6 Stunning Luxury Trains in India

Richness and grandeur twined while traveling aboard a train. Can you ponder your minds into such an aristocrat experience? I can help you in attaining an elite feeling. Well, I am hinting at the stunning luxury trains in India, a prestigious possession of the country. Relaxing within comfortable coaches, you can explore the splendid cultural heritage of India; truly royal treatment.

The train coaches are elaborately ornated with decorative interiors, lavished with all the comforts and pleasures. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is proudly running the trains; ensuring a luxuriant feeling for the tourists. If you ever get a chance, I will suggest you to board at least one of them. It's not only about experiencing the luxury but witnessing the Indian culture, and heritage as the trains traverse and halt at some of the incredible destinations in India.

Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is one of the most popular luxurious trains in India. The itinerary covers most of the exotic cities of Rajasthan, Agra, and the capital city Delhi. The rooms provide all the modern amenities and are intricately decorated symbolizing the Rajasthani style of architecture. Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines are available both for veg and non-vegetarian visitors.

The key attractions of the route spanning for a duration of 8 days and 7 nights are plenty. You can visit the mesmerizing Taj Mahal in Agra and treat your eyes. The famous destinations of Delhi especially the Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple are included in the trip. The train provides a regal experience of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Keoladeo National Park.

The Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the finest luxury trains in India. It has 6 routes for the tourists to select and opt for. The routes traverse mostly through the Deccan region and starting from Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The key attraction of the luxury coaches, embellished by the style and designs prevalent in the erstwhile dynasties of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Kadambas.

All the 6 routes cover 8 days and 7 nights. The Maharashtra Splendor route covers most of Maharashtra – Nasik, Ellora and Ajanta caves, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and parts of Goa too. The Indian Odyssey route starts from Delhi and passes through Agra, Madhopur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara in Gujarat and then Ellora caves finally ending at Mumbai. The Hidden Treasures of Gujarat covers most of the major attractions of Gujarat – Vadodara, Palitana, Gir, Somnath, Rann of Kutch. Modhera, Patan, Nashik and of course starting and ending at Mumbai. The Indian Sojourn itinerary involves the cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Vadodara, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Madhopur and Jaipur. The fifth one is Jewels of the Deccan offering a visit to the cities of Mumbai, Aihole, Bijapur, Pattadakal, Hampi, Hyderabad, the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The last is Maharashtra Wild Trail covering the prominent locations of the state – Mumbai, Nashik, Ajanta, Ramtek, Aurangabad and Tadoba.

Maharaja's Express

Maharaja's Express is one of the expensive luxury trains in India. The hospitality services of the train are the best. No doubt it has earned accolades and awards as being the “World's Leading Luxury Train” for several consecutive years. The lounges, bars, restaurants, dining halls and the spa services are unique of their kind. The coaches are categorized into deluxe express, junior express, express and presidential suites depending on the preferences and choices of the tourists.

It has 5 routes mostly covering the cities of north India. The Heritage of India entertains you with the cultural heritage of Mumbai, Ajanta, Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Gems of India is a shorter coverage – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and the forests of Ranthambore. The Indian Panorama is quite a longer route passing through Delhi, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Agra, Fatehpur-Sikri, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Lucknow. Indian Splendour covers Mumbai, Delhi, Agra and the Rajasthan cities of Jaipur, Ranthambore, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Treasures of India is comparatively shorter – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ranthambore.

Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot is one of the splendid luxury trains in India. Its exemplary hospitality, virtuous interiors and lavish entertainment are quite noteworthy. The cuisines are exclusive offering delectable dishes from Indian and International cuisines. In the year 2013, it earned the award for “Asia's Leading Luxury Train”.

The train has 2 routes covering the renowned tourist destinations of the southern part of India. One is Pride of the South offering the exquisite historical and natural tour of Mysore, Bangalore, Kabini, Hassan, Hampi, Badami and Goa. Second is Southern Splendour traversing through the cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Madurai, Thanjavur, Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram.

Heritage on Wheels

Heritage on Wheels is one of the oldest and expensive luxury trains in India. Spanning for 4 days and 3 nights, it covers the historical extravaganza of the state of Rajasthan. Local authentic cuisines and continental and Chinese dishes are served at the world-class restaurants inside the coach.

The moment you board the train you can feel the royal richness of the Rajasthan tradition and culture imbibed within. The route starts from Jaipur and ends at Jaipur covering the wondrous cities of Bikaner, Tal Chhapar and Shekhawati. You can even go for a Camel Safari at Bikaner. Witnessing the forts, palaces, monuments of Rajasthan is a memorable experience.

The Royal Orient

Aboard the Royal Orient is a phenomenal experience, embarking on a thrilling journey through Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The plethora of opportunities provided is enticing. The sensational forests, the historical forts and monuments, and the shopping delights are awesome.

The luxurious cabins, the regal hospitality, a well-curated library and the restaurants serving delicious dishes create an attractive environment for the visitors. You can experience a joyous elephant ride at Jaipur. Watching the high waves of the Arabian sea splashing at the sea-shores near the Somnath temple is an incredible view. The route covers Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Junagarh, Gir forest, Dilwara temples, Palitana, Sarkhej and Ahmedabad.

India has many more luxurious trains providing a vivacious opportunity to experience its vast natural and historical treasures. You must once in a lifetime avail this remarkable opportunity, a tour to nourish long.