The 5 most beautiful train rides in the world

“My heart is warm with the friends I make,
And better friends I’ll not be knowing,
Yet there isn’t a train I wouldn’t take,
No matter where it’s going.”
― Edna St. Vincent Millay

That’s how it is for many of us where train rides are concerned. We ride trains to get to places, to see new places, just for the experience, and sometimes, to get away from it all. Sometimes, one feels the need to throw caution to the wind, get on a train and just leave. And the train, your ever faithful companion, will take you miles away from all your troubles. What is it about train rides that invokes travel fantasies? Is it the rustic appeal of travelling the old-fashioned way, or the gait and speed, or is it the sights and sounds one is subjected to? Whatever it may be, train rides sure do bring out the poets in people! Here, let’s check out the 7 most beautiful train rides in the world

Glacier Express, Switzerland

Switzerland certainly has no dearth of picturesque sights but the train ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz is out of this world. Chugging along in the spectacular Alps amid the craggy beauty and lush green valleys is something you need to experience to believe. On its 7-hour journey, the Glacier Express passes over 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, making this ride the ride of a lifetime.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

On the Rocky Mountaineer you’ll be one of the fortunate to get glimpses of rugged lava cliffs and canyons, lovely lakes, tempestuous rivers, sheep and maybe even a grizzly! This 2-day trip will take you to the town of Kamloops in British Columbia, so you don’t have to miss out on the breathtaking scenery.

Hiram Bingham, Peru

The lavish Hiram Bingham links two of the top destinations in Peru – colonial Cusco and ancient Machu Picchu. Apart from the splendid sights of this ancient country that are sure to haunt you for the rest of your life, a ride on the Hiram Bingham is also quite something. You will be treated to a ride through the Urubamba River Valley with brunch and a four-course dinner while returning.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India

Closer home, we have the charming, old-world, nostalgia-inducing Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. An 8-hour trip on this fairy-tale like toy train from Siliguri to Darjeeling is enough to let you let loose and have fun. Not only does the ride offer unparalleled views of the Himalayan peaks as high as 7400 feet, this toy train also has celebrity status being featured in Bollywood hits like Aradhana and Parineeta.

Click here for hotels in Darjeeling 

Talyllyn Railway, Wales

Fifth in the list of the most beautiful train rides in the world is the Talyllyn Railway. The very name ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ will make you fall in love with this 14.5 mile round-trip ride. Riding on the charming narrow gauge, coal-fired Talyllyn Railway will surely be one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring activities to do in Wales. In fact, this historic train is the inspiration behind the ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ books.

Are peaceful and scenic train rides something you appreciate? How would you like to go on one of these most beautiful train rides in the world?