Train journeys have a charm of their own which is hard to capture in words. Being the common man’s most affordable companion in travel, it perfectly blends into its journeys the charms of the simple and rustic. But did you know that you could now experience the luxurious and royal in trains? Given below are some of the best luxury trains in India that not only take you to places but take you there in exquisite style, while treating you as royalty.
1. Maharajas’ Express
Justifying its name to every word, the Maharajas’ Express offers you a journey where you will truly experience being a maharaja. The train being one of the finest luxury trains in India, also holds its rightful position among the top 5 luxurious trains in the world. This 23-carriage long train houses four different types of accommodation, all different and exquisite on its own. You can also find restaurants and bars which provide a variety of cuisines and drinks.
The Maharajas’ Express runs on four different routes, crossing the most beautiful spots that hold the rich cultural heritage of India within them. The routes are mainly centered around the state of Rajasthan, and the four different routes are as follows.
- Heritage of India (6 Nights/7 Days): Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra and Delhi
- Indian Panorama (6 Nights/7 Days): Delhi – Jaipur – Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri Agra – Orchha and Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
- The Indian Splendour (6 Nights/ 7 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
- Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
The fare for a journey on this majestic train starts from $4890 to $24980.
2. The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot takes you to places centered around the beautiful south, starting and ending its journey at Bangalore. One of India’s best luxury trains, the Golden Chariot will take you to many World Heritage Sites and natural landscapes of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa. The most hospitable staff and services provided by this luxurious train will certainly give you the best holiday experience ever. The interior of the train is delicately adorning the designs inspired by Mysore, completing the ambiance of a traveling palace. Fine-dining restaurants, beautiful lounges, and an Ayurvedic spa within the train ensure you the most royal treatment. You can even enjoy breakfast in bed when you are traveling in the Golden Chariot.
The Golden Chariot runs from October to March and follows three different routes across the southern part of India as follows.
Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days): (Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hospet – Goa – Bengaluru)
Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days): (Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Hospet – Bengaluru)
Jewels of South (5 Nights/6 Days): (Bengaluru – Mysore – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad/Karaikudi – Cochin – Chertala/Maraikulam – Bengaluru)
The prices for your travel in the Golden Chariot range between $2370 and $4740.
3. The Deccan Odyssey
Get onboard with the maharajas of the 16th century in this blue train, namely the Deccan Odyssey. Starting from Mumbai and ending at the capital city of Delhi, this luxurious train takes you to some of the most sought-after destinations in the country, traversing through lush green landscapes and terrains. The feel of getting into a royal chariot settles in the moment you step inside the train, amplified by its beautiful exterior. The train also provides you with multi-cuisine restaurants, an ayurvedic spa, a salon, and a conference room, among all the amenities they offer.
The Deccan Odyssey takes 6 routes, taking you to the most magnificent destinations in the country. The routes are as follows.
Heritage Odyssey (7 Nights / 8 Days): Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Delhi
Cultural Odyssey (7 Nights / 8 Days): Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
Indian Sojourn Journey (7 Nights / 8 Days): Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi
Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey (7 Nights / 8 Days): Mumbai – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Pench (Ramtek) – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
Indian Odyssey Journey (7 Nights / 8 Days): Delhi- Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park- Agra- Jaipur- Udaipur- Vadodara- Aurangabad- Ellora Caves- Mumbai
Maharashtra Splendor (7 Nights / 8 Days): Mumbai – Nashik – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
The fare for a journey on this luxury train starts from $8330.
4. Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels is one of the best luxury trains in India which, in fact, was used by kings of Gujarat and Nizams of Hyderabad. The train was refurbished and started running in 2009. Traveling through the heart of Rajasthan, the train’s design and name are inspired by the forts and palaces of the beautiful state. You can have a wonderful and relaxing time in the Palace on Wheels, feeling like royalty, with all the services they provide. The train provides exquisite dining options, lounge bars, and a spa, ensuring you a truly amazing time.
The Palace on Wheels starts and ends in Delhi, covering the following areas in 8 days and 7 nights.
Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
The price for the journey starts at $9296.
5. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is yet another train that takes you through the rich and colorful culture of Rajasthan. The journey through the architectural marvel of the forts and palaces in the state brings about in you a yearning for the past. The valor and hospitality of the Rajput can be felt the moment you enter the train. Draped in the colors and structures of the ancient, yet fulfilling all the amenities and services of a luxury hotel, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels provides you with exquisite cabins, lounges, and bars, where you can spend your time in luxury.
The train starts and ends at Delhi, covering all the major tourist destinations on the way, in 8 days and 7 nights. The route is as follows.
Delhi – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Agra – Delhi
The price range for a tour on this luxury train lies between $4130 and $11200.
6. The Fairy Queen
The Fairy Queen Express is one of the oldest luxury trains in India, which still operates on the steam locomotive, which was built in 1855. This piece of history takes you across Rajasthan, wrapped in archaic beauty and style. The train runs on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from October to March. The journey in this heritage train spans from Delhi to Alwar and back. The Fairy Queen takes you through the mesmerizing countryside of Rajasthan while puffing away the steam off the steam engine. There is no overnight stay on the train. Sariska Lake Palace and Alwar Museum are famous tourist destinations you could visit en route.
The train follows the following route.
Delhi – Alwar – Sariska- Alwar – Delhi
The price for tour packages in the Fairy Queen starts from Rs 7500 (for foreign tourists, charges will apply as per the exchange rates at the time of booking).
7. Heritage on Wheels
Keeping its steady place among the oldest luxury trains in the country, Heritage in Wheels also stands proudly among the best luxury trains in India. The train adorned with the vibrancy of Rajasthan does not fail to provide its passengers with an air of royalty which transforms them into kings and queens during their time in it. Traversing through the uncharted regions of Bikaner and Shekhawati, you are in for a real treat the moment you take this luxurious train. The rich culture and heritage of Rajasthan become clear with a trip on this train, which also provides you with top-notch amenities and services. The rooms and restaurants that serve authentic as well as continental cuisines, are second to none in perfection.
The train begins the journey at Jaipur, and spans for 4 days and 3 nights, following the route given below.
Jaipur – Bikaner – Tal Chhapar and Shekhawati – Jaipur
The price range for a tour package in Heritage on Wheels is between $150-$300.
Conclusion
Luxury trains will be a dream come true for you if you are an ardent admirer of the eras of kings and royalty. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by embarking on a journey in one of the best luxury trains in India given above.
