The Book of Extraordinary Journeys

Slow Travelling The World On 4 Most Luxurious Train Journeys. | 2 | n the second of our astounding train journey series, we explore the captivating world of luxury locomotives as they chug past a wide array of destinations. The beguilement of a soulful train journey has never seemed sweeter than amidst a global pandemic. I Romance, glamour and face masks. These three words define the world of luxury train journeys, at least in 2021. Travelling on a luxury locomotive blends elegance and ebullience, with its liveried waiters, ornate coaches and gently rocking intimacy. Mindful voyages is the theme of 2021 as we shrug off the grim cloak of 2020 and re-explore the world. Journeys on trains that sport boutique-hotel tropes are as slow as any can get. The romance begins as soon as you step onto the platform where the train awaits you, as The New Yorker writer, Anthony Lane, writes in his evocative essay, The Enduring Romance of the Night Train, “patiently, with a theatrical air of suspense”. Outside, what is often described as “rolling landscape” whizzes past as the train cruises towards its various destinations. Within are cabins with minimal-to-colonial décor (depending on the train) and room service menus filled with pies, omelets, cheeses, and a parade of wines and spirits.

| 3 | SOUTH AMERICA BELMOND ANDEAN EXPLORER

Lake Titicaca—a deep freshwater lake in the Andes on the border of Bolivia and Peru—called the ‘highest navigable lake’ in the world, is studded with man-made islands.

outh America’s first luxury sleeper train, the 24-cabin signature Peruvian accents. They sport in-built oxygen for Belmond Andean Explorer, makes its way through additional comfort at high altitudes. Hand-woven fabrics the high plains of the ancient Peruvian Andes. The and soft Alpaca-style textures mark the cabins. An ensuite next journey is in April 2021 so there is enough time bathroom and shower indulge travellers with a luxurious to plan and book one. bathing experience even at 4,000ft. The Suite Cabin, a soothing retreat, is fitted with a compact wardrobe and an ensuite SThe train bathroom. A hand-painted ivory exterior glints under the Peruvian sun as the train snakes its way through the ancient country. It hints at Dining the craftsmanship inside: timber finishes, linen-covered walls, Enroute, guests are served local highland and Andean leather seating and bathrooms fashioned from local stone. specialities cooked by expert local chefs in the two dining cars. After dinner enjoy Pisco Sours in the lounge. The bar and Accommodation the dining cars—Llama and Muña—are in calming shades of In the kitted-out cabins of Belmond Andean Explorer, guests blue and white. The backdrop of the rolling Andes Mountains, can cosy up in hand-woven alpaca wool blankets on the as the train streaks past, is perfect for gourmet experiences. panoramic-view observation deck. The interiors are marked Within, luxuriant leather is in perfect symphony with artisanal by twin or double cabins decorated in a soothing blend of millwork.

| 4 | The journey The train chugs out of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, and travels to the floating villages of Lake Titicaca, the condor-filled Colca Canyon, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Arequipa. One of the first stops on a high-altitude journey that stretches from Arequipa to Cusco, is Raqch’I, an Inca archaeological site infused with history. Sunset can be enjoyed over the La Raya mountain range. Lake Titicaca, a stopover on the second day, has several floating islands built by the local Uru people. Uros, a striking man-made island, has been woven from reeds that are continuously replenished. On the third day, you will travel to Sumbay Caves, home to 8,000-year-old cave paintings. Arequipa on the last leg of the journey has striking bazaars filled with several potato varieties and hand-churned cheese ice cream — called queso helado. To book: Email - [email protected] The cabins are fitted out with compact closet areas and furnished with hand-woven Alpaca fabrics.

| 5 | SOUTH AMERICA THE BLUE TRAIN

nown as a “window to the soul of Africa”, The Blue Train is a glimpse into the heart of the subcontinent and its wide Savannah grasslands, deserts and mountain Klandscapes. The Train The deep indigo coloured The Blue Train is infused with history. It was among the series of trains that began their journey in the 19th century when the discovery of gold and diamond mines transformed the fortunes of much of the subcontinent—from Cape Town to Cairo. Elite traders travelled on these trains not just for business but also for leisure. In 1997, a new Blue Train was introduced on its traditional route, between Cape Town, Pretoria and northwards, towards Victoria Falls, even as the heritage steam engine gracefully bowed out to an electric one.

