World’s Top 10 Luxury Express Trains

Trains were The Backbone any Country’s Economy Back in the days of Industrial Revolution and they still are The Lifeline of Communication for many. Large Coaches sitting on Tracks Traveling long distances for hours even days, equipped with All Necessary Amenities evoke A Sense of Romance and Adventure unlike any other form of Travel.

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

This Train is probably The Father of the concept of Luxury Train for the masses. No other Luxury Voyager would evoke a similar sense of romance and adventure as the infamous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. 

This Train has a Rich Political and Dark History behind it. It is said that Hitler was also one of The Fans of the Train. The Train was French Pride and in 1940, the Germans hauled the Train to the spot of their previous surrender and took it over. Later, the Train narrowly escaped its doom of being exploded by the Nazis when Hitler’s downfall was imminent as he didn’t want this trophy of Luxury Travel to shine on his enemies’ land.

The Legendary Train, which is The Most Popular Luxury Carriage Around the World.

2. Golden Eagle

Hardcore Travel enthusiasts have a saying that many find to ring true – they say that one hasn’t really experienced the beauty of Train of Travel until they’ve boarded the Trans-Siberian Express. The Golden Eagle has The Most Intimidating Itinerary surpassing 8 different time zones with a long Tour of 2 weeks embroidered with lavishness and comfort in every way.

The train features extravagance in its facilities and decor with keen attention to detail like, climate controlled interiors as per the season, TVs in Every Room, an English Speaking Doctor on board, laundry services and even a Resident Pianist on board.

Furthermore, to help their passengers acclimatize to The Luxury Accommodations, the comfort begins even before boarding the Train and thereafter with 5 Star Accommodations in Moscow and Vladivostok.

3. Palace on Wheels

A Regal Luxury Train that travels around The Royal Indian State of Rajasthan, the Palace on Wheels was One of The Foremost in India’s pack of Luxury Trains. The Train is fit for Kings with State-of-The-Art Facilities, Butler and Attendant Services Round The Clock, guided excursions and sight-seeing tours at each stop, delightful cuisine and climate controlled rooms with lavish en-suites.

The Train was designed with inspiration borrowed from the bygone days of Rajasthan’s Past with Kings and Princes. The Royals would often set out in lavish hunting expeditions with large hunting parties accompanying them. Each coach of the Train is designed keeping in mind the Local Arts and craft of each bygone state or Royal Province of Rajasthan under rule of Legendary Rulers.

4. Belmond Royal Scotsman

Would you like to explore the Scottish countryside is a complete Downton Abbey style. Then you must board the Royal Scotsman that delivers full justice to its name. While passengers can chose from several different Itineraries starting from Edinburgh that ranges from 2 to 7 days, but The Classic Voyage aboard the express is the 4 day travel that passes into the Scottish Highlands.

The Train also comes with guided tours to distilleries and excursions to Castles around Scotland. This being UK’s only Luxury Class Sleeper Express has a Famous Bar stocked with more than 50 varieties of its very own Whisky.

5. Maharajas’ Express

Rightfully called “The Orient Express of the Orient”; this award winning Luxury Train offers unique experience of Luxury Travel in Royal Style and lavishness to its passengers. While still being a new entrant in the Luxury Train Travel Market, this Train has already won the hearts of many and been Crowned as One of The Best.

As the name suggests the Maharajas’ Express Train Decor attempts to emulate with success the golden days of The Royal Raj when Maharajas’ would travel with opulence and pomp in flamboyant carriages.

The colonial charm is carried on throughout the journey with guided excursions to palaces and Historic Spots in and around Rajasthan, called famously as the Golden Triangle of Travel in North India. The week long journey also inspires similar royal spirit with gin and tonic sun downers, opulent elephant rides, tea parties on fort balconies and a chance to chat with the erstwhile Royal Families of Rajasthan.

6. Eastern & Oriental Express

Enjoy an awe inspiring tour of the landscape of Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia aboard this Unique Luxury Train of the east. The Train travels through the enchanting green forests of the land, with guided tours to golden temples, pagodas and mountains.

The Train offers 6 Itineraries with the special New Year Itinerary being One of The Most Sought after one. With luxurious carriages, two on board restaurants and a special observation car to watch the wildlife in their habitat, the Train offers a Unique Experience to its passengers.

7. Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey is another one of The Luxury Train’s in India offering a glimpse of the Southern Parts of the Country. The Train is equipped with private carriages and cabins, lounge spaces with regal interior decor inspired by the Southern Art and even a Luxurious Spa and restaurants and bar on board. The Train offers a unique journey unlike other luxury trains running in the Country with Special Itinerary that travels through the Southern States like Hyderabad, Gujarat through Nasik and other popular Konkan Cities.

