If you love the idea of going back in time and seeing how kings and queens lived, then you will be amazed by the best luxury trains in India. There are 10 special trains that are really luxurious. They are called Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, and more
Explore India With The Top 10 Luxurious Trains In India
These special trains in India are for people who want to see and learn about India’s history and culture while also being very comfortable. They are really impressive inside and have a fancy atmosphere. The food is really fancy and there are lots of security measures to keep everyone safe. They have everything you could want and more!
These special trains in India are very comfortable and let people visit famous places. You can take these train tours to see India in a special way that you can’t do otherwise.
Top 10 Luxurious Trains In India
Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express is a really fancy and one of the top luxury trains in India. It has lots of nice things like really nice rooms, people to help you, and even fancy drinks. However, it is also very expensive!
Children who go on the train get to see and experience all the amazing things in the country in a very special and fancy way. Maharajas’ Express was also voted the best luxury train in the world for three years in a row.
- What are the routes covered by Maharajas’ Express? The Maharajas’ Express covers various routes which include:
- The Indian Panorama: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha and Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
- Treasures of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
- Indian Splendour: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
- The Heritage of India: Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi
- When does Maharajas’ Express operate? Maharajas’ Express operates from October to April.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Maharajas’ Express? The Maharajas’ Express costs a minimum of $3670 and a maximum of $24890 for around 5-day tour package. The price may vary with the routes and luxury services. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website.
- What type of food Maharajas’ Express Offers? The Maharajas’ Express offers Vegetarian food and eggs.
- Official Site of Maharajas’ Express: themaharajas.com
Palace On Wheels
The Palace on Wheels is one of India’s top luxury train journeys, and it got a makeover in 2009 to attract tourists. Imagine having a train ride where you feel like royalty! Well, that’s what it is like on the Palace on Wheels.
The train cabins are super fancy, with beautiful wallpapers, a well-stocked bar, and incredibly friendly staff. They have also decorated the train with amazing paintings and handicrafts that showcase local culture. It is so amazing that “Palace on Wheels” was ranked as the 4th best luxurious train in the world!
- What are the routes covered by Palace On Wheels? Palace On Wheel covers Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
- When does Palace On Wheels operate? September to April are the operational months of Palace On Wheels.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Palace On Wheels? Palace On Wheels costs $3500 + 4.5% Service Tax for international travelers and $2524 + 4.5% Service Tax for Indian travelers. In this package, they offer 7 night 8 day journey.
- What type of food does Palace On Wheels Offer? It offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian food including Chinese, Continental, and Indian cuisines
- Official Site of Palace On Wheels: theluxurytrains.com
The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey is like a 5-star hotel that moves on track. It is inspired by how ancient Indian kings and rulers used to travel. It is famous as one of the best luxury trains in India
They treat passengers like royalty on this train. The cabins inside look like palaces, and you can enjoy delicious food in their fancy restaurants. They even have lounges, a conference car, and even a spa onboard for you to relax and pamper yourself.
- Which routes are covered by the Deccan Odyssey? The Deccan Odyssey takes you through the multiple beautiful in India such as:
- Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nasik – Ellora Cave – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Ratnagiri – Mumbai
- Indian Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai
- Hidden Treasures of Gujarat: Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir – Somnath – Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera – Patan – Nashik – Mumbai
- Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Delhi
- Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
- Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ramtek – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
- When does the Deccan Odyssey operate? The Deccan Odyssey operates from the month of October to April and it covers the above 6 routes.
- What is the cost of a tour package of the Deccan Odyssey? For international travelers, it costs around $5,810 + 4.5% Service Tax and Indian travelers can enjoy its service for just INR 3,71,900 + 4.5% Service Tax. The journey takes 7 nights and 8 days.
- What type of food does the Deccan Odyssey offer? The Deccan Odyssey serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in Indian and continental cuisines.
- Official Site of the Deccan Odyssey: deccan-odyssey-india.com
Royal Orient Train
Step into the royalty with the Royal Orient Train, one of India’s finest luxury trains. This journey is a perfect blend of elegance and luxury, making it a truly unmatched royal experience. The Royal Orient Train is the perfection of luxury travel in India.
