Friday was the day to travel back to our base in Lausanne. By this time, we had become pro travelers, but sadly, it was time to wrap up our wonderful trip. When I was planning my trip, I was under the impression that these Panoramic Expresses were very expensive. On the first day when we went to Montreux, I found a counter for the Golden Pass Express and asked many questions. I knew I wanted to come back from Interlaken by this train.
While checking the map, I realized that this beautiful scenic route goes through two towns featured in Bollywood movies. The movie DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) was shot in Gstaad and Saanen. We decided to get down in Gstaad, put our bags in the station locker (5 CHF for 24 hours, big enough to keep our bags), and explore.
I went to the information center, and before I could finish my question about Bollywood shooting, they handed me a brochure detailing the movies shot in the town. We hung out in the promenade (where Kajol was dancing and running around drunk in DDLJ). We then took the next train and went to Saanen, which was only a 5-minute ride as suggested by the person at the center. We hung out in Saanen, visited the bridge, church, and airport. The town center has a map of shooting locations and many posters around the town.
Instead of taking the train, we decided to walk back to Gstaad 4 KMs. This gave us time to experience the local streets and enjoy a leisurely walk and talk. I went back to the information center to thank them. One of them asked me something, and I explained what Yash Chopra did for Switzerland and Bollywood, and how DDLJ was a lifetime movie for so many of us. I learned more about the town from her. I had to eat at the same bakery; Mr. Husband paid for my pastry and coffee because Rahul didn’t show up there.
It was time to head back home. The Golden Pass Express didn’t disappoint. It is a beautiful ride. The last part in Montreux was the most amazing, with the train coming down like a snake, twisting and turning. From Montreux, we took another train and taxi to home, where our amazing host had a fabulous dinner laid out for our anniversary.
Lesson learned:
- Panoramic Expresses: They are not as expensive as you might think Bernie express, Glacier express are the expensive ones.
- Bollywood Connections: If you’re a Bollywood fan, visiting Gstaad and Saanen can be a fun addition to your trip. Check out the information centers for brochures on movie shooting locations.
- Luggage Lockers: the best thing for stop overs. Most of the stations have it. You need coins though.https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/stations/services-station/lockers/lockers.html
- Walking: this was one of the best thing we did.
This journey was the perfect end to our amazing trip, filled with scenic beauty, nostalgia, and a fabulous anniversary dinner.
Time to start the trip - checking out from the hotel we were in Interlaken
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