Top 4 Luxury Trains in India
- By Seema
Trains are the preferred mode of transportation for those looking to travel on a budget. However, some trains in India exude luxury, with 5-star facilities onboard. These royal trains are more than just a mode of transportation; they are a tribute to heritage, a journey through history, and a testament to the timeless allure of royal grandeur. Luxury train journeys in India present a seamless fusion of old-world charm with modern amenities, allowing travelers to experience the grandeur of a bygone era while traversing India’s diverse landscapes. If the idea of traveling back in time and experiencing the king-sized lifestyle of India’s former royalty appeals to you, these luxury trains in India will make your dreams come true.
India has four luxury trains, which are managed by Indian Railways and IRCTC. Inspired by the imperial carriages once used by the maharajas, each train has a unique charm and character. The uber-luxury trains are more than just a mode of transportation; they are journeys in which you are not in a hurry to arrive. They don’t just take you places; they do so in style. The royal trains are enormously grand, with incredible interiors, a majestic ambiance, top-notch amenities, extravagant gastronomical fare, impeccable hospitality, and everything else you can imagine. Whether you take the Palace on Wheels or the Maharaja Express, you’re in for a journey of a lifetime.
THE PALACE ON WHEELS, INDIA
The original Indian luxury train, “Palace on Wheels,” has been an inspiration for lavish heritage travel in India. This train, which was once the personal carriage of the Maharajas of Rajasthan, the Nizams of Hyderabad, and other discerning figures, now transports passengers in regal style. It departs from Delhi and travels across the vast landscapes of Rajasthan and Agra in 8 days, stopping in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, among other amazing destinations. The meticulously planned itinerary includes seven distinct stops where visitors are given guided city tours. The whirlwind tour allows you to experience India like never before.
The luxury train, which replicates the era of kings and royal places, is essentially a palace on wheels, steeped in opulence and heritage. You will be able to soak up the Rajput culture of velour and hospitality while exploring the regal palaces and fortresses of the royal land. It’s no surprise that it ranked fourth among the world’s most luxurious trains. The Palace on Wheels has operated since 1982 and can accommodate a maximum of 82 passengers. It was refurbished and relaunched a few times after adding new carriages and improved amenities.
The train has 14 fully equipped coaches, each named after a former princely state of Rajasthan. There are 41 spacious cabins divided into the Deluxe and Super Deluxe categories. The private cabins are nothing short of princely abodes, with tastefully decorated interiors, attached washrooms, vintage wallpapers, a well-stocked bar, depictions of Rajputana history, and all the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel. There is a lounge, an Ayurveda spa, and two fine-dining restaurants that serve both international cuisine and the region’s most flavorful dishes. The Palace on Wheels operates from September to April, subject to the booking of a minimum of fifteen cabins.
Route of Palace on Wheels: Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 10,00,000++ for 2 passengers in a cabin.
MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS, INDIA
The Maharajas’ Express is next on our itinerary, and it has been acclaimed as one of the world’s most luxurious trains. When the Maharajas’ Express debuted in 2010, it brought a unique blend of grandeur and tradition to the tracks. The train is regarded as India’s answer to the West’s Orient Express. It may not have been India’s first luxury train, but it garnered the most awards. From 2012 to 2018, it received the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” award at the World Travel Awards. It went on to win Asia’s Leading Luxury Train from 2020 to 2023.
Maharajas’ Express crosses state borders, allowing guests to explore legendary destinations while witnessing India’s rich cultural tapestry. This elite train offers pan-Indian itineraries that cross some of India’s most amazing terrains and stop at some hand-picked tourist destinations, including the Golden Triangle, the holy ghats of Varanasi, the classical Khajuraho, and the royal cities of Rajasthan. The half-mile train features lavish suites, butler services, a couple of restaurants, a lounge bar, a library, guided off-tour excursions, a souvenir shop, paramedic services, and iconic Indian hospitality. It can carry a maximum of 88 passengers in elegantly appointed cabins, including the presidential suite that takes up an entire carriage.
The Presidential Suite on this high-end tourist train has 448 square feet of cabin space and is the only one of its kind among international trains. With its private lounge, spacious bedrooms, opulent bathrooms, elegant dining area, and 24-hour personal valet, the ‘Navratana’ could compete with any premium five-star hotel. The 23-car Maharajas’ Express runs from October to April on four different routes, which are listed below.
