Spectacular trains through world's landscapes
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 24, 2014
• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Also known as the "Toy Train," this vintage steam locomotive runs on a narrow gauge between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. Built by the British between 1879-81, the railway is about 78km long and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The 8-hour journey begins in New Jalpaiguri and winds past tea plantations, maples and cherry trees. There's a spectacular view of the Himalayas.
The train stops at Ghum Station, the summit and highest rail station in India. It houses a museum with railway and other relics.
The journey ends in Darjeeling, legendary for its tea and British colonial architecture. Travelers can take afternoon tea at the Windamere Hotel where its repast is famous.
Trains between Ghum and Darjeeling are still powered by British built, steam locomotives.
Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, India
Duration: About 8 hours
Tickets: Starts at US$1
• Bernina Express
There are not many places in the world where a 4-hour trip takes travelers from ice-age glaciers to palm trees. Bernina Express is one of them.
The journey begins in Switzerland in Chur, on the right bank of the Rhine. It's known as the oldest town in Switzerland.
The express goes to Pontresina in the Val (Valley) Bernina, and gradually ascends to the Bernina Pass.
It passes the Morteratsch station (1,896 m), where travelers can see the glacier of the same name and the highest summit of the Eastern Alps, the Piz Bernina.
The journey with panorama ceiling windows ends in northern Italy in Tirano town, Sondrio Province. On the way it crosses 196 bridges and passes through 55 winding tunnels.
A multi-lingual commentary explains the sights.
There is no dining car, but there are small bars serving drinks and snacks.
Route: Chur, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy
Duration: 4 hours
Tickets: US$67-117
Tips: Reservations is strongly recommended, the trip is extremely popular.
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