Little known railway rides

Why not travel the Raj-and-Simran way? Theu00a0Trip tells you all you need to know about 3 lesser-known train journeys

Ffestiniog Railway, Wales, UK

This one's not just a traveller's delight but also a locomotive lover's feast. The Ffestiniog Railway (FR) was set up to serve the mining industry but once the slate industry declined, it turned to tourism.
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If you are in the vicinity, stop by for the Quirks and Curiosities event over the May Day weekend (April 30 to May 3).
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FR will bring out its eclectic collection of rolling stock (vehicles that move on a railway) including the Spooner's Boat (a boat-shaped vehicle that runs on the track), a four-wheel Open Observation Carriage with leather aprons and canopy, a rail-mounted Model T Ford car and more.

There will also, of course, be heritage train rides apart from footplate rides on steam locomotives and rides on gravity trains in which passengers coast down a slope by the force of gravity alone.

LOG ON: www.ffestiniograilway.co.uk/

Royal Canadian Pacific Tour, Canada

Practically every continent across the globe has a luxury train that it can boast of. What then makes us pick this North American enterprise?

Firstly, we believe in recommendations and in 2008, the National Geographic Society called the Royal Canadian Rockies Experience, a Tour of a Lifetime.

Secondly, how many luxury tours do you know of that take you fly-fishing on pristine waters deep in the heart of the Rocky Mountain wilderness?

Other excursion highlights include a visit to Drumheller, the site of the world's largest dinosaur fossil discovery, a stopover at CPR Ridge (7,700 ft above sea level) from where you get a 360-degree view of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, and an exclusive and exceptional fly-fishing experience, on, in and alongside the hidden waters of Crowsnest.

LOG ON: www.royalcanadianpacific.com

Eurostar, Britain to France

Right now, the Eurostar website declares, due to the volcanic eruptions in Iceland, they are running at full capacity until April 23.

But once the dust settles (literally), this high-speed passenger rail service that runs under the English Channel to connect Britain to France is a great option for a memorable, yet not too long train journey.

Train rides are often overlooked for faster airplane journeys.

But with a train that offers to take you from the centre of London to the heart of Paris at speeds of up to 300 kms per hour, while offering you a panoramic view of the countryside without restricting you under your seatbelt, we think Eurostar is the winner.
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Plus, with the Leisure Select Class, you can choose to travel with other vacationers and enjoy fine eating options from Paris, Brussels and London.

Cherry on the cake: It's committed to protecting the environment. The journey to Paris and Brussels emits a tenth of the carbon monoxide emitted while flying.

LOG ON: www.eurostar.com