- The Heritage of India (7 Days): Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore — Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 68700o++ for 2 passengers in a cabin - The Indian Panorama (7 Days): Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore — Fatehpur Sikri & Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 65500o++ for 2 passengers in a cabin - Indian Splendor (7 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 65500o++ for 2 passengers in a cabin - Treasures of India (4 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 414000++ for 2 passengers in a cabin
GOLDEN CHARIOT, INDIA
Golden Chariot, an initiative of Karnataka State Tourism, passes through the southern landscapes with unparalleled grandeur. Providing an ideal balance of adventure, heritage, and leisure, the Golden Chariot offers an incredible tour of South India. This regal voyage departs from Bengaluru and traverses through the architectural wonders of Hampi, the wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur, the pristine beaches of Goa, and the palaces of Mysore. Together with incredible architectural marvels, enlightening cultural insights, and World Heritage Sites, the royal chariot offers a glimpse into the extravagant past of the Southern states.
Inaugurated in 2008, Golden Chariot can accommodate up to 84 passengers. The 11 cabins are named after royal dynasties that have ruled South India throughout history. The aesthetically pleasing interiors complement the idyllic landscapes through which the train travels. Golden Chariot has luxury cabins, Mysore-style furniture, an Ayurvedic Spa, a bar, a mini gym, and two fine-dining restaurants that serve Indian and international cuisine.
The elegantly designed train treats you like royalty, offering breakfast in bed among other luxuries. Possibly the least extravagant of the luxury trains on our list, as it lacks a few minor perks like free alcohol and premium cabins. Nonetheless, this renders it a more affordable option. The Golden Chariot runs from October to March and offers three different train packages, which are listed below.
- Pride of Karnataka (6 Days): Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hampi — Pattadakal & Aihole – Goa – Bengaluru
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 400500++ for 2 passengers in a cabin - Glimpses of Karnataka (4 Days): Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 267000++ for 2 passengers in a cabin - Jewels of South (6 Days): Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram — Thanjavur and Chettinad – Cochin – Kumarakom – Bengaluru
Approximate Tariff: Starting From Rs 400000++ for 2 passengers in a cabin
DECCAN ODYSSEY, INDIA
Deccan Odyssey or ‘Blue Limousine on Wheels’ unravels the treasures of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa. With beautifully designed interiors inspired by royal carriages from the past, the luxury train promises a once-in-a-lifetime journey through India’s magnificent landscapes and territory. Deccan Odyssey, a Maharashtra Tourism initiative, has been designed to reflect the lives of the Maharajas in the 16th century. Under the management of the Taj Group of Hotels, it achieves a perfect symphony of comfort and elegance.
The Deccan Odyssey was named the World’s Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Awards in 2019, and it was Asia’s Leading Luxury Train from 2010 until 2019. The six itineraries have been thoughtfully planned and will allow you to discover the souls and beauty of India while visiting architectural wonders, World Heritage Sites, places of worship, sun-kissed beaches, and exotic wildlife. You can enjoy delicious food, watch cultural performances, discover the cultural richness, and shop for local handicrafts, among other things.
The Blue Train (named after its blue coaches) began operations in 2004. The train has 21 luxurious coaches, 12 of which are used to accommodate 88 passengers, and the remaining 10 are used to provide various amenities to passengers. The 44 private cabins feature royal décor, comfy furniture, a personal safe, exceptional hospitality, and a personal attendant available around the clock. There’s plenty to do onboard, from dining in multi-cuisine restaurants to getting relaxing massages in the spa and unwinding in the lounge. Deccan Odyssey offers 6 week-long journeys that cover some of the best sights in India. It operates from October to April, and all routes last 7 nights and 8 days.
Approximate Tariff for All Routes: Starting From Rs 9,88,000++ for 2 passengers in a cabin
- Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nahsik –Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) — Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
- Indian Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhapur (Ranthambore) – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Mumbai
- Cultural Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhapur (Ranthambore) – Agra – Gwalior (Orchha) – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
- Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhapur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi
- Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai — Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Ramte – Tadoba — Ajanta Caves – Nashik – Mumbai
- Heritage Odyssey: Delhi – Agra — Sawai Madhapur – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Jaipur – Delhi
Dipped in nostalgia and drenched in luxury, these five-star indulgences on wheels are extravagance not everyone can afford. However, if you have the money for luxuries, board these trains and enjoy the royal experiences that unfold on the tracks as you travel through the enchanting landscapes of India