8. Rocky Mountaineer

This is one of The Few Luxury Train Services in North America offered by the Golden Leaf Service of the Rocky Mountaineers. This was the last, grueling leg of the great rail expansion westwards that united Canada in the late 1880’s and offers a unique experience of exploring the Rockies. There are several routes to the Rockies but by far the most famous one is the Banff to Vancouver Ride that still captures the imagination of travelers with the promise of green panoramic views of the mountains.

9. Golden Chariot

A new addition to India’s Suite of Luxury Trains takes its passengers on a ride around the popular tourist spots of Southern Indian States of Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Several Itinerary options are available.

The Golden Chariot Train started its journey from the recent 2008 and has already been a success with those that have a special place in their hearts for the romance of train journeys. Fit with all modern amenities, A Royal Interior Decor, round the clock attendants, climate controlled interiors, guided tours and sightseeing trips, spas and luxury restaurants the Train is equipped to tantalize all your senses.

10. Rovos Rail Pride of Africa

Those in search of the thrill of wilderness coupled with the Unique Combination of Luxury. This is a trip not to be missed by the photographers and artists. The Train runs from the early April to May which is the best season to venture through the African Wilderness. The Train offers passengers to explore some of Africa’s famous spots like, diamond mines, the exciting cosmopolitan city of Namibia, National park giving sights of wild animals in their natural habitat and the famous Kalhari Desert and more.

Most Amazing 9 Train Railways

 1. Maeklong Market Railway (Thailand)

The Food Market in Maeklong, Thailand is located on Top of Train Tracks. Several times a day shopkeepers swiftly pack up their Food Stalls and pull back their Canopies to let the Trains Pass. Once the Trains have rumbled through, the crates of vegetables, fish, and eggs are placed back into position and shoppers return to the Tracks, which serve as a path through The Market.

2. Napier-Gisborne Railway (New Zealand)

The Napier to Gisborne Railway Line is Unique in that it crosses the main Runway of the Gisborne Airport. Trains have to stop and seek clearance from The Air Traffic Control Tower to cross The Runway and continue down the line; a 1939 Steam Train in the middle of An Airport Runway isn't exactly a common sight!

3. Tren A Las Nubes - Train to the Clouds (Argentina)

The Tren A Las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is a Touristic Train Service in Salta Province, Argentina. The service runs along the eastern part of the C-14 line of the Ferrocarril General Manuel Belgrano, connecting the Argentine Northwest with the Chilean Border in the Andes Mountain Range. At over 4,220 meters (13,850 ft) above mean Sea Level, it's the 3rd Highest Railway in the World. Originally built for economic and social reasons, it is now primarily A Tourist Attraction as A Heritage Railway.

4. Tunnel of Love (Ukraine)

The Tunnel of Love is a Beautiful Spot in Klevan, Ukraine. A 3-Kilometer Railway Section leads to The Fiber Board Factory. The Train runs 3 times a day and delivers wood to the Factory. However, the Trees make a green corridor, which attracts many couples, as well as photographers, for its eye catching avenue.

5. Trans-Siberian, World's Longest Railway (Russia)

The Trans-Siberian Railway is a Network of Railways connecting Moscow with the Russian Far East and the Sea of Japan. It is The Longest Railway Line in the World. There are connecting branch lines into Mongolia, China, and North Korea. It has connected Moscow with Vladivostok since 1916 and is still expanding.

6. The Landwasser Viaduct (Switzerland)

Switzerland has Large Areas of Land that are Mountainous. Before the 19th Century, The Mountainous Terrain meant that it was difficult to travel across the Country and consequently communication was relatively poor. Swiss Railway Engineers of the 19th and 20th Centuries had to be extremely innovative, imaginative and courageous to build a Complex and Efficient Mountain Railway System. This not only included planning and building difficult Mountain Routes, but also constructing the many Bridges and Tunnels needed to cross and go under Mountainous Areas. The Swiss are still investing heavily in their Railway Network, making it one of The Most Efficient and advanced in the World.

One of the most impressive feats was the building of the Landwasser Viaduct, built in 1902, which carries A Mountain Railway Track. This is possibly one of The Most Famous Railway Bridges in The World and is seen in most Swiss Travel and Holiday Brochures.

7. Georgetown Loop Railroad (USA)

The Georgetown Loop Railroad was one of Colorado's Ist Visitor Attractions. Completed in 1884, this Spectacular Stretch of 3-Foot Narrow Gauge Track was considered an Engineering Marvel of its Time.

