Luxury on tracks: Know about the top 5 luxury trains of India for a memorable journey!

Highlights:  A guide to the travel itinerary of the famous luxury trains of India Including history, amenities, and booking sites Check for the recent pricing options (may vary) 

There is luxury on the tracks, too. Ever opted for a luxurious train journey? What if we tell you that you can have the best experience right here in India, with luxury in Indian tourism that offers grand hospitality, a splendid ambiance, and fine dining services? The domestic flights hold no match when compared to these luxury trains. The luxury trains date back to the era when the Maharajas and elites traveled through them [1]. They still function today in the 21st century, redefining luxury. Here is the list of the top luxurious trains in India where you can experience hospitality like never before-

Palace on Wheels The Palace on Wheels is one of Indian Railways’ flagship luxurious trains launched in association with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). (Image source: ANI News) 

The Palace on Wheels is symbolic of India’s luxurious tourism ever since it began in 1982 [1]. The eight-day journey is open for visitors from September to April, covering approximately 2,411 km. It covers the journey across northwest India, particularly Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, along with the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The 14 guest coaches named after the princely states of Rajasthan can accommodate around 82 passengers at a time. There are 41 cabins, out of which two are super deluxe [2].

Palace on Wheels is all majestic with two dining restaurants, a separate bar for cocktails and drinks, a gym, an Ayurvedic spa retreat along with sightseeing, blissful interiors, a sunset experience at the dunes, and a trip to the state of Rajasthan [2].

Journey route - Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi 

Price-  From $6,832 onwards for the eight-day itinerary

Those interested in the bookings of Palace on Wheels can log on to: https://www.thepalaceonwheels.org/ 

Here, you can check for the ticket booking option, then select departure dates, the number of travelers, fill in the travel details, and complete the query. For the process further, you will be connected by a travel expert. 

Deccan Odyssey

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) reopened the services of the Deccan Odyssey in 2023. 

Deccan Odyssey hit the tracks in 2004. It is curated with six itinerary routes for an eight-day-long journey that starts from Delhi in September and is operational till May [4]: 

Maharashtra splendour: Mumbai - Nashik - Ellora Caves - Ajanta Caves - Kolhapur - Goa - Sindhudurg - Mumbai Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Ramtek (Pench) - Warora (Tadoba) - Ajanta Caves - Nashik - Mumbai Indian Odyssey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vishwamitri (Vadodara) - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Mumbai Indian Sojourn: Mumbai - Vishwamitri (Vadodara) - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Sawai Madhopur - Delhi Heritage Odyssey: Delhi - Agra - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Jaipur - Delhi Cultural Odyssey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Delhi 

A collaboration of the Indian Railway and the State Government of Maharashtra, the train was refurbished at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and was then reopened in 2023. It will operate with an electric engine to reduce the carbon footprint, helping India to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030. The journey goes on with marveling at the glorious Maratha empire and its history, an exquisite cultural experience while exploring and admiring Indian architecture [3].

 

There are 21 coaches out of which 11 are open for the guests. The train sparks royal aestheticism. Out of all the facilities of the spa, high-tech conference room, bar, gym, souvenir shop, etc., the major highlight is the two restaurants- Waavar and Utsav that serve Indian cuisine in its best form [3].   

Price- Starting from $8,330 (for single occupancy) and $11,900 for twin/ double occupancy 

For bookings, visit the official website. Choose your journey among the six travel itineraries. Then fill the form with your name, contact, and other details. After this, you will receive a call informing you about the journey and the booking process further. Check here: https://traindeccanodyssey.com/ 

The Golden Chariot The Golden Chariot train has been recognized as one of the seven best luxury rail journeys in the world by Vanity Fair Magazine.  

Since 2008, the Golden Chariot has been running across South India. It serves on three itineraries from October to March [5]:

Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru - Nanjangud - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikmagalur - Hospet - Goa - Bengaluru (5 nights/ 6 days) Glimpses of Karnataka: Bengaluru - Nanjangud - Mysore - Hampi - Bengaluru (3 nights/ 4 days) Jewels of South: Bengaluru - Mysore - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur - Chettinad/Karaikudi - Cochin - Cherthala/Maraikulam - Bengaluru 

The train has 18 carriages colored purple and gold, each of them named after the dynasties of South India. The lavish amenities provided include two multi-cuisine restaurants for dining: Nala and Ruchi, a lounge bar, a spa, and an exercise room equipped with Wi-Fi and Smart TVs. The décor is largely inspired by Mysore Palace. Hop on the train for luxurious travel, exploring the cultural heritage, and an extravagant cultural delight [6].

