TRAIN TO TRANQUILLITY
Travel+Leisure India|January 2024
The landscape of Northern Spain alternates between mountainous countryside, bucolic hamlets, and scenic coastal towns. Pallavi Pasricha hops on board Costa Verde Express to savour the region's wonders and the good life.
Pallavi Pasricha
TRAIN TO TRANQUILLITY

Watching the countryside roll by as I pressed my nose excitedly to the train’s windowpane is something I recall doing as a five-year-old. Not much has changed since then. Even after 36 years, the thrill of watching the outdoors from a train is intact, but this time I am doing it in style, laying comfortably in a suite as I chug past lush meadows with cows grazing, narrow tunnels, and beaches on the Atlantic Coast in the north of Spain.

The luxury train Costa Verde Express by Renfe is my home for five nights. I had boarded the train in Bilbao for Santiago De Compostela, the Green Spain Route covers four autonomous regions—Basque, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

But my tryst with Spain began earlier, in one of its most popular cities, Barcelona. I spent time admiring the creations of famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi; I was completely mesmerised by his masterpiece—the majestic Sagrada Familia cathedral that has been under construction for more than 140 years. It will be completed by 2026, a date chosen to coincide with Gaudi’s 100th death anniversary. Standing in front of the massive structure, I wondered how Gaudi conceived this innovative and artistic design way back in the 19th century.

It is after three days of this kind of artistic inspiration—I stopped by other iconic structures built by Gaudi such as La Pedrera-Casa Milà, Casa Batllò, and Park Guell—that I head to Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region in northern Spain. I rush to the station as I am late, hoping the train tour has not begun without me. Thankfully, the shiny green Costa Verde Express is still on the platform. As I sip my coffee in one of the dining carriages done up in wood, it slowly sinks in that this is going to be my home for the next five days.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAView all
SAILING the ENIGMATIC NILE
Travel+Leisure India

SAILING the ENIGMATIC NILE

Shikha Shah explores how slow cruising the world's longest river offers a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the pharaohs and uncover the mysteries of Egypt

time-read
6 mins  |
February 2025
AJABGARH: RAJASTHAN'S SECRET GARDEN
Travel+Leisure India

AJABGARH: RAJASTHAN'S SECRET GARDEN

Ajabgarh unveils an oasis where ancient history meets modern indulgence, offering an unforgettable escape.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025
T+L CHAMPIONS
Travel+Leisure India

T+L CHAMPIONS

Presenting the movers and shakers who have not only won accolades for their contributions to their respective industries but have also set the bar for creativity high. From celebrating heritage cuisine and philanthropic contributions to making Indian couture go global and charting a new path of storytelling on social media, here are the T+L Champions of 2024 and their inspiring stories.

time-read
7 mins  |
February 2025
Sacred Peaks, Ancient Traditions
Travel+Leisure India

Sacred Peaks, Ancient Traditions

From mist-laden hills and riverside picnics to paddy fields and tranquil monasteries, Punita Malhotra discovers a place for hearts to connect and memories to bloom in Arunachal Pradesh

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
YOUR BEST SHOT
Travel+Leisure India

YOUR BEST SHOT

THE PHOTOGRAPH, TAKEN AT Urpad Beel in Goalpara, Assam, captures a tranquil scene at dawn, with mist lingering on the horizon.

time-read
1 min  |
February 2025
Handwoven With Love
Travel+Leisure India

Handwoven With Love

What makes Radhikaraje Gaekwad a queen? Spoiler alert: It's not just the title. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends a day at her palace, and discovers how the queen of Baroda's royal legacy is blending history, craft, and luxury travel with progressive values, modernism, and a celebration of the future

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
Soul to Seoul
Travel+Leisure India

Soul to Seoul

In the heart of Seoul's underground vinyl scene, Alex Outhwaite discovers more than just music with stories of passion, and memory

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
WANDER with PRIDE
Travel+Leisure India

WANDER with PRIDE

LGBTQ+ couples seek holiday spaces that walk the talk and offer inclusive environments, fostering a strong sense of community. Nayare Ali highlights the most popular travel trends for same-sex couples in 2025

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
A ROMANTIC ODYSSEY
Travel+Leisure India

A ROMANTIC ODYSSEY

From cherry blossoms to serene hot springs, from misty mountains to lush tea fields-Nantou County offers the perfect romantic getaway, discovers Ketki Gadre

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Travel+Leisure India

LOCAL FLAVOUR

Often thought of as vanilla, all-inclusive resorts are thinking up ways to get guests exploring.

time-read
2 mins  |
February 2025