If there is anything that is not mechanical in the world of science and technology it is certainly travelling by trains. In my childhood it was very romantic to even hear the sound of train whistling past in far. Even a person who dislikes most to be in a crowded place feels glad to be in the midst of crowded Howrah Railway station and waiting for his train. A long distance travel by train is itself a festive occasion even before the journey begins. The airplane can save time and afford comfort but it cannot make a journey a joyous affair as the train does. I do not know if there is an association of air-travelers internationally; but there is one with the railway travelers. The Society of International Railway Travelers with its office in Louisville, Kentucky, USA has recently announced the names of world’s top twenty five trains. Their assessment is based on their practical experiences, their writers, editors, members- world over and their staff. The list has been published in January 16, 2008. They have not made a ranking list. Their list is given below:
NORTH AMERICA
1. Canadian Express
2. Royal Canadian Pacific
3. Canadian Rockies Steam Express
4. Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
5. GrandLuxe Express (US)
6. Sierra Madre Express (Mexico)
SOUTH AMERICA
7. Andean Explorer(Peru)
8. Hiram Bingham (Peru)
AFRICA
9. Blue Train (South Africa)
10. Pride of Africa(Rovos Rail-South Africa)
ASIA/INDIAN SUB-CONTINENY
11. Palace on Wheel (India)
12. Eastern and Oriental Express (SE Asia)
13. Shangrila Express(Tibet)
14. Darjeeling Toy Train (India)
15. Deccan Odyssey (India)
EUROPE
16. Danube Express(Central Europe, Turkey)
17. Al Andalus Express (Spain)
20. Venice Simplon-Oriental Express (Europe)
21. Glacier Express (Switzerland)
22. Royal Scotsman (Scotland)
DOWN UNDER
23. Ghan (Australia)
24. Indian Pacific (Australia)
25. Sunlander (Australia)
According to the President of the Society-Eleanor Hardy, the above trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment.
All these trains have a high fare-tag except the Darjeeling Toy Train which earns Rs 26,000-64,000 from fare for an entire train for a day. The Train was declared UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1999. The Train was introduced in 1879.
4 comments:
Thank you so much for posting our list of World's Top 25 Trains as published in the special edition of The International Railway Traveler. I just wanted to let you know, sadly, that one of the trains on our list has gone out of business as of a few months ago. GrandLuxe Express is now selling their rolling stock and equipment. Bon voyage to a great train...Eleanor Hardy, President, The Society of International Railway Travelers. www.irtsociety.com
I wanted to pop a note to all of you folks out in Sydney moaning about your suburban rail service. Perhaps it is true that it's not as fast, or as on-time as some others, but Sydney itself is a transit lovers' dream, and everything, from rail to ferries to buses, works together to get you where you want to go. Come to the US sometime to see what a dismal situation we have in many major cities -- just no really good ways to get around except by car. (Some cities of course have fantastic systems but they are the rarity.) Our Society of International Railway Travelers members have absolutely loved visiting Sydney and have enjoyed your long-distance train Indian Pacific and Ghan -- how cool is that to have TWO cross-continental trains? Sincere good wishes, Eleanor Hardy
President, Society of International Railway Travelers
www.irtsociety.com
Just wanted to be sure you knew that The Society of International Railway Travelers just posted the new World's Top 25 Trains list. The US has lost ground; Europe has gained. But great rail travel is alive and well! See the list at www.irtsociety.com.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Hardy
President
The Society of International Railway Travelers
Just wanted to be sure you knew that The Society of International Railway Travelers just posted the new World's Top 25 Trains list. See how the list has changed. See the list at www.irtsociety.com.
Sincerely,
Eleanor Hardy
President
The Society of International Railway Travelers
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