Do you know what dangers can lie in wait on the railway? Do you think this is a safe transport? Far from everywhere and not always! There are corners on the planet where some of the most terrible railways still operate.
Road to Rameshwaram
The railway leading to this sacred Indian city was built over a century ago. Since then, it has practically never been repaired. That would be fine, but the road passes over the ocean waters. Of course, the views here are stunning. But tourists are equally shocked by the state of the tracks. Especially when you consider that the rails run over the abyss.
Glenfinnan
You've probably seen a Scottish railway viaduct with this name in the Harry Potter films. It looks just fabulous. But the journey through it can be quite exhilarating. Yet it passes high above the ground. If you are overly impressionable, it is better to avoid traveling on this viaduct.
Aso Minami
And here you will find even more poignant impressions. Trains on this Japanese railroad pass straight along the side of the volcano. The windows are courteously open: tourists can take pictures of the smoke coming from the crater. True, scientists are monitoring the activity of the mountain. But it is known that often eruptions begin unexpectedly. Want to tickle your nerves? Get an adrenaline rush? Then this road is for you!
Bamboo Trains
This is Cambodian exoticism. The compositions here are bamboo. During their construction, various old parts are also used. Those that were at hand.
These structures are upholstered with pillows (for safety). They are driven by miniature engines. Such "trains" carry no more than 10 passengers at a time.
Sometimes 2 of these "trains" are found on the rails. Then the one in which there are fewer people, by joint efforts, are lifted and carried to the side. The second train passes, after which the first returns to the tracks and continues on its way.
In the clouds
How about traveling above or among the clouds? Then you are in Argentina. Or Chile. After all, the composition you need runs between Argentina and Chile. If you decide to take a trip in it, you will find more than 20 tunnels and almost 30 bridges. You will also pass many viaducts. Periodically, the track lays dizzying spirals and zigzags. And no roller coaster is needed.
From George to Knysna
A very unusual railway connects these two South African cities. More recently, a steam locomotive was running here. And not to please tourists. There was simply no replacement for him here. And that was in the 2000s!
This movement seemed unsafe to many tourists. Especially when you consider that part of the path passed over the bridge (that is, over the water). And in a very tortuous way.
In memory of the gold rush
The road through the White Pass, leading from Canada to Alaska, was built by gold miners. By the end of the 20th century, the precious metal in the mountains was almost dry and the road was closed. And then they opened it again - for tourists.
The passage here is stylized as the 19th century. The carriages shake and rumble. But you can admire the waterfalls and glaciers. And also feel like gold diggers of the XIX century.
Georgetown road
And this is a reminder of silver fever. And the fate of this American road is almost the same as that of the road through the White Pass. Tourists travel here today. On this road, built in the 19th century, trains cross a wobbly bridge. Tourists are breathtaking. It is not clear only from what exactly: from fear or from the surrounding beauties.
Devil nose
The railway with this beautiful name is located in Ecuador. More precisely, this is not the name of the whole road, but its piece. But this does not make it easier for tourists.
However, the terrible name of the section of the route was not due to the death of passengers, but because of the deaths of workers. The road rises sharply uphill. It was very difficult to build it. Many of the builders died.
Death road
Another "cute" name. This time - in Thailand. And again, the reason is that many workers died during the construction …
Kuranda Scenic
This Australian road runs near powerful waterfalls. Even their splashes reach the passengers. And here are some numbers:
- path length - about 40 km;
- travel time - 1 hour 45 minutes;
- opening date - 1891.
As a rule, traveling by train is perfectly safe, but there are exceptional cases. And sometimes the railway just seems scary. Some of the roads we have listed are really dangerous. Others just tickle your nerves. If you don't like risk or adrenaline, avoid these routes. If you want a thrill, choose these paths!
