5 Luxury Train Journeys for a Royal Life
Luxury train journeys in India offer an unmatched experience of exploring the country’s rich heritage while travelling in style and comfort. These trains, like the Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, and Deccan Odyssey, redefine travel with their royal interiors, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities. Beyond the lavish ambience, these journeys take you to India’s iconic landmarks, from forts and palaces to vibrant cities and scenic landscapes, ensuring a memorable adventure. The hassle-free travel, personalized services, and cultural immersion make these trips ideal for those seeking a unique way to discover India. Whether it’s the charm of Rajasthan or the spirituality of Varanasi, luxury train journeys provide an extraordinary blend of elegance and exploration, perfect for a royal life experience.
5 Luxury Train Journeys for a Royal Life
Taking a luxury train ride in India is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back to the era of kings and queens. These trains aren’t just about going from one place to another – they’re about making the journey itself special. Let’s look at five amazing train journeys that will make you feel like royalty.
The Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express is often called India’s most luxurious train, and for good reason. Picture yourself in a cabin with handcrafted furniture, beautiful carpets, and a personal butler who’s there to help you 24/7. The train has two restaurants named Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, where you can try both Indian and international dishes made by top chefs.
The train offers different routes, but the most popular one is the “Heritage of India” journey. This 7-day trip starts from Mumbai and takes you through Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Ranthambore, and Agra, before ending in Delhi. You’ll see the Taj Mahal, go on tiger safaris, visit royal palaces, and watch traditional dance shows.
The cabins come in four types: Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite. Each has its own bathroom, shower, TV, and climate control. The Presidential Suite is particularly special – it takes up an entire train car!
Prices for the Maharajas’ Express start at ₹5,50,000 per person for the Deluxe Cabin and can go up to ₹15,00,000 for the Presidential Suite. These prices include all meals, drinks, sightseeing tours, and entry fees to monuments.
Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels was India’s first luxury train, starting its journey in 1982. The train looks like a royal palace inside, with beautiful wooden furniture and traditional Rajasthani decorations. Each coach is named after former Rajputana states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.
The train runs on a 7-day route through Rajasthan, starting and ending in Delhi. It stops at Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (for Ranthambore National Park), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra. At each stop, you get off to see famous places and learn about local history and culture.
The train has 14 passenger coaches, each with four cabins. Every cabin has an attached bathroom, air conditioning, and round-the-clock service. There are two restaurants – “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” – serving tasty Rajasthani, Indian, and international food.
A trip on the Palace on Wheels costs about ₹3,50,000 per person in the peak season (October to March) and ₹2,80,000 in the off-season (April to September). This includes all meals, travel, tours, and entry tickets.
The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot brings the beauty of South India to life. Named after the stone chariot in Hampi, this purple and gold train runs through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa. The train started running in 2008 and got a complete makeover in 2020.
The train offers two main routes: “Pride of the South” and “Southern Splendour.” The Pride of the South tour takes you through Karnataka’s best spots like Bengaluru, Mysore, Hampi, and Goa. The Southern Splendour route covers places in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, and the backwaters of Kochi.
The cabins are designed to look like the homes of different dynasties that ruled South India. Each cabin has modern amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and a private bathroom. The train has two restaurants – Ruchi and Nalapaka – serving South Indian specialities and international cuisine. There’s also a gym, spa, and bar lounge.
Prices for the Golden Chariot start at ₹3,20,000 per person for a 6-night trip. This covers all meals, travel, guided tours, and entrance fees to monuments and parks.
The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey takes you through Maharashtra’s rich history and culture. The train’s royal blue exterior with gold trim makes it stand out. Inside, each coach is designed to show Maharashtra’s different cultural aspects.
The train runs on six different routes, but the most popular is the “Maharashtra Splendor” journey. This 7-day trip takes you from Mumbai to places like Nashik (for wine tasting), Ajanta and Ellora caves, and the beaches of Goa, before returning to Mumbai.
The train has 21 coaches with 12 passenger cars. Each cabin is spacious and has modern amenities. There are two restaurants – Waavar and Utsav – serving both local Maharashtrian dishes and international food. The train also has a spa car, a gym, a bar, and a conference car.
A journey on the Deccan Odyssey costs around ₹4,20,000 per person in the peak season. This includes all meals, tours, and activities mentioned in the schedule.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is the newest member of India’s luxury train family. The train captures Rajasthan’s royal heritage with its maroon and cream exterior and lavish interiors.
The 7-day journey starts from Delhi and covers major spots in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur, plus Khajuraho and Varanasi. What makes this train special is its visit to Varanasi, where you can see the famous Ganga Aarti.
The train has 14 passenger coaches with Super Deluxe Saloons and Deluxe Saloons. Each cabin has rich furnishings, a mini pantry, and modern bathrooms. The two restaurants – Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal – serve Royal Rajasthani food along with Chinese and Continental options.
Prices start at ₹3,80,000 per person for Deluxe Saloons and go up to ₹5,50,000 for Super Deluxe Saloons. This covers all meals, guided tours, and entry fees.
Important Things to Know
Book these trains at least 3-4 months in advance as they get full quickly
- The best time to travel is from October to March when the weather is pleasant
- All prices include meals, accommodation, travel, and sightseeing
- Each train has doctors on call for medical emergencies
- Most trains run weekly from October to April
- Special discounts are often available for early bookings and group bookings
- Photography is allowed on all trains
- Most trains accept both Indian Rupees and US Dollars for booking
- The trains have security personnel and CCTV cameras for safety
- All trains have free Wi-Fi, though the connection might be spotty in remote areas
These luxury trains let you see India’s amazing places while travelling like a royal. Yes, they’re expensive, but they offer once-in-a-lifetime memories. The careful attention to detail, the royal treatment, and the chance to see India’s best places make these train journeys truly special.
Remember to check the official websites of these trains for the latest prices and schedules, as they might change with seasons and years. Also, look for special offers during off-season months if you want to save some money while still getting the royal treatment.
FAQs
What are luxury train journeys in India?
Luxury train journeys in India offer a royal travel experience, with lavish interiors, top-class services, and scenic routes. Famous trains include the Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and Maharajas’ Express.
What is included in a luxury train journey?
A luxury train journey includes comfortable cabins, gourmet meals, guided tours, cultural performances, and world-class amenities. You’ll enjoy everything from fine dining to sightseeing, all while travelling through India’s rich landscapes.
Which is the most famous luxury train in India?
The Maharajas Express is one of the most famous luxury trains in India. Known for its grandeur, it offers multiple routes that explore the country’s cultural and historical landmarks in style and comfort.
How long do these luxury train journeys last?
Luxury train journeys in India can last from 3 days to over a week, depending on the route and the train. Some journeys cover multiple cities, offering immersive experiences along the way.
What are the benefits of travelling by luxury train?
Travelling by luxury train allows you to experience the comfort of premium services, fine dining, cultural enrichment, and a hassle-free way to explore India’s heritage sites, all while enjoying scenic views in luxury.
Also Read:
5 Top Wellness Retreats to Visit in 2025
5 Best Eco-Friendly Travel Gear for 2025
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_train
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_rail_trains_in_India
Disclaimer: The information provided about luxury train journeys in India is for general guidance. Travelers are advised to verify train schedules, routes, and services with official sources. We are not responsible for any changes or disruptions in services.