The train offers opulent cabins in a palatial style, attentive and well-trained staff, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a chic “Watering Hole” Bar, spacious bathrooms, a library, and almost all the facilities you had to expect in a 5-star hotel.
- Which routes are covered by the Royal Orient Train? It covers the routes of Delhi – Udaipur Chittorgarh – Junagarh – Veraval – Sasan Gir – Dilwara – Palitana – Sarkhej – Ahmedabad – Jaipur.
- When does the Royal Orient Train operate? The Royal Orient Orient Train operates 12 months a year.
- What is the cost of a tour package of the Royal Orient Train? It offers 7 nights and 8 days tour package. For international travelers, it takes around $200 + 4.5% Service Tax and Indian travelers pay around INR 7,480 + 4.5% Service tax.
- What type of food does the Royal Orient Train Offer? Not Available.
- Official Site of Royal Orient Train: luxurytrainsindia.org
Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot is a fantastic luxury train that explores the beautiful tourist spots of South India. It started its journey in 2008 and is famous for its exceptional hospitality. In 2013, it won the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train.’
Inside the train, you will find air-conditioned chambers that look like royalty’s quarters. There are bars, and restaurants offering a variety of delicious foods, a small gym, an Ayurveda spa, and more.
- Which routes are covered by Golden Chariot? The Golden Chariot goes through the various beautiful places in India including:
- Pride of the South: Bangalore – Kabini – Mysore – Hassan – Hampi – Badami – Goa – Bangalore.
- Southern Splendour: Bangalore – Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Alleppey – Kochi – Bangalore
- When does Golden Chariot operate? October to March is the operational period of the Golden Chariot.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Golden Chariot? Golden chariot costs a minimum of $2370 and a maximum of $4740 for international travelers. For Indian travelers, it costs an average 3 lacs rupees. It takes you to the 7-night and 8-day journey.
- What type of food does Golden Chariot Offer? Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available in the Golden Chariot.
- Official Site of Golden Chariot: goldenchariot.org
Fairy Queens Express
The Fairy Queen Express is one of India’s oldest luxury trains. It is powered by a steam locomotive from around 1855 and takes you on a charming journey to Alwar in Rajasthan.
It is a record-holder in the Guinness Book of World Records and has also won a National Tourism Award. The Fairy Queen Express is unquestionably one of India’s most luxurious trains.
- Which routes are covered by Fairy Queen Express? The Fairy Queen Express covers the routes of Delhi – Alwar – Sariska- Alwar – Delhi.
- When does Fairy Queen Express operate? It runs from the months of October to March.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Fairy Queen Express? You can take the service of Fairy Queen Express in just INR 9,000 + Government Tax. It offers 1 night and 2 days journey.
- What type of food Fairy Queen Express offer? Fairy Queens offers many food options including Vegetarian.
- Official Site of Fairy Queen Express: Not Available.
Royal Rajasthan On Wheels
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a luxury train design for an immersive tour of Rajasthan. Its interiors reflect the opulence of Rajasthani royal palaces, with each non-residential coach like the restaurant and spa coaches showcasing unique and regal designs.
Two standout coaches are the Swarn Mahal, featuring gold and brass decor, and the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with crystal pelmets and majestic floor lamps. If you want a comprehensive journey through Rajasthan’s royal history and proud heritage, the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is your top choice.
- Which routes are covered by Royal Rajasthan? Royal Rajasthan covers the routes of New Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra- New Delhi
- When does Royal Rajasthan operate? Royal Rajasthan starts every Saturday from New Delhi.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Royal Rajasthan? The cost of the tour package of Royal Rajasthan is around 50 to 80 thousand/person.
- What type of food Royal Rajasthan Offer? It offers a wide range of mouth-watering delicious food which include Rajasthani, Continental, and Chinese cuisines.
- Official Site of Royal Rajasthan: Not Available
Mahaparinirvan Express
Buddhist pilgrimage through India and Nepal on the Mahaparinirvan Express. It is named after the ‘Mahaparinirvana Sutra,’ which explains Buddha’s teachings. This journey lets you explore the history and culture of places like Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, and more.
