St Kitts is best known for having beautiful beaches, and for being an up market destination for those looking to travel to the Caribbean, but there is much more to see and do on this picturesque island, and there’s so much it’s likely to be tricky to fit it all in.
One attraction that shouldn’t be missed is the St Kitts Scenic Railway, as it is one of the few operational railways left in the Caribbean. It was originally constructed back in the 1920’s as a way of transporting sugar cane from plantations around the island, to the processing factory in the capital city of Basseterre. Nowadays, it is purely a tourist attraction as the sugar cane industry finally shut down in 2005.
The train crosses over 24 bridges, and passes by several sidings that were used to load the sugar cane. Passengers can travel in antique railway carriages from the quaintly named Needsmust station, passing by the slopes of St Kitts dormant volcano, Mount Liamuiga, as well as many Atlantic facing beaches, and the crumbling remains of grand plantation homes and estates. It is a great way for seeing a little more of the island, and is perfect for first time visitors, or anyone who doesn’t have very much time for sight-seeing.
It is easy to see why it is such a favourite with cruise ship visitors, especially as it passes right through several villages, offering a tantalising glimpse of everyday life. About halfway around, passengers are transferred onto sightseeing buses for the remainder of the tour, before returning to Needsmust station. The tour only takes around three and a half hours, but is an excellent way for anyone to orientate themselves with the charms of St Kitts.
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