Accommodation If you book one of the three Luxury Suites per coach, a personal butler will usher you aboard. Twin or double bedded suites, outfitted with luxurious bathtubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, will be your home on the 7-day journey. The De Luxe coaches have four suites. One of these has a double bed and a lavish bathtub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers. The De Luxe Suite is a subtly-lit room of indulgence, bedecked with goose-down and 100% percale- cotton bedding, individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, a scented bath and plush monogrammed towels.

The Blue Train once ferried elite diamond traders on business and pleasure journeys. Now, it is home to luxury travellers keen on exploring the South African countryside.

Cape Town is a city with several attractions: nature, a rich history, adventure and world-class dining. Photograph by Rachel Claire from Pexels.

| 6 | In the glass-encased dining car, guests are served the choicest of South African dishes and vegan options.

The train links South Africa’s vast south to its north and travels around the mountain ranges that dot the country through the arid desert landscapes

Dining or cards, the lure of the big screen or a tome from the library’s The ‘hotel on wheels’ offers a gourmet South African dining selection, await. experience, with chefs laying out a treat of Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, Knysna oysters and other award-winning The journey Cape cultivars, artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine The train links South Africa’s vast south to its north and travels china. There are also vegan options and Halaal meals for those around the mountain ranges that dot the country through the arid who desire one. desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming The Club Car is a gentleman’s lair with its burnished, wood- with wildlife. panelled interiors within which a traveller can enjoy a Cuban cigar The route between Cape Town and Pretoria is a long 31-hour to round off a perfect evening and end the day of exploring with journey through the lush Limpopo, home to the sprawling Kruger cognac or drink of their choice. A game of backgammon, chess National Park in which you can track South Africa’s Big5.

| 7 | RUSSIA AND SIBERIA GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS

Close to the end of the journey, the Russian steppes slowly give way to the icy landscapes of a freezing Siberia.

Guests board at Moscow’s Kazansky railway station to the tunes of Russian Railways’ military-style brass band.

| 8 | he world’s greatest railway journey, the Trans-Siberian of the first-class dining cars and station buffets were sumptuous, Railway runs like a steel ribbon across Russia, serving gourmet dishes, fine wines and French brandy to well- connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, heeled travellers. But during the seven decades of the 20th century, the magnificent and endless steppe and alongside the eating on Russian trains was a proletarian experience. This, of shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. course, has changed. Today, multi-course meals in the two ornate The 5,772-mile journey from Moscow to Vladivostok is best dining cars are prepared by Russian chefs. Tundertaken in the depths of winter when the snowed out landscape Onboard the Golden Eagle, chefs dish out regional and classic is at its most beautiful. The chance to travel across the largest Russian dishes, interlaced with international ones that are served by country on earth on a perception-shifting adventure is not to tuxedoed staff in two elegant dining cars. There are lessons offered be missed. about proper caviar presentation and the matching of vodkas infused with pine nuts and cranberry with Zakuska, traditional The train accompaniments that include cured pork lard, pickled vegetables The ensuite train allows travel in opulence. Panoramic windows and holodet, a stewed beef jelly. ensure the best views of the passing countryside. It hosts live performances by pianists playing Tchaikovsky, even as passengers The journey watch the gradually changing scenery. The voyage features exceptional excursions, like a tour of Mongolia’s The Russian band plays classic Soviet marching songs as an capital city and a dip in the freezing waters of Lake Baikal. From the army of stewards in immaculate blue uniforms guide travellers to climb through the Ural Mountains (the boundary between Europe their assigned carriages. and Asia) to the wide-open steppes and broad rivers, travelling on the Trans-Siberian is an opportunity to absorb the vastness and Accommodation grandeur of the world’s largest country. Among the most luxuriant of accommodation is the Romanov The Golden Eagle travels through architecturally stunning Suite that features two bedrooms, a private lounge and dining countries of Russia, Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. room, a complimentary minibar, a personal chef who will whip up In Kazan, travellers visit the towering Kul Sharif Mosque, one of Russian classics, chauffeur-driven transport and a private guide. the largest mosques in the country, which was constructed in the Guests in Gold Class enjoy 77 sq. ft of space that features a 16th century as part of the UNESCO-recognised Kazan Kremlin. double lower bed and a single upper bed, ensuite bathroom with On the outskirts of Ulan-Ude, travellers stopover at a traditional power shower, and other modern accoutrements. village of the Old Believers, a religious sect that was exiled to the depths of Siberia in the 1600s. Lake Baikal is a highlight of the Dining journey, allowing intrepid travellers to take an early morning dip Around 1900, when the new Trans-Siberian Railroad began, a few in crystal clear waters.

