HappyLifestyleJournal
These days, most of us see railroads just as a cheap and (often) slow means to get from point A to point B. And that is a real shame, because there are many fantastic train routes and traveling on one of them is a journey for itself.
Because of that, we gathered a list of the 8 most adventurous train routes around the world not only for train enthusiasts, but for everyone to experience.
Hop on a train from Vancouver to Calgary and witness the untamed beauty of the Canadian Rockies. As soon as your journey begins, your eyes will be fixed on the natural attractions you’ll be passing by. Mountain peaks, canyons, speedy creeks and maybe even a couple of bears catching fish on the banks of turquoise blue glacial lakes. You’ll wish the journey never ends, and you’ll find new admiration for nature.
Everyone who considers themselves to have an adventurous spirit should find the time and money to embark on this legendary train route at least once in their life. During the seven days in which the train will travel about 6,000 miles, you’ll see never-ending plains, towns with original communist architecture, as well as historic Silk Road towns close to the Mongolian and Chinese borders, vast forests, beautiful lakes and enormous swamps. You’ll have to adjust your wrist watch 8 times, because you’ll cross that many time zones during the journey. When you finally arrive to Moscow or Vladivostok, you will be richer for one amazing adventure experience to brag about at home.
How to better describe a train route through an evergreen forest located in the mountains of Southern Germany than to just point out that it was the inspiration for some of the Grimm brothers’ fairy tales? The spectacular route will charm you at first sight. At some point, you’ll be able to briefly stop the journey to go hiking through the thick forest, maybe even to meditate at the spring of the great river Danube. Either way, when you reach the final destination, have some delicious German dark beer to complete the sense of delight you’ll have after hopping off the train.
4. Journey to Goa
Going to India is an adventure for itself, but when you’re already there, be sure to experience this remarkable country to the fullest. The best way to do this is to take the train from Bangalore to a place many describe as Heaven on Earth – Goa. Sure, Indian railways are infamous for being overcrowded and dirty, but there are still some normal routes like this one. Well, normal but extraordinary. After all, it not only takes you to magical Goa, but it also allows you to discover India’s beautiful countryside.
Many say that the Grand Canyon is THE Natural Wonder of America. And many add that the best way to start exploring the breathtaking gorges of the Grand Canyon is to catch a historic train in the middle of Arizona’s desert, in the town of Williams. This route is historic not only because you get a chance to ride in a steam train, but also because the journey will bring you back in time when cowboys and Native Americans ruled this part of America’s West.
The scenery of this route is so amazingly beautiful that the train deliberately drives slowly so you’ll be able to enjoy the experience completely. The eight-hour long journey takes amazed travelers through unforgettably powerful images of the Swiss Alps. Just imagine coming out of a tunnel only to see a drop of a couple of thousands of feet on the left and crystal-clear waters of blue lake surrounded by old pine trees on the right, while peaks with eternal snow caps tower above. The images of this great adventure will be forever carved in your memory.
7. Orient Express Route
Orient Express is without a doubt the most famous train of all times. Whether you start the journey in Istanbul or in Paris, the amazing variety of Europe’s scenery will inspire you, just like it inspired countless writers, artists, musicians and movie screenwriters throughout history. You’ll pass through some of the most beautiful towns in the world and meet a lot of interesting people in each of the unique countries this route passes through. Maybe you’ll fall in love, meet new friends, make a new business deal; the opportunities are endless while on the Orient Express. One thing is certain – you’ll have an amazing adventure behind you.
8. Journey to the land of the Inca’s
Former capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, Machu Picchu, are connected by a railway. And if visiting two spectacular historic sites is not a good enough reason to take a trip on this route, you should know that the route spreads through the breathtaking Peruvian Andes. And it literally is breathtaking, because you’ll end up at a height of 7,500 feet above sea level at one point. But, you won’t have the time to worry about that, because you will enjoy the beautiful surroundings of this magnificent mountain.
