will be treated like royalty on your trip to the majestic ancient monument and the Andes will provide you with sights that will leave you spell-struck.
Images by doubledot (1 + 2 +3) & ricardore
Alaska Railroad
alaska-railroad-1
The famous Alaskan Railroad offers you a multitude of tours and packages that will take you through an exclusive journey across glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and all the snow that covers the region.
alaska-railroad-1
alaska-railroad-1
alaska-railroad-1
The trip varies from a 5 day tour into the wild side of Alaska that will cost you around $2,000 to a luxurious 12 day expedition through the heart of the region which will make your pocket lighter by $5200. If you love glacier treks, then this is the one for you!
Images by originalwpa, nicsuzor, cameraslayer and bohane
Danube Express
danube-express
Dubbed as Central Europe’s ultimate luxury hotel on wheels, the Danube Express is a distinctive private train that offers you a great journey along with lavishness that is out of this world. Each sleeping car has a fully dedicated member of staff who will be at your service throughout the journey, making you feel like this is your moving mansion.
danube-express
danube-express
danube-express
If you want to see Central Europe with pink-tainted glasses as you pass through Prague, Vienna and Istanbul, then the $5,000 trip is especially for you.
Images by Train Chartering and the Danube-Express
Copper Canyon Railway
copper-canyon-railway
The Chepe train – part of the Cooper Canyon Railway in Mexico, offers you amazing sights and sounds as the journey passes through the most rugged Mexican terrain. That includes passages over the mountain edges and deep ravine crossings. Simply amazing!
copper-canyon-railway
copper-canyon-railway
And you can ride with relative luxury on the special compartments which offer you excellent Mexican cuisine as you enjoy the rare experience.
Images by seemore, jluna, starobs
The Blue Train of South Africa

blue train south africa
Just like the Royal Scotsman in Europe, the Blue Train in South Africa beats most others when it comes to exclusivity. The train carries just 84 passengers on the classic route between Pretoria and Cape Town, showing some of Africa’s most beautiful sights so that you can savor precious moments on the continent where nature still can be found at her untamed best.
blue train south africa
blue train south africa
blue train south africa
With each compartment having its own en-suite bathroom, telephone, television, individually controlled air-conditioning and service at the press of a button, the train looks like a lavish comfortable exploration of Africa.
Images by zug55, bluetrainsouthafrica.com and wikipedia
The Ghan
the-ghan
Connecting Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin, the Ghan is the ultimate Australian rail adventure that is coupled with unparalleled luxury. The journey takes you through Australia’s most beautiful regions and the special service on the train will pamper you as you go along.
the-ghan
Traveling from the fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre, onto the tropical splendor of the Top End, this is the best way to explore the rugged outback.
Images by leekelleher (1 + 2)
Toy Train
toy-train
Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for being the world’s first and finest example of a hill railway, a trip on the famous ‘Toy Train’ from Siliguri to Darjeeling in India is still like traveling back to early 1900’s.
toy-train
toy-train
toy-train
Traveling through spectacular foothills of the Himalaya, the Toy Train still runs with a steam engine to preserve the old age charm and apart from the countless tunnels, curves and impossible looking turns it handles, you will be spellbound by the unique appeal of this trip back in time!
Images by themanwithsalthair (1 + 2), brewingluminous, and wikipedia
Jungfraubahn
jungfraubahn
Taking you to the top of Europe and stretching just over 9 Km, this is the shortest of the great journeys that you can take. The train moves mostly using passages in mountains that are either natural or man made.
jungfraubahn
jungfraubahn
jungfraubahn
The journey might be short, but traveling to the highest railway station in Europe has its special appeal and the ride itself will present you with views of mountains, rivers and valleys that will all look postcard-perfect!
Image by bods (1 + 2), tkennedy and jcdoll
Qingzang Railway
qingzang-railway
From top of Europe to top of the world, Qingzang railways is a breathtaking ride from mainland China to Lhasa- the roof of the world. When we say breathtaking, we literally mean that, with even oxygen masks provided in the train for passengers so that they do not get breathless in a ride which has an average altitude of 4000 meters.
qingzang-railway
qinghaie28093tibet-railway
qinghaie28093tibet-railway
The 1,142 km railway from Golmud to Lhasa includes a passage through lush green fields, to the world’s highest plateau and then the imposing peaks of the Himalayas.
Images by Wikipedia (1+2), seven-seven, china.org.cn
If you wish to travel and can find the right ways, then the journey itself can manifest into a destination. All you need to do is hit the right tracks! No?

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