asia: tourist trains

Hong Kong's cable-hauled funicular railway has climbed the 1.4 km (0.85 mi) distance between Central and "The Peak" for over a century. Today, a modern recreation center welcomes visitors with spectacular views of the city skyline and Kowloon Bay.

Taiwan's stunning Alishan National Scenic Area is best accessed by rail. The Forest Train departs torrid Chiayi daily on two separate mountain rounds. One of the world's three steep-gradient railways, it zigs, zags, tunnels and spirals to crest the alpine heights of Mount Ali. Along the line's skant distance prevailing ecocultures transition from banana groves to sub-arctic scrub. Visitors enjoy sports, nature and events along with popular overnight and dining options.

Among India's hill resorts are several made especially famous by the historic "toy trains" that ferry resort guests. Worthy adventures in their own rites: restored steam engines straddle narrow-gauge trackways as they haul antique cars along scenic hill climbs. Indian Railway operates four historic "toy" or "hill" trains. They run from Kalka to the Himalyan retreat at Shimla; from Mettupalayam to Ooty in the Nilgiri Mountains; from Neral to Mathern; and -- the most famous -- from New Jalpaiguri to the Himalyan hill station at Darjeeling.