Luxury trains: The glory of Indian Railways

From the royal hospitality to colourful culture, India has such a great amount to offer and there is no other way to experience the true quintessence of Indian culture than onboarding one of its many luxury travel options. Jointly run and managed by Indian Railways and IRCTC, the luxury trains of India offer a one-of-a-kind experience of a lifetime. Every traveller aboard the luxury trains gets introduced by the harmonious blend of the romance of a royal era of Maharaja’s with unmatchable modern luxurious comforts.

4 Best Luxury Trains in India

1. Maharajas’ Express: A treat to undertake

Flagged off in 2010, the Maharajas’ Express covers around 12 prominent destinations across North-West India. This princely train can bring onboard a total of 84 passengers and is decked out with elegant cabins, grand presidential suite and world-class amenities for the passengers to unravel the lavishness of “Incredible India” in the most remarkable way possible.

Also, known as the Orient Express of the West, this extraordinary luxury train has been voted as “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” seven times in a row. 

Tour duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Months of operation: October to April
Routes:

• The Heritage of India: Mumbai – Ajanta – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
• Gems of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
• The Indian Panorama: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur – Sikri – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
• Indian Splendour: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai
• Treasures of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi

2. Palace on Wheels: The pride of regal Rajasthan

Palace on Wheels was refurbished and relaunched in 2009 for the discerning travellers to retrieve the forgotten era of royal travelling. One can experience the regal extravagance and royal hospitality while this luxury train navigates across the historic sites listed in UNESCO.

It not only provides a royal accommodation for up to 104 tourists but also offers a spa treatment, restaurants and a bar to provide a lavish and memorable ride to the tourists. 

Tour duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Months of operation: September to April
Route: Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi   

3. The Golden Chariot: Experience royalty in South Indian tradition

Embark on a royal journey by The Golden Chariot and have a mesmerising experience as this luxury train makes its way through the popular spots in South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It passes through World Heritage Sites, wildlife sanctuary and breathtaking waterfalls and has 11 coaches which are named after ruling dynasties.  

This elegantly designed train comes equipped with aesthetic interiors and state-of-the-art amenities to offer the best of elegance and pampering to the guests. 

Tour duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Months of operation: October to April
Routes:

• Pride of the South: Bangalore – Kabini – Mysore – Hassan – Hampi – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
• Southern Splendour: Bangalore – Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Alleppey – Kochi – Bangalore

4. Deccan Odyssey: Behold the grandeur of Maratha Kingdom

An initiative of Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways, the 6 tastefully crafted journeys of Deccan Odyssey is truly enlightening. One can not only indulge in exploring the forts, palaces, popular religious sites, vineyards and beaches of Goa but can also experience the impeccable cordiality as they onboard this royal blue luxury train. 

The luxuriously appointed cabins, presidential suites, multi-cuisine restaurants, well-stocked bar, spa, gymnasium and other modern amenities would make sure that the journey would be a comfortable and memorable one for a lifetime.

Tour duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Months of operation: October to April
Routes:

• Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nasik – Ellora Cave – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Ratnagiri – Mumbai
• Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ramtek – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
• Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta 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
• Indian Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai

For a wholesome experience of historical, spiritual, wildlife and cultural richness of India, one should definitely onboard the luxury trains of India, once in their lifetime. However, each luxury train has something extraordinary to offer. So, it is essential that one makes an informed decision and then choose the best luxury train for themselves.