The Thriving Mining Towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume lie 2-miles apart in a steep, narrow mountain canyon. To connect them, the Railroad's Builders designed a “Corkscrew” Route that traveled twice the distance, slowly gaining more than 600 feet in elevation. It included horseshoe curves, grades of up to 4%, and 4 bridges across Clear Creek, including the massive Devil's Gate High Bridge. The Colorado & Southern Railway operated the line for passengers and freight from 1899 to 1938, when it was abandoned.

8. The Death Railway (Thailand)

The Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway, is a 415 kilometer (258 mile) railway between Bangkok, Thailand and Rangoon, Burma. More than 90,000 workers and 16,000 Allied Prisoners of war died during the construction of this Railway, a horrific episode that forms the backdrop for David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai. A Ride on a surviving section of the route is now a popular activity for visitors to Kanchanaburi, which is northwest of the Thai Capital. The Train hugs the sides of sheer cliffs and passes over a number of Rickety Wooden Bridges.

9. Gyeonghwa Station (South Korea)

There are 340,000 Cherry Trees in Jinhae, South Korea. When they bloom in the spring, they create a Dazzling Display of falling blossoms. Gyeonghwa Station, where this photo was taken, is A Popular Tourist Attraction for that reason.

The Smallest Airports World Wide

 Airports can be huge, sprawling places with multiple buildings, terminals and gates. But the big, grand airports aren’t what we’re talking about here. These are the smallest airports from around the world. 

1. Morgantown Municipal Airport

This airport is mostly for general aviation, however, there is one commercial airline that connects the area to the Washington Dulles International Airport. This airport has free coffee, Wi-Fi, and parking. There is only one runway and it’s less than 2,700 feet long.

2. Dawson Community Airport

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, also known as FAA, this is the smallest airport in the United States. The airport serves less than 3,000 passengers each year. 

3. Charles Kirkconnell International Airport

This teeny airport is located in the Caribbean. Travelers are happily surprised when they see how comfortable this airport is. There’s Wi-Fi, air conditioning, an outdoor observation deck, and a bar/restaurant. The airport has only one runway, and four daily flights as of August 2020.

4. Juancho e Yrausquin Airport

This airport services the small Dutch Island of Saba in the Caribbean. The airport is known for being the smallest in the world, with the shortest runway, and high hills on one side with cliffs that drop off into the sea at both ends. The runway is so short, it comes in at just under a ¼ mile. (The runway is only slightly longer than a typical aircraft, and because of this jet aircraft cannot land here, as they may overshoot the runway and end up in the ocean.) The sole airline operating through Juancho E Yrausquin Airport is Windair, and has only two flights a day. The flights are to nearby Saint Eustatius and Saint Martin, both of which are less than 15 minute flights. 

5. Tenzing-Hillary Airport

This airport in Nepal is known as one of the smallest, and also one of the most dangerous. It’s got a super short runway as well and along with that steep cliffs and even steeper drop offs. The airport is named after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first two to ever summit Mount Everest. The airport may be one of the smallest in the world but in 2016, it did see about 120,000 passengers as it’s a common starting point for people visiting or attempting Mt. Everest. 

6. Barra Airport

The smallest in Europe and the smallest in the UK, this airport is known for its many trivia facts.  The Barra airport has one of the runways with the best approach in the world. As well as being one of the smallest airports in the world, the runway is made entirely of sand. In fact, planes tend to land on the beach, much to the excitement of beach-goers. Because of the beach landings, this airport is familiar in movies and with filmmakers when beach-landings are required. The high tide here means Barra runaways are only functional for a few hours each day. There are only two airlines using the airport currently, Loganair and Flybe. 

7. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

You would think that the Toronto City Airport would be a major Canadian hub, but it turns outs that it’s actually one of the smallest in Canada. However, it still somehow manages to be the ninth-busiest in the country. In 2017 alone, the airport accommodated close to 3 million passengers. This airport was opened in 1939 and was intended to be Toronto’s main airport, but that went to Toronto Pearson. 

8. Olympic Dam Airport 

This Australian airport is the smallest and has only one Airline operating flights out of it, Alliance Airlines. There is only one runway and one carrier operating flights to Adalaide. Despite being little, Olympic Dam Airport accommodated almost 75,000 passengers in 2014. This airport has one main purpose though, and that is to serve the Olympic Dam mine that’s close by, as it’s the largest single deposit of uranium in the world. 

