The Glacier Express, Switzerland
Often called the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express is an eight-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Connecting the glamorous resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the train glides through pristine mountain landscapes,
deep gorges, and lush valleys. With its panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows, passengers are treated to uninterrupted views of iconic sights like the Matterhorn and the Rhine Gorge. The train crosses an astonishing 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, offering a seamless and breathtaking experience of Switzerland’s dramatic beauty. It’s a journey that encourages you to sit back, relax, and simply watch the world unfold.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Affectionately known as the 'Toy Train', this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a marvel of 19th-century engineering and a true icon of Indian travel. The narrow-gauge railway winds its way from the plains of New Jalpaiguri up to the hill station of Darjeeling, climbing over 7,000 feet. Pulled by a tiny, powerful steam or diesel engine, the train chugs through lush tea plantations, dense forests, and bustling market towns, often just inches from shops and homes. The journey includes ingenious loops and zig-zags, like the famous Batasia Loop, which offers a 360-degree view of Darjeeling and the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. It is a nostalgic trip back in time, full of charm and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Palace on Wheels, India
For those who wish to experience the grandeur of a bygone era, the Palace on Wheels offers a journey through Rajasthan in regal style. Launched in 1982, it was India's first luxury heritage train, with coaches inspired by the personal carriages of former Maharajas and Nizams. The eight-day journey takes you through the heart of Rajasthan, with stops at iconic destinations like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Onboard, passengers are treated to opulent cabins, fine dining, and impeccable hospitality, making it feel less like a train ride and more like a stay in a moving palace. It’s a cultural extravaganza that immerses you in the history and romance of royal India.
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
A journey on the Rocky Mountaineer is a daylight-only experience, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the Canadian Rockies’ majestic wilderness. With its bi-level glass-domed coaches, the train offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests. The train travels on historic routes like the 'First Passage to the West' between Vancouver and Banff, winding through dramatic canyons and the legendary Spiral Tunnels. Unlike sleeper trains, you travel by day and spend your nights in comfortable hotels, arriving rested and ready to explore. With gourmet meals and captivating storytelling from onboard hosts, it’s a luxurious and immersive way to witness some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
The Ghan, Australia
Traversing the vast and rugged Australian Outback, The Ghan is one of the world's great transcontinental journeys. The route covers nearly 3,000 kilometres between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north, cutting through the nation's fiery Red Centre. Named after the Afghan cameleers who once navigated this remote territory, the journey takes you through a landscape of dramatic contrasts, from the rolling hills near Adelaide to the rust-coloured earth of the desert. The multi-day trip includes off-train excursions in key locations like Alice Springs and Katherine, allowing for deeper immersion into the region’s culture and natural wonders. It's an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Australia.
Nilgiri Mountain Railway, India
Another of India's UNESCO-listed mountain railways, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is the charming 'Toy Train' of the South. Running from Mettupalayam to the popular hill station of Ooty, it is the only rack-and-pinion railway in India, designed to climb the steep gradients of the Nilgiri Hills. The journey of 46 kilometres takes about five hours, passing through 16 tunnels, over 250 bridges, and around 208 sharp curves. The train slowly winds its way through fragrant tea estates, dense forests, and misty valleys, offering breathtaking views at every turn. It’s a whimsical and scenic ride that captures the timeless beauty of the region.
