Wayfarer, February: India's mountain railways, Tawang in Losar season and a snow festival in Sapporo.
Editor's Dispatch
February's theme is journeys for two, and we have taken it in the widest sense. It can mean a couple, or two friends, or a parent and a grown-up child. What matters is that someone is beside you to say, look at that.
We have gathered stories where a shared pace is part of the pleasure: three narrow-gauge railways that were built to climb hills one patient curve at a time, a gondolier's oar, a loco pilot's long career. None of these stories is ours; each comes from published reporting, and we say so on the page, with the names and dates.
Lead story
Slow trains, high hills: India's mountain railwaysThree narrow-gauge lines, three UNESCO listings and one good reason to book the window seats.
Also in this issue
- Tawang in Losar season: monasteries, passes and permitsA high Buddhist valley in the week of the Tibetan New Year, and how to arrive with the right paperwork.
- Hampi: a ruined capital among the bouldersA vast World Heritage site on the Tungabhadra, best seen on foot, by bicycle and in early light.
- Japan's snow festivals and the etiquette of the hot springSapporo's giant sculptures run from 4 to 11 February. Pair them with the quieter pleasures of Hokkaido in winter.
- Venice at Carnival: a mask, a canal and a planThe 2026 Carnival runs from 31 January to 17 February. How to see it without drowning in the crowd.
- The visa and document checklistA one-page list to run through before you pay for anything non-refundable.
Coming up
- Losar (Tibetan New Year)Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim · 18 February 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse) (approx. — verify)
- Goa CarnivalPanaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa, Goa · 13–17 February 2026; main Panaji parade 14 February (approx. — verify)
- Khajuraho Dance Festival (52nd edition)Western Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh · 20–26 February 2026 (approx. — verify)
- Holi (Holika Dahan and Rangwali Holi)Mathura–Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, and across India · Holika Dahan 3 March; Holi 4 March 2026 (approx. — verify)
One practical tip
For any hill railway, book the window side early and carry a warm layer, because heritage coaches are small and mornings are cold.
Your turn
What is the best meal you shared with someone on the road? Reply and tell us; we may feature your answer.