9. Luang Prabang, Laos Airport

Four airlines service this airport including Bangkok, Lao Airlines, Tonlesap Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines. The airport has only one runway but intends to expand in the near future, thus increasing flights to the location as well. The airport has a few shops, a restaurant, and a currency exchange center. 

Corpus Museum - Journey Through The Human Body

Something Unique has grown in the Netherlands. 

The world's First:   a spectacular  experience around the Human Body. 

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix will opened CORPUS on March 14th 2008. 

CORPUS is a  'Journey Through The Human Body' during which the visitor can see, feel and hear how the human body works 

and what roles healthy food, healthy life and plenty of exercise plays. 

CORPUS offers a variety of information and provides education and entertainment with this journey as well as a vast number of permanent and variable exhibitions. 

CORPUS has been realised in a 35-meter high Transparent Building with the contours of the human body projecting from it. 

The eye-catching building is situated along the A44 highway between Amsterdam and The Hague.

13 Palace Hotels In India Where One Can Feel Like A Royal

 

1. Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur

One of the oldest and most treasured palaces in Jaipur. The restoration of this palace was overseen by Rajmata Padmini Devi who wanted it to suit the contemporary guests visiting the palace and expecting a royal experience. The hotel is managed by the Sujan group and has several tie-ups with safari camping and tour groups.

2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Located on a hill that overlooks the city, this grand structure took 15 years to build and was completed in 1944. It blends the architectural styles of an English castle and Rajputana palace. Made of yellow sandstone, the palace has 347 rooms which beautifully reflect the art deco style of the era. It is surrounded by gardens that are beautiful to stroll through in the evenings.

3. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Located 8 km away from the city of Jaipur, the palace was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur whose family used it as a hunting lodge. The building was converted into a luxury hotel in 1957 when the royal family could not manage to maintain the upkeep of the place. Today it is managed by the Taj group.With lush gardens, it is possibly the most luxurious of hotels in the Pink City with a string of awards to its name.

4. Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur

The palace of the former Maharaja of Marwar overlooks the Balsamand Lake which was constructed as a water reservoir for the city of Jodhpur. Built as a summer palace for the king, the red sandstone structure has beautiful gardens which overlook the serenity of the lake and desert.

5. Fernhills Palace, Ooty

Once the summer palace of the Wadiyar royals from Mysore, this palace, provided a fairy-tale like backdrop in the rolling hills of Ooty and spreads across 50 acres of land. The British acquired it later on leaving behind a colonial legacy with large windows and fireplaces in every room.

6. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

It was the residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad and probably brings a waft of the Venetian renaissance to Hyderabad. Roman pillars, crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, Japanese gardens and priceless interior decor are just some elements that describe the hotel. The library of the Nizam is said to house one of the rarest versions of the Quran. 

7. Samode Palace, Jaipur

Combining the architectural styles of the Rajputs and Mughals, the Samode palace is built along the Aravali ranges. The interiors are absolutely beautiful with intricately painted frescoes and a marble tiled infinity pool. 

8. Devi Garh by Lebua, Udaipur

This 18th century palace was converted into a luxury hotel. It is a hill top fort with 39 rooms and was home to the Delwara rulers. While the exteriors of the palace look ancient, the interiors reflect a minimalist contemporary style.

9. Phool Mahal Palace, Kishangarh

Built in the 17th century and located in central Rajasthan, the palace has the backdrop of a historic moat and faces the Gundalao Lake in the front. The Kishangarh Fort is located nearby which provides an insightful lesson into the history of the region.

10. Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner

The palace was closed off from the rest of world and was host to the most privileged of people in the social order. Today, it is a luxury hotel inviting guests to experience the opulence of the Bikaner Maharajas. Hand painted friezes and gold plated paintings are just some of the beautiful characters that lie behind the walls of the palace. Some say, architects like Lutyens and Baker were inspired by this mighty structure.

11. Kasmanda Palace, Mussoorie

The palace was built in 1836 but not for the accommodation of royals. It was a sanatorium for British forces and later a school. It was later bought over by the Kasmanda royal family who made it their summer home and then a palace hotel. They still own the property, and the memorabilia around will take you back in time.

12. Lalitha Mahal Palace, Mysore

The palace was built by the ruler to accommodate his guests and lies a few kilometers away from Mysore. The palace is currently run by the Indian government and several parts of the property require urgent mending. 

13. Deogarh Mahal, Rajsamand

Built by the royal family of Deogarh, they still own the palace and live in one part of it. The hotel has 50 rooms, each of which have their own character from a different era of time. The grandest of rooms reflect the Rajput era of the 1600s. The palace is located on a hill somewhere between Jaipur and Udaipur.