Price- A deluxe cabin ticket of the Golden Chariot train costs- Rs. 398160 for the two itineraries: ‘Pride of Karnataka with Goa’ and ‘Jewels of South’.  Rs. 265440 for ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’ 

For bookings, visit the official site: https://www.the-golden-chariot.com/. Click on ‘Book now’ on the home page, choose the currency for payment, log in to your IRCTC account, fill in traveler information, review, and finish booking. Before the final booking, check for discounts and offers, if any. Then, aboard the Golden Chariot train and discover a luxurious train journey [5]. 

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Royal Rajasthan on Wheels departs on the journey from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi with its carriages used on the Palace on Wheels.  

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels started in 2009 and has been modeled on the Palace on Wheels circuit since 2017. The train is operated by the Indian Railways in collaboration with the Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation. It introduces passengers to the Rajputana legacy and culture. You witness the rich Rajput hospitality with its traditions. It feels like a regal castle with all the 5-star culinary delights experience [7]. 

The Itinerary: Starting from New Delhi, the journey includes stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bharatpur, Agra (The train has stopped operating to Khajuraho and Varanasi) [7] [8].  

Price: $10,507 for Deluxe cabin on single occupancy (Tariff varies depending on the season: Lean, high and peak) [7].  

The train has 39 deluxe cabins, two dining restaurants, a bar, and a saloon with a spa and gym [7] [8].

For booking and other details, one can visit the official site of Palace on Wheels:  https://thepalaceonwheels.com/detailed-tours.html

The Maharajas Express

The Maharajas Express centers particularly across the Land of Maharajas, i.e., Rajasthan, along with four routes covering Northwest and Central India. 

The 23-carriage Maharajas Express was launched in 2010, this is its 15th year in the business. It is a true replica of the Orient Express of Europe. The World Travel Awards has conferred the Maharajas Express with the title of “World’s leading Luxury train” for six consecutive years. It is the pan-India train that starts from Delhi in the North to Trivandrum in the South [9].

The Maharajas Express is completely owned and managed by the IRCTC. The train can accommodate 84 passengers and has 2 restaurants, namely the Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, along with the beautiful setting of the Rajah Lounge and the cocktail spree of the Safari Bar. The Maharajas Express runs from October to April, covering four itineraries along North-west and Central India [9].

Heritage of India (6N/7D): Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra and Delhi Indian Panorama (6N/7D): Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Orchha and Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi The Indian Splendour (6N/7D): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai Treasures of India (3N/4D): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi 

Price- Starting from $3850 to $23700 on double occupancy per person, along with taxes. Check on for fare and other details:  https://www.the-maharajas.com/maharajas/maharajas-express-fare.html 

Other trains that you can explore: The Heritage on Wheels (Introduced in 1994-95, currently modelled on Palace on Wheels) and The Fairy Queen Express (built in 1855, first to offer luxurious train travel in India) [13] [14].  The Royal Orient Train (1994-95), which runs between Gujarat and Rajasthan, showcases the best of culture and heritage, the top attractions of the two states. The Buddhist Circuit Train or the Mahaparinirvan Express runs for 8 days and 7 nights, covering destinations- Delhi, Gaya, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Nautanwa, Lumbini, and Agra [10].  IRCTC also introduced the Bharat Gaurav trains, which are theme-based and promote historical, cultural, as well as religious tourism in India. The two trains operating under this include the following tours: Shri Ramayan Yatra (For 17 nights and 18 days itinerary: Delhi - Ayodhya - Janakpur - Sitamarhi - Buxar - Varanasi - Prayagraj - Chitrakoot - Nasik - Hampi - Rameshwaram - Bhadrachalam - Delhi) [11]. Shri Rameshwaram - Mallikarjun Dakshin Bharat Yatra (Delhi - Hyderabad - Rameshwaram - Madurai - Kanyakumari - Thanjavur - Mahabalipuram - Kanchipuram - Shriselam - Delhi) [12].

It can be said that they are still steady among the luxury trains of India. So, indulge and experience the best of tourism in the luxury trains!