The train offers 18 first AC berths, 92 two-tier AC berths, and 256 three-tier AC berths. Enjoy hot tea, coffee, and meals on board. The journey starts with a morning arrival in Gaya, where you can explore temples, stupas, monasteries, and other facets of Buddhist culture.
- Which routes are covered by Mahaparinirvan Express? The Mahaparinirvan Express covers various beautiful destinations, including New Delhi, Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Nautanwa, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Balrampur, Sravasti, Taj Mahal, and Delhi.
- When does Mahaparinirvan Express operate? In 2023, the train will operate from October to December,
- What is the cost of a tour package of Mahaparinirvan Express? The average cost of a tour package of Mahaparinirvan Express is INR 1 lakh. At this cost, they offer you 8 day 7 night journey.
- What type of food Mahaparinirvan Express Offers? It offers multiple food options such as Indian cuisines and more.
- Official Site of Mahaparinirvan Express: irctcbuddhisttrain.com
Desert Circuit Tourist Train
The Desert Circuit Tourist Train is a semi-luxury option for exploring India’s desert attractions. It connects cities near the desert, allowing you to experience the desert’s unique interests and environment.
The train offers AC first and AC two-tier classes, along with a dining restaurant serving tasty cuisine. Plus, it includes off-train excursions arranged by 3-star hotels. As you journey on this train, you can visit significant tourist spots like Amber Fort, City Palace, and Chokhi Dhani village.
- Which routes are covered by Desert Circuit? This train go through the routes of Delhi Safdarjung – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Jaipur -Delhi Safdarjung.
- When does Desert Circuit operate? This train operates from October to March.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Desert Circuit? The desert circuit costs a minimum of 33,000 INR and offers 8 days 9 nights package.
- What type of food Desert Circuit Offers? It offers delicious food in Indian cuisines and more.
- Official Site of Desert Circuit: Not Available.
Tiger Express
The Indian Railways, in collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, launched the semi-luxury tourist train “Tiger Express” on June 5, 2016 (World Environment Day). The aim was to raise awareness about tiger conservation.
The train covers Bandhavgarh and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, including a visit to Dhuadhar Falls of Bhedaghat/Jabalpur over 5 nights and 6 days. It offers a dining car and is similar to AC trains.
- Which routes are covered by Tiger Express? On this trip, you can enjoy major tourist attractions like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and the Dhuadhar waterfall in Jabalpur, starting and ending at Delhi Safdarjung
- When does Tiger Express operate? It operates from the month of January to December every year.
- What is the cost of a tour package of Tiger Express? For AC first class, the tariff ranges from Rs. 35,500 to Rs. 37,500. For AC 2-tier, it ranges from Rs. 29,000 to Rs. 31,500.
- What type of food Tiger Express Offers? Tiger Express offers Indian vegetarian cuisines, chinese cuisines, and more.
- Official Site of Tiger Express: Not Available.
These luxury and semi-luxury trains in India offer a royal and cultural experience. From the luxury of the Palace on Wheels to the heritage charm of the Fairy Queen Express, each train has its unique charm. So, enjoy the royal treatment while discovering the beautiful tourist place with the best luxury trains in India.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is a luxury train journey in India like?
A luxury train journey in India is like staying in a moving palace. You will travel in opulent cabins and dine on exquisite cuisine. It explores historic sites and all while enjoying top-notch hospitality.
2. Are these luxury trains expensive?
Yes, luxury trains in India are expensive than the regular train travel. However, the experience and services provided make them worth the cost.
3. Can I book a luxury train trip online?
Yes, you can book luxury train journeys online through official railway websites or authorized travel agencies.
4. Are these luxury trains in India suitable for solo travelers or couples?
Yes, luxury trains cater to solo travelers, couples, and groups. You can book individual tickets or reserve an entire cabin for added privacy.
5. What destinations can I explore on these luxury trains?
Luxury trains in India offer various itineraries covering destinations like Rajasthan, South India, and Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Each train has a unique route with iconic stops along the way.
