My sister has been really good to me this week, feeding my Facebook wall with (always) much needed inspirational links. She obviously understands what’s my muse nowadays 
The subject at hand was train travels across the world. Travelling by train is a great way to see a country since you get to cover a big area in a short amount a time, and usually areas you wouldn’t come across otherwise.
The Ghan – Adelaide to Darwin
The fact that I’m now familiar with The Ghan (Train ride from South Australia, Adelaide, to Northern Australia, Darwin) definitely makes me regret that I didn’t try it while I was there. But I was 19, I didn’t really know what I was going into, not interested in planning a whole lot – just wanting to experience something new. Can you blame me? However, if I ever get the chance of going back, I will most definitely take The Ghan across Australia.
But besides The Ghan, there’s so many other places you can experience a magnificent train ride.
Palace on wheels – India
As the name suggests, Palace on wheels is a luxury train ride departing from New Delhi, and during 8 days of travelling it goes through Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. Read more about Palace on Wheels.
Glacier Express – Switzerland
Glacier Express is a train that connects two mountain resorts in the Swiss Alps. Despite its name “express”, it’s far from a fast train. It’s actually known for being very slow. A trip on this train will last 7 and a half hours, you’ll cross 291 bridges and go through 91 tunnels, and you’ll even pass the highest point Oberalp Pass (2,033m). Read more about Glacier Express.
The Eastern & Oriental Express – South East Asia
The Eastern & Oriental Express travels through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. You’ll see plenty of nature as you go through dense rainforests, mountains, temples, various plantations and remote town and villages. Sounds good? I’ll say so! And of course there’s air condition in the train It is after all a luxury train. Read more about the Eastern & Oriental Express.
The pride of Africa – Africa
The Pride of Africa is well known as one of the worlds most luxurious trains, and it’s being run by Rovos Rail. A 48 hour trip on this train will take you through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Get more information on Rovos Rails.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India
First time I was introduced to the so called Toy Train (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) was while watching Departures. I 1999 UNESCO listed this railway on their list of World Heritage Sites. The trainride will take you from New Jalpaiguri To Darjeeling on a 86km ride. The city of Darjeeling lies by the feet of the Himalayas, and from here you’ll get a great view of the mountains. Read more information on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Photo credit : About Australia, Palace on wheels train, Value my trip, Orient express, Za, Track 25.
And of course, let’s not forget Norway’s Flåmsbana which I wrote about a while ago.