September 21, 2023

Travel Highlights - Trains: Sri Lanka / Retiro Station / Train Museum

Until we're starting our next For 91 days we're starting a new series - compiling travel highlights into themed posts. We're starting out with a Travel Highlights about Trains. Trains have captured our imagination for centuries. Their power, speed, and romance have inspired countless stories, songs, and films. But trains are more than just a mode of transportation. They are also a window into the history and culture of the places they pass through.

Travel Highlights - Trains

From the slow-moving, scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy in Sri Lanka, to the well-preserved antebellum train complex in Savannah, Georgia, to the opulent Estación Retiro in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these trains offer a glimpse into the rich diversity of the world we live in.

Colombo to Kandy, Sri Lanka

Intercity Express Colombo Fort to Kandy
Intercity Express Colombo Fort to Kandy

The train journey from Colombo to Kandy is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. The route takes passengers through some of the country's most stunning scenery, including tea plantations, lush rainforests, and towering waterfalls. The train itself is a bit of a relic, with its old-fashioned carriages and open windows. But that's part of the charm. There's nothing quite like hanging out the door of a moving train, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.

Central of Georgia Railway Complex, Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Train Museum
Savannah Train Museum

The Central of Georgia Railway Complex is a fascinating museum that tells the story of America's railroad past. The complex is located in Tricentennial Park, and features a number of well-preserved antebellum train buildings. The highlight is the old roundhouse, where railway cars in need of repair were able to roll in and be spun around until they were pointed at their proper stall.

Retiro Train Station in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Retiro Train Station
Buenos Aires Retiro Train Station

The Estación Retiro is one of the one most iconic train stations in the world. It was built in the early 20th century, and features a blend of French and British architectural styles. The station is a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful interior and its lively atmosphere. The station's central hall is a soaring space with a massive iron structure that covers the platforms. The hall is beautifully decorated with ornate mosaics, marble floors, and stained-glass windows.