No visit to India is complete without experiencing the bustle of the busiest Indian railway stations. From North to South and East to West, we see a huge influx of travelers catching trains daily for various travel purposes. However, the best luxury trains in India not only get you from one place to another but refine those happy journeys uniquely.
There is nothing better than these Indian luxury trains regarding extravagance and lavishness. Traveling like royalty is no more a dream now. From staying in deluxe cabins to eating silverware and relaxing in royal carriages to experiencing the rich cultural heritage of India, these luxury train journeys offer the best cultural experiences in India.
History of luxury trains in India
The history of Indian luxury trains dates back to the British Raj. During the bygone era, the Maharajas of India attracted the concept of traveling in the lap of luxury. Being born and brought up into royalty, they started flaunting their royal status by creating the most luxurious carriages. Private suites, salons, air conditioners (electric fans that blew air over blocks of ice), and even billiard rooms were added to the carriages.
All the royal carriages ceased to be used after India got independence in 1947. Adding these to the normal passenger trains was impossible due to their valuable furnishings, which needed heavy maintenance costs.
But, on 26th January 1982, India’s tryst with luxury train journeys started again with launching the Palace on Wheels train. Since then, luxury trains have been adding stars to their profile.
The best luxury trains in India
Four luxury trains in India offer incredible ways to explore the country like never before. Read on to know about them briefly and distinctly.
1. Palace on Wheels
The pioneer of the Indian luxury trains, the Palace on Wheels, was introduced in 1982. A remarkable collaboration between Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation led to this train launch to promote Rajasthan tourism. Nothing comes closer to the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that navigates along picturesque routes adorned with historical landmarks. The luxury rail in Rajasthan has won many awards, including the PATWA award in 2018, voted as the ‘Best in Asia’ in 2009, and PATA Gold Award in 1987.
Cabin categories and facilities onboard the Palace on Wheels
Deriving their name from the former princely Rajput states, Palace on Wheels consists of 14 meticulously-designed coaches. Each coach is equipped with 4 twin bedded cabins furnished with ethnic Rajasthani décor.
With ultra-modern facilities, you can pamper yourself even when you are on the move. A personal attendant called ‘Khidmatgar’ is available in each saloon to cater to your needs 24*7. Further, there is a saloon with a mini pantry and a lounge to relax, equipped with a DVD player, television, and a small library. The train has two restaurants onboard. Cold and hot beverages are served along with refreshments, and you can also use the spa, the lounge car, and the small gym on this luxury train.
Routes and itineraries on the Palace on Wheels
Starting from September to ending in April annually, the Palace on Wheels covers seven night-long routes. It departs and returns to Delhi, but this can also be customized from Delhi to Jodhpur, lasting only 5 nights. This moving palace crisscrosses through the royal land of Rajasthan, covering incredible destinations.
- Palace on Wheels Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, Agra, Delhi
Palace on Wheels Tariff
- High Season (Oct 2022 – Mar 2023) – US$ 13,860 – US$ 5,005
- Low Season (2 months of Sept 2022 and April 2023)– US$ 10,206 – US$ 3,850
2. Maharajas’ Express
Reckoned the most opulent and exclusive of all the four luxury trains in India, Maharajas’ Express’s excellence is at par. Giving the Orient Express of the West a run for the money, this elite train has redefined luxury train travel in India since 2010. The train passes through some of the renowned destinations offering a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of India.
Also, Maharajas’ Express has been honored with CNBC AWAAZ Travel Award for Best Luxury Train in 2010 and 2015, World Travel Award from 2012 – 2017, and Seven Stars in 2015 and 2016. This royal journey will fill your heart with loving memories you will cherish forever.
Cabin categories and facilities onboard the Maharajas’ Express
The half-a-mile-long Maharajas’ Express comprises 14 beautiful carriages with 43 individual cabins. Guests can settle in the comforts of 5-star equivalent accommodation in 20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suites, 4 suites, and a presidential suite.
Dine like royals at the two dining cars with modern kitchen cars designed to offer a great culinary experience. Choose from a fine selection of wines, spirits, liqueurs, and beers at the well-stocked dedicated bar carriage. Facilities like Wi-Fi, an attached bathroom, live television, and a souvenir shop will provide extra comfort to you.
Routes and itineraries on the Maharajas’ Express
Seven meticulously designed itineraries help you to embark on a saga of adventure, elegance, and romance.
