10 Exotic rail journeys across the world.

Byline: TAMARA D'MELLO

There is no better way to enjoy dramatic landscapes than a long, leisurely train ride. Feast your eyes on snowy wastelands of Russia, red desert of Australia, Alpine meadows from the comfort of old-world cabins or modern luxury coaches. BY TAMARA D'MELLO

Yellowhead Route on the Rocky Mountaineer, CANADA

This two-day rail journey between Vancouver and the resort town of Jasper follows a 100-year-old rail route through the majestic Canadian Rockies. There is an overnight stay at Kamloops and the entire journey takes place during the day to ensure that you don't miss an inch of the western region's breathtaking scenery. You'll ride through verdant valleys, alongside snowy peaks, and get a good look at some of the Rockies' wildlife--including moose, elk, black bear and big horn sheep. Marvel at Fraser Canyon, enjoy the roaring waters of Hell's Gate, the canyon's narrowest point, and witness the grandeur of Mount Robson, the Rockies' highest peak.

For booking details and prices, visit www.rockymountaineer.com

Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway

The world's longest continuous railway line runs 10,000 km through the vast expanse of Russia, and is a ride to be undertaken by those who firmly believe that the journey should be as exciting as the destination. Completed in 1905, the Trans-Siberian Railway has four routes that run through the main cities and towns in Russia, and are spectacular in every season. The most popular route runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, passing through the Volga Port, and the scenic Lake Baikal region. If 'Siberia' conjures up images of glistening birches, sparkling frost, and swathes of snowy wasteland, you won't be disappointed. But you might not expect the lush forests in summer, or fall's fiery palette--the delights on this epic journey are endless.

For booking details and prices, visit www.transsiberianrailway.org

Chiang Mai to Singapore on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Take in the rainforests and rice paddies of the exotic East from a cabin that ushers you back to the golden age of rail travel. The journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, and Bangkok to Singapore on the Eastern & Oriental Express, where rattan chairs, linen suits and tea dances exist in harmony with tropical forests and twisting rivers is very picturesque. Spend your journey in the teakwood observation car which resembles an airy verandah, or in your carriage, with its wooden veneers, engraved mirrors, and Chinese and Malaysian motifs. Savour meals created from the season's freshest offerings in the dining car, fashioned from rosewood and elm, and make sure you enjoy an evening in the bar car with a cocktail and some old-time piano tunes.

www.orient-express.com; price: US$ 3,800 (Rs. 1.75 lakh approx) per person

St. Moritz to Zermatt on the Glacier Express

Known as the world's 'slowest fast train', the historic Glacier Express runs a route that became popular in the 1920s, when the well-heeled traveller discovered the rustic charms of the Swiss Alps. The seven-and-a-half hour journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt winds across the Oberalp, through 91 tunnels, fragrant forests, Alpine meadows alongside gushing streams, all of it christened in a centuries-old culture. You travel at over 2,000 metres in altitude, and the window view changes with the season. In the summer, you have glistening mountains; in the winter, a frosty wonderland. In spring, the landscape is carpeted in flowers, and the fall season brings its gold and orange splendour.

www.glacierexpress.ch; price: US$ 130 (Rs. 6,000 approx) per person

Western Journey on The Royal Scotsman

On the Royal Scotsman, you'll be torn between soaking up the indulgent atmosphere (and free-flowing champagne and whisky) in your country-style cabin, and the magical landscape that surrounds you. The Western Journey is the ultimate ride for landscape lovers, as the train winds through the wild, hilly Scottish countryside, stopping at spots you can explore. Pine forests, mirror-still lochs, purple moors, blooming heather--you'll actually have a chance to walk on it--and remote castles are all part of the experience. The highlight of this journey is the ramble you'll take through the gorge that leads to the Steall waterfall beneath Ben Neavis. Guests describe this walk as the most stunning they've been on.

