Traveling across India in a luxury train is often described as "royalty on wheels." These journeys offer a seamless blend of old-world charm-think silk upholstery and silver service- with modern comforts like Wi-Fi, spas, and fitness centers.
This guide introduces four legendary luxury trains of India:
1. Maharaja Express – This train service is considered the best luxury train service in the country. The train operates routes across Central and Northern parts; travellers can make a choice from amongst multiple itineraries that suit their needs and budget.
Maharaja Express, as the name suggests, is rated as the most luxurious rail travel service in the country. Once you travel this route, it offers you a lifetime experience. Tourists get mesmerised by the opulent interiors, culture excursions, immersive hospitality, and roomy suites offered by the services. The train service is about sophistication and exclusivity for travellers. The distinct point here is that you can select from amongst multiple itinerary types: Indian Panorama, Heritage, and Splendour. Your entire journey might take around 3 to 7 nights and days.
Maharajas’ Express offers these itineraries-
Onboard and accommodation facilities – You may find the rail cabins are of deluxe quality. You have multiple suite choices: presidential, junior, and deluxe suites. Each suite is provided with essential utility access - washrooms, safes, butler service, and a climate control system. You can also enjoy the lounge bar and on-board restaurant facilities. Interiors offer privacy and a plush feel.
Dining – The most distinctive part of booking travel with Maharaja is that you can enjoy a multi-cuisine menu. They serve Continental as well as Indian cuisines. You also find the tableware highly elegant. Here, every dining experience is unique- guided, culture-rich, and themed.
Maharaja Express Price: Maharajas’ Express offers a world-class luxury train journey with a fixed price that completes 7 Nights/ 8 Days Journeys. Also, prices differ based on cabin categories. Here are the details for your reference.
Approximate Prices —
In US Dollars (USD) — 7 Days / 6 Nights
Prices vary by itinerary and season.
2. Palace on Wheels – This train service is labelled as a heritage service, as it certainly was the first of its kind in the country. When you select this journey, you get a chance to experience some of the best Royal circuits of Rajasthan.
If you talk about the Pioneer luxury train travel in India, then the Palace on Wheels will always top the list. This rail journey is an iconic gateway to experience the best palaces of Rajasthan. It also exposes you to desert culture and important forts in the state. The rail service is best rated as Heritage travel with themed excursions, stylish interior décor, and vintage culture. The journey takes you on a time-travel through iconic Rajasthan Havelis, national parks, and palaces.
Palace on Wheels offers only one itinerary-
The Palace on Wheels is famous for a 7 Night/8 Days trip in Rajasthan, which begins and ends in Delhi. It includes:
Onboard and accommodation – The entire journey is en route for 8 days and 7 nights. This means you get an accommodation facility on board. Each suite is centrally air-conditioned. You find the interiors reflect Rajasthan's elegance. You get to enjoy an on-board restaurant, lounge space, and panoramic view deck. The team serves continental and Indian dishes to guests on board. This rail is best described as ultra-modern and a heritage experience.
Dining – Palace on Wheels offers a regional dining experience. You get to enjoy immersive dance performances, craftsmen, demonstrations, folk dance, presentations, and much more while travelling on board. The rail also takes you on a guided tour through the ancient cities of Rajasthan. Before booking, please verify the availability schedules.
Price – This is a premium-grade rail service. The entire itinerary might be pricy for many. After all, this is a journey through Rajasthan's heritage, history, and rich culture.
3. Deccan Odyssey – You can enjoy the Central and Western India route if you choose this luxury train journey. The train is classified as a Hotel on Wheels by tourists. You get to enjoy multiple suites when travelling on this ride.
The rail experience is for individuals who like to enjoy the Hotel on Wheels facility. During this time, you get a chance to visit Western parts of the country- MP, Goa, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. This makes the rail service a perfect blend of culture, heritage, and coastal experience. Travelers need to be versatile when making a choice. They can enjoy activities and landscapes during the entire journey.
Deccan Odyssey offers these itineraries-
Onboard and accommodation – The accommodation services on board offer a wide choice. Travellers can book presidential or deluxe suites to enjoy the journey. You can enjoy an elegant style bathroom during your journey, along with a lounge, spa, bar, and dining services. You find that each cabin on board is spacious and well decorated.
