Luxury trains in India are known to be some of the most expensive and elaborate journeys offering everything from sightseeing, plush suites and the choicest world cuisine, all on wheels! They package unique royal experiences, stop over at some of the best tourist spots in the country, and offer you a taste of the royal life while you enjoy drinks at their bars, spas and salons on-deck. Most of them operate between September through March and require booking months in advance. Here are top 7 luxury trains in India that deserve a spot on your bucket list not just for their itineraries, but for the regal experience as well.
Top 7 Luxury Trains In India That Deserve A Spot On Your Bucket List
Golden Chariot
Discover the best of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu including Hampi, the temple town of Chettinad and the backwaters of Kerala on the Golden Chariot. Each bogie of the uber luxurious train is named after the erstwhile dynasties that ruled Karnataka. Take your pick from the Southern Splendour route that covers Bangalore, Mysore, Mahabalipuram, Chettinad, Kochi and the backwaters or 'Pride of Karnataka' that takes you around the UNESCO heritage site Hampi among other notable destinations. Don't miss the well-stocked bar serving excellent cocktails as you soak in the lush greenery of Karnataka.
Price: INR 6,82,980 (approx) Upwards for 7 Nights
Maharaja's Express
One of the first trains that pops in mind when thinking of luxury trains, the Maharaja's Express is one of the most expensive trains in the world. Awarded the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ for seven consecutive years, the Maharaja's Express is a full-blown royal Indian experience right from the word go. The train operates in five different routes, covering important tourist destinations like Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Varanasi and several parts of Rajasthan. The train comes with two fine dining restaurants, a lounge bar and a variety of suites on board. Each destination has a variety of experiences that are included in your fare. The staff is extremely accommodating, and arranges for whatever you may need on your journey including customised meals.
Price: INR 3,08,280 upwards for 4 Days/3 Nights
The Deccan Odyssey
Designed to showcase the grandeur of the erstwhile kings of the Deccan, the Deccan Odyssey takes you on a royal trip covering various destinations across the Deccan plateau. You can choose from six different routes that cover the hidden gems of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. A unique offering is the Maharashtra Wild Trail that covers the expanse of Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ramtek, Tadoba, Ajanta and Nashik, giving you an in-depth tour of the wildlife of the state. The uber luxurious train has two restaurants, a spa and a lounge bar for entertainment on board aside from plush cabins and suites while you explore the versatile terrain of South India.
Price: INR 6,82,980 (approx) Upwards for 7 Nights
Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels should be your pick if you're keen on exploring Rajasthan at leisure. The luxury train was designed taking inspiration from the personal carriages used by the former Nizams, Maharajas, and Viceroys of India. With 14 cabins named after each district of Rajasthan, the train is designed with stunning Rajputana sensibility and can accommodate upto 88 guests. Aside from the Maharaja and Maharani restaurants on board, there's even a spa to relax on wheels. The route covers the expanse of Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra over eight days.
Price: INR 47,378 (approx) Upwards per night
Mahaparinirvan Express
A must-do for Buddhists across the world and those who wish to discover the life of the Buddha, the Mahaparinirvan Express travels across all the destinations in India central to the Buddha's life. Hop on with Buddhist chants and settle into your first class cabins as the train takes you around Gaya, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Sarnath, Lumbini and Agra among several other pitstops.Your ticket fare also includes hotel accommodations at certain destinations. Sit back with a book from the library on-board or relax while electric foot massagers work their magic. The entire experience is spiritual and peaceful while lapping you up in luxury.
Price: INR 11,280 Upwards per night
Fairy Queen Express
Built in 1855, the Fairy Queen Express holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest steam locomotive that's still operational. One look at the royal train, and you're instantly taken by its grandeur and old world charm. The Express plies on the Delhi—Rewari route, completing a round trip within a day itself, also making it the most affordable train on the list. We'd recommend the Fairy Queen Express if you're a history or locomotive enthusiast. After receiving a traditional Indian welcome, you can catch a glimpse of how the steam engine runs over the span of the day-long journey. You can also opt for a one-way ticket on the Fairy Queen Express.
Price: INR 3,402 Upwards for a one way journey
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is another excellent option to consider aside from Palace on Wheels to discover Rajasthan. With luxurious deluxe cabins, pretty pastel shades, a gym, spa, salon, bar and restaurants on board, your plush experience starts with a traditional Rajasthani welcome with folk songs and dance. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels plies on the New Delhi - Agra route covering the Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Each pitstop has unique sightseeing experiences that are included in your fare.
Price: INR 2,73,000 Upwards for 7 nights
