The St Kitts Sugar Cane Railroad

Early in the 20th Century, a 30-mile railway wasvisible from the train, as well. As the train circles
constructed on St. Kitts to aid transportation ofthe island, the conductor will announce such sites
sugarcane crops to the island's colonial capital,as Brimstone Hill Fortress - the "Gibraltar of the
Basseterre. Today, this unique narrow-gaugeCaribbean." While viewing such historic structures
railway has found a new life. As part of St. Kitts'and natural beauty, you will also be treated to a
expanding tourism industry, the St. Kittsnarrative history of the island. To educate
Sugarcane Railroad now serves as one of theyourself even further, stop by the Basseterre
best ways to see this gorgeous island in itsPublic Library after your tour to view a
entirety. In addition to being the most enchantingpermanent exhibit of photographs dating to the
rail tour in the Caribbean, this railway provides oneconstruction of the railway.
of the most scenic train rides in the world.Unlike many other historic railways, the passenger
Traversing a major stretch of the island, thecars of the St. Kitts Sugarcane Railroad are as
railway will take you past many of the oldluxurious as the scenery. For the sake of the
sugarcane fields. Though the crop is rarelytours, the island commissioned the construction of
harvested anymore, these plantations offer adistinctive double-deck railcars. On the upper deck,
unique glimpse into the Caribbean's colonial past.you will find a beautiful open-air observation deck.
Today, the countryside is dotted with numerousDown below, the air conditioned cars are outfitted
active farms full of livestock and fruit crops, yetwith comfortable furniture, full-service bars and
abandoned windmills and smokestacks stilleven live entertainment - all with a Caribbean
populate the landscape. The small townsflourish. As you don't want to miss anything
supporting these farms also feature charmingoutside, the oversized windows will allow you to
houses and other unique historic structures. Manyenjoy all the sites.
travelers have also noticed that children oftenUtilizing 18 miles of the original railway, this two
come out of the rural schoolhouses to watch thehour tour is the best way to see the entire
train roll by twice a day - an activity that offerscountry in a short time. As only 420 seats are
students and teachers a regular break fromavailable each day, it is recommended to buy
studies.tickets as early as possible through your resort or
After leaving the station, the train will head northtravel provider. As travelers are promised
along the St. Kitts' beautiful coastline. Some of thecaptivating views of the Caribbean Sea,
first things you might notice are the numeroussurrounding islands, rainforest-coated mountains,
sidings - loading points for harvested sugarcane -magnificent cliffs and pristine wildlife - the St. Kitts
next to the tracks. As the train hugs the coastlineSugarcane Railroad is the hottest ticket on the
in the early going, you will probably also notice theisland.
rainforest-covered mountains of St. Kitts risingIt is even possible to take a ride on the railway
above the aforementioned farms and villages. Atduring a shore excursion from one of the many
the heart of the mountain range, you will certainlycruise ships that visit the island. Shuttles take
notice Mt. Liamuiga - the volcanic peak visiblepassengers from the pier directly to Needsmust
throughout the island. Stretching from the island'sStation. At the end of the tour, shuttles will
central mountain range are many deep canyons,available for travel back to the pier or any of the
some of which extend all the way to theisland's resorts.
coastline's majestic cliffs. Spanning these canyonsIf you are looking for the best way to see St.
are 24 steel bridges - all of which are attractionsKitts - or maybe just a ride you will never forget
in themselves.- climb aboard the St. Kitts Sugarcane Railroad.
Many of St. Kitts' most popular attractions are