Heritage of India
- Duration – 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Ajanta – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
- Tariff – Adult – US$ 6,840 – US$ 23,700, Single Supplement – US$ 5,160 – US$ 23,700
Indian Panorama
- Duration – 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered – Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
- Tariff – Adult – US$ 5,980 – US$ 23,700, Single Supplement – US$ 4,510 – US$ 23,700
Treasures of India
- Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Destinations Covered – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
- Tariff – Adult – US$ 3,850 – US$ 12,900, Single Supplement – US$ 2,910 – US$ 12,900 Indian Splendour
Indian Splendour
- Duration – 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai
- Tariff – Adult – US$ 5,980 – US$ 23,700, Single Supplement – US$ 4,510 – US$ 23,700
3. Deccan Odyssey
Indian Railways joined hands with Cox & Kings to come up with another finest luxury train in India, Deccan Odyssey, Step into a world of ultra-luxury on the Deccan Odyssey, which takes you back to the days of a bygone era. Treat your eyes to the beauties of Goa and Maharashtra while enjoying the grandeur of this royal train. With an elegant environment, lavish interiors, and strict security arrangements, the Deccan Odyssey train has everything you can think of. The very sight of the Deccan Odyssey is painted in blue, leaving an imprint on your mind.
Cabin categories and facilities onboard the Deccan Odyssey
The 12 guest coaches of this Indian luxury train echo the amazing taste of the erstwhile Maharajas. Each of these coaches is elegant, spacious, and flawlessly designed to exude the various eras of the Deccan dynasties. Besides, it comes fully packed with the facilities of a 5-star hotel. The specially equipped cabin is dedicated to the differently-abled guests and ‘Pankh’, the conference caters to all the business needs.
Spend a great time on board by entertaining yourself with various activities like savoring scrumptious food at multi-cuisine restaurants or enjoying relaxing massages at the spa.
Routes and itineraries on the Deccan Odyssey
A journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey, one of the most incredible luxury trains in India, includes excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a palatial residence, stunning vineyards, tranquil backwaters, and sun-kissed beaches. All the six journeys covered on the Deccan Odyssey train routes take you on a voyage like no other. The train is operational from September to May.
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Nashik – Ellora Cave – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered – New Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai - Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Ellora Caves – Aurangabad – Pench (Ramtek) – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Delhi
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
- Duration – 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Destinations Covered – Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir & Somnath- Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera & Patan – Nashik – Mumbai
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7,320 – US$ 15,855, Double Occupancy – US$ 10,500 – US$ 15,855
4. The Golden Chariot
Deriving its name from the famous ‘Stone Chariot’ at the Hampi, the Golden Chariot makes its way to some of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tranquil beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. It is one of the best luxury trains in India that caters to the needs of guests who wish to discover the affluent heritage of India in the comforts of luxuries.
On this luxury train tour, experience world-class hospitality and bask in the beauty of South India. Adorned with purple and golden compartments, the award-winning train presents a sight to behold. After completing a majestic run of a decade, the regal train is being revamped to beguile you with its grandeur. No wonder The Golden Chariot won Asia’s Leading Luxury Train award in 2013.
Cabin categories and facilities onboard the Golden Chariot
Golden Chariot comprises 11 guest cabins that derived their names from the ruling dynasties. The cabins are intricately designed and are designed with stylish Mysore-styled furniture. In-house fine-dining restaurants, an Ayurveda spa, and the wonderful ambiance of the lounges are just a few add-ons that make you feel like royalty.
From en-suite washrooms, lounge, Wi-Fi internet, and two dining cars to the lounge, you’ll be spoiled for the choice of comforts available onboard.
Routes and itineraries on the Golden Chariot
Five tastefully crafted itineraries by one of the top luxury trains in India – the Golden Chariot, which provides services from October to March.
- Duration – 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered– Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hampi – Badami – Goa – Bengaluru
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7350, Double Occupancy – US$ 4200
- Duration – 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered – Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad – Kanyakumari – Kumarakom – Cochin – Bengaluru
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 7350, Double Occupancy – US$ 4200
- Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Destinations Covered – Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 4200, Double Occupancy – US$ 2400
Majestic Karnataka
- Duration – 2 Nights / 3 Days
- Destinations Covered – Bengaluru – Mysuru – Hampi – Goa
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 845, Double Occupancy – US$ 1125
Sojourn Of India
- Duration – 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Destinations Covered – Goa – Hampi – Chikmagalur – Mysuru – Bengaluru
- Tariff – Single Occupancy – US$ 750, Double Occupancy – US$ 1000
It was nice reading your blog. Marvelous work!. A blog is brilliantly written and provides all necessary information I really like this site.