Dining – This is a journey through different Indian states, so you can enjoy international and pan-Indian dishes. You also get to view beaches, UNESCO sites, temples and heritage sites during your travel.
Price – If you want to visit the coastal and Western part of the country, then Deccan Odyssey is within your budget. For travellers looking for geographical variations in one tour, Deccan offers budget-friendly options.
4. Golden Chariot- This train is routed for South India. If you wish to enjoy a luxury train journey through Karnataka and the amazing Deccan Plateau, then this ride is your choice.
Each train mentioned above offers its own experience to tourists. The luxury train offers a distinct route and travel experience. You choose as per the budget and the destinations you want to visit.
Golden Chariot is your gateway to the southern part of the country. The rail service is identified by its signature luxury. The journey takes you through Karnataka and other states in the Southern peninsula. This rail journey is a blend of Southern Indian culture, spice trade route, royal palace heritage, cultural temples, landscapes, lush green open lands, and food. During your journey, you visit the Mysore Palace, Kerala coastal plains, the Hampi ruins, the ancient monuments, and the Deccan Plateau.
Golden Chariot offers these itineraries-
Onboard and accommodation – Golden Chariot coaches are a blend of regional aesthetics and comfort. You get to enjoy a public dining area when traveling. It includes everything from spa to lounges, restaurants, an observation deck, and guided tours. You enjoy silk, brass, and teak touché in the interiors of the coach.
Dining – The cuisine offers traditional South Indian dishes and hospitality- coastal sea foods, sambar, and dosa. You can also enjoy other curated activities like guided temple tours, folk music, songs, and dance. This trip can be culture-immersive for travellers.
Price – Early bookings are always open due to limited seat availability. You can book a high-to mid-range tier for your travels, depending on your tour length. This can be your best walking tour through iconic sites, and so ground transfers cannot be overlooked. You pay a price for this experience.
Best travel time – If planning to book luxury train travel, then these options are seasonal. You need to place a booking in advance as seats are also limited. The travel experience may not be possible during extreme weather conditions- rain, heat, or cold. You should book your travel dates between October and May. Different windows are open if you want to visit the Southern part of the country. It is best to verify departure dates when making your plan.
How to place a booking – Luxury trains offer online booking portal services. You can also get in touch with IRCTC authorized agents or services. Always make a choice of the entire package tour in advance, as limited options are available. The booking charges will include road transfers, hotel accommodation, meals, and special event entry fees.
Cost – To enjoy your travel, you have to invest a minimum of a few thousand dollars. You have itinerary choice here with each travel option. The price can be collected from authorised agents. The rates are expressed in USD. The rates are the same for international and domestic travelers. It is best to collect quotes early before your travel dates, as prices are subject to change. The official published tariff list may not be available in advance.
You should certainly be prepared with proper essentials and documents during your travels. In case you are an international tourist, then maintain a printed copy of the reservation dates. Always ensure that you pack comfortable clothing choices. For special occasions, you have to wear a selected dress code. Sunscreen, a hat, and glasses are essential if your travel dates are during the summer season. A rain jacket may just be a smart choice if travelling during the monsoon.
You need comfortable all-terrain footwear. A first aid kit with basic medications might just be right. You may also need camera tools with batteries. For smartphones, you need to carry your adapter. If you have a power bank, then it is a good option.
1. You can request a special diet when travelling. The menu will share diet charts that can cater to your needs. The request has to be made prior traveling dates.
2. The train services are luxury class, which means they do maintain on board first aid kits. In case you are on special medication, then do carry it with you all the time when travelling.
3. Maintain sustainability during travels. Do not litter. If possible, collect your garbage in bags till you can safely dispose of it in a public place.
It is best to keep in mind that the cancellation or refund policy may not be the same for all 5 options. The authorities do offer a structured refund policy. Just read the conditions in advance.
Alcohol is not an issue when travelling with luxury train services. You may have to follow age restrictions as imposed by authorities.
Luxury travels are open to kids, minors, and adults alike. You can book your family tour package after checking the travel policies.
Yes, when visiting any heritage or historical sites, you can take photos as per applicable regulations.
Book a fairytale journey on Palace on Wheels in advance to get the best offers.
The 7N/8D royal Tour covers the best of incredible India for memorable holidays.
Know the departure date and time of Palace on Wheels to plan your tour well.
Know the Tariff of the Peak Season ( Oct to March) & Lean Season (April & September).