www.royalscotsman.com; price: US$ 5,310 (Rs. 2.45 lakh approx) per person

Adelaide to Darwin on The Ghan

The theatrical, almost surreal journey from Adelaide to Darwin on The Ghan is the stuff that legends are made of. Over a span of two days, you'll journey from the fertile countryside of Adelaide, through the endless red desert at the centre of the continent, to the lush, tropical forests at the 'Top End.' If you aim to view all of it in style, Platinum Service, just launched in September, is the only way to go--private cabins with double beds, a spacious suite and 24-hour room service are part of the package. Experience Australia in true Aussie style.

www.gsr.com.au/our-trains/ the-ghan/the-journey.php; price for Platinum: US$ 2,700 (Rs. 1.24 lakh approx) single occupancy

Damascus to Amman on the Hejaz Jordan Railway

While this journey may not count as the most luxurious ride, but when it comes to historic importance, it bags a top place. The line was constructed by the Ottoman Sultan in 1900, to ensure that pilgrims travelling from Damascus to Madina for the Haj could make the trip in safety. During World War I, Lawrence of Arabia orchestrated many attacks on the line, which by then was transporting supplies to the Turks. Today, you have the opportunity to experience part of this route, on the tracks built by the Ottomans. The 12-hour journey takes you through a dusty countryside, looming mountains and a number of tunnels. There's no need to book in advance, but keep in mind that the train only runs twice a week, and you'll definitely want to carry a camera!

For booking details and prices, visit www.jhr.gov.jo

Beijing to Lhasa on the Tangula Express

If 'regular' travel gives you a high, you've got a real treat in store on the Tangula Express, which, at 16,640 ft, runs on the highest railway line in the world. It's high enough to demand that extra oxygen be pumped into the carriages! The Qinghai-Tibet line runs between Beijing and Lhasa--a journey that until recently could only be undertaken by bus. Starting out, you are surrounded by the vast grasslands, towns and deserts that were once part of the Old Silk Road; then comes the Tibetan plateau, the snow-capped mountains and the glistening Cuona and Qinghai Lakes. The summit of this journey is the Tangula Pass, the highest train station in the world.

www.tangulaluxurytrains.com; price: US$ 5,500 (Rs. 2.55 lakh approx) per person

Istanbul to Venice on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express 

The Orient Express is the train against which all other trains are measured. This classic travel experience is the result of more than a century of crisscrossing the frontiers of Europe, and each of the Pullman carriages on this luxury train has a character and a history of its own. On the six-day journey from Istanbul to Venice, you'll have a chance to experience the on-board comforts of the Orient Express, and experience the hospitality in the cities you travel through. On leaving Istanbul, you'll have magnificent glimpses of the Sea of Marmara, and ride through the thick forests of Bulgaria and Romania. After a meal and a visit to the Peres Castle in the mountain town of Sinaia, you'll continue to Hungary and Budapest, where you'll spend the day exploring the city on either side of the Danube. After a sightseeing stop in Vienna, the train makes it way to Venice.

www.orient-express.com; price: US$ 4,460 (Rs. 2 lakh approx) per person

Pretoria to Cape Town on the Blue Train

The 27-hour journey from Pretoria to Cape Town gives you a view of some of South Africa's most spectacular landscapes. The highlight of the trip, however, is the stop at Matjiesfontein, in Kimberley, where an excursion will take you back to the days of the diamond rush. A glass of sherry, 'London' lamp-posts, and the 19th-century buildings will have you convinced you've stepped into a time warp, until you step back into the modern luxury of your cosy cabin. Enjoy high tea or an aperitif in one of the elegant lounges, or embark on a game of chess or backgammon. Each meal on the Blue Train is an experience, with a selection of exquisite local dishes--from Karoo lamb to Knysna oysters, and award-winning vintages from the Cape wine-lands.

www.bluetrain.co.za; price: US$ 1,370 (Rs. 60,000 approx) per person

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