| 9 | INDIA PALACE ON WHEELS

| 10 | he storied Palace on Wheels, run by Tourism and , is marked by palatial décor. It is a T train tailor-made for royalty. The train India’s first luxury train can be attributed to the largesse of Maharaja Gaj Singh, the titular head of royalty, who converted a personal train used by his family into a luxury train that would ABOVE:The Palace on Wheels take travellers on a journey of a lifetime through the state’s former was a personal train of princely states. To the original train were added luxury coaches Jodhpur’s titular head, Maharaja from colonial-era trains used by the rulers of princely states of Gaj Singh, who put it out for Rajputana, , the Nizam of and the Viceroy of travellers keen on exploring British to travel. Rajasthan’s royal past. Photo by There is every contemporary amenity on-board: running SenuScape from Pexels water and internet connection, although the WiFi is not reliable as the train travels through regions without 3G or 4G coverage.

Accommodation FACING PAGE: The heritage Colonial wooden furniture, draped pink curtains, rugs, silver monument to love, Taj Mahal, cutlery, and staff wearing traditional Rajasthan turban mark the one of the seven wonders, is imperial experience aboard the train. The train palace is outfitted the last stop on the Palace of with a saloon in each compartment, complete with a mini pantry Wheels journey. Photo by Nav and lounge, two restaurants and a bar. Each cabin is accoutred with Photography from Pexels. ensuite baths and wall-to-wall carpeting.

| 11 | | 12 | Dining Ranthambore is home to several Large panoramic windows line the train’s two restaurants where tigers and ruins of old palaces within guests dine on traditional Rajasthani specialities and international options. Draped curtains fall like silken fabric on each table, what is now a protected sanctuary... evoking the halcyon days of rail travel. The menu includes classics such as gatte ki sabzi and lal maas. The focus is on local and seasonal produce. FACING PAGE AND ABOVE: Experience the majesty of Rajasthan’s royal lifestyle in the dining cars and bar draped with curtains hanging over tables. The journey BELOW: Ranthambore is home to atmospheric ruins and majestic tigers. The train leaves Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station and reaches on the second day. The city is littered with historical monuments and palaces. The luxury locomotive’s guests will be ferried to the City Palace, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar, the Albert Hall Museum, the majestic Amber fort which stretches for miles and miles, besides the fabled jewellery, carpet, pottery and textile markets. Among other stops: Ranthambore is home to several tigers and ruins of old palaces within what is now a protected sanctuary; the lake city of , where you will visit Saheliyon-ki-bari; the dunes and desert sanctuary of ; the blue city of Jodhpur with its indigo houses and ancient bazaars; the Keoladeo bird sanctuary, and finally, the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders, in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, where the journey culminates before the train makes its way to Delhi. •

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