Luxury Train Journeys in India: The Ultimate Royal Travel Experience
- Nishit Kagalwala
- Jun 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 19
Table of Content:
“It was never about the destination—it was always about the journey.”
— Australian celebrity chef Sarah Todd.
That perfectly sums up luxury train travel in India. It’s not just about reaching incredible places, but savoring every moment along the way. Imagine waking up in your elegant cabin to views of ancient forts, lush backwaters, or wild tigers—all while enjoying five-star service, gourmet dining, and the slow, royal pace of travel.
And it’s not just Sarah Todd—travel filmmaker Alex Chacón, Cherie Blair (wife of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair), Sir Trevor McDonald, and former U.S. Ambassador Nancy Powell have all been captivated by India’s luxury trains.
If you’ve experienced iconic trains like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Rovos Rail in South Africa, or the Eastern & Oriental Express in Southeast Asia—or they’re sitting on your bucket list—India’s luxury trains belong in that same league. Except here, there’s a deeper layer: culture, history, temples, palaces, wildlife, and cuisine, all woven into your journey.
Whether you’re a luxury traveler, a honeymoon seeking something special, a senior wanting comfort without the chaos, or a true train enthusiast who loves the romance and rhythm of the rails—these trains offer a front-row seat to India’s soul. Each journey unfolds like a moving storybook, blending comfort, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Let’s dive into what makes each one unique—and how to pick the perfect journey for you.
Top Reasons to Experience Luxury Train Tours in India
Journey Beyond Scenery:
Unlike many luxury trains that focus mainly on scenery, India’s trains immerse you in centuries-old traditions, royal heritage, and vibrant local life.
No Hotel Hassles:
Your luxurious cabin travels with you—unpack once and enjoy multiple cities, palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries without changing hotels.
Explore Iconic Landmarks:
From the Taj Mahal to tiger safaris, every stop offers world-famous sites combined with exclusive access that other trains rarely provide.
Time-Efficient Travel:
Cover multiple iconic destinations comfortably while cutting down long road journeys. Arriving fresh at each location makes the most of your travel time.
Value for Money in Luxury:
Compared to booking multiple hotels, transfers, and private tours separately, these all-inclusive train journeys offer great value for international travelers seeking convenience and comfort.
Fresh Culinary Delights:
Expert chefs prepare fresh, regional, and international dishes onboard daily, with some meals served during off-train excursions—so you savor authentic flavors both on and off the rails.
Behind the scenes in the Palace on Wheels kitchen — where expert chefs prepare exquisite royal cuisine for an unforgettable journey. Picture credit: Palace on Wheels Cultural Encounters:
Traditional welcomes, live performances, and themed dinners bring India’s royal heritage vividly to life.
Kathakali dance — vibrant costumes and powerful storytelling from South India’s classical tradition. Picture Credit: Golden Chariot India
Routes & Highlights of India’s Luxury Trains
Maharajas’ Express – The Crown Jewel of Indian Rail Travel
(Dine like royalty in the exquisite dinner area of the Maharajas’ Express, blending elegance with world-class cuisine. Picture Credit: The Maharajas Express
Often dubbed the “Orient Express of the East,” Maharajas’ Express is an 8-time winner of “World’s Leading Luxury Train” Award at the World Travel Awards (known as the Oscars of the travel industry). The Maharajas’ Express primarily covers regions in North, North-West, and Central India, with a strong focus on Rajasthan and heritage-rich cultural hubs. This train offers four immersive routes:
Indian Splendour (6N/7D):
Delhi → Agra (Taj Mahal) → Ranthambore (safari) → Jaipur (palaces) → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai
Maharaja's Express - The Indian Splendour Route Heritage of India (6N/7D):
Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi
Maharaja's Express - Heritage of India Route Indian Panorama (6N/7D):
Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Orchha → Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi
Maharaja's Express - The Indian Panorama Route Treasures of India (3N/4D):
Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi
Maharaja's Express - Treasures of India Route
Onboard vibe:
Spacious suites with lounges and panoramic windows, two fine-dining restaurants (Rang Mahal, Mayur Mahal), Safari Bar and Rajah Club lounge with library and boutique, onboard spa, Wi-Fi in select areas, onboard doctor, guided off-board tours with transport and English-speaking guides, Rajasthani folk evenings, and attentive butler service—every detail designed for comfort, elegance, and royal treatment.
Offboard highlights:
Taj Mahal at sunrise, Ranthambore National Park safari, Jaipur’s City Palace, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Bikaner’s Junagarh Fort, Khajuraho temples, Varanasi’s Ganga Aarti, Orchha’s cenotaphs, Agra Fort, and curated local markets.
Want to explore Khajuraho, Orchha, and Varanasi in depth? WizTrek has curated a detailed itinerary—perfect if you're looking to go beyond the usual. Check it out!
Ideal for: First-time visitors, Golden Triangle enthusiasts, luxury honeymooners.
Palace on Wheels – Rajasthan’s Royal Legacy on Tracks
Palace on Wheels has been ranked 1st in Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Train Trip in the World. Palace on Wheels journeys through North-West and Central India, showcasing Rajasthan’s royal heritage alongside key cultural and historical sites. One of India’s earliest luxury trains, evoking royal nostalgia with its vintage carriages and stately decor.
Route (7N/8D):
Delhi → Jaipur → Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → Delhi
Onboard vibe:
Heritage-inspired cabins with royal décor and modern comforts, two exquisite restaurants (Maharaja & Maharani), onboard spa offering Ayurvedic therapies and global massages, fully stocked bar & lounge to sip and socialize, fine dining with regional specialties, and a regal atmosphere that blends Rajasthani charm with luxury on rails.
Offboard highlights:
Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort, Boat ride at Lake Pichola,Camel Safari,Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Park.
Curious about Ranthambore’s tigers? Explore our quick wildlife photography travel guide.
Ideal for: Seniors, culture lovers, Rajasthan history buffs.
Deccan Odyssey – Beyond the Usual Destinations
The Deccan Odyssey has been a consistent winner of Asia's Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Awards. The Deccan Odyssey primarily traverses the western and central regions of India. This elegant blue-and-gold train glides through parts of India most travelers miss, from ancient cave temples and forgotten kingdoms to tribal heartlands and wildlife sanctuaries. It’s quieter, less crowded, and feels like a boutique hotel on rails.
Routes & Duration:
Maharashtra Splendor (7N/8D):
Mumbai → Nashik → Ellora Caves → Ajanta Caves → Kolhapur → Goa → Sindhudurg → Mumbai
Deccan Odyssey - Maharashtra Splendor Heritage Odyssey Route (7N/8D):
Delhi → Agra → Sawai Madhopur → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer → Jaipur → Delhi
Deccan Odyssey - Heritage Odyssesy Indian Odyssey (7N/8D):
Delhi → Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) → Jaipur → Agra → Udaipur → Vadodara → Ellora Caves → Mumbai
Deccan Odyssey - Indian Odyssey Cultural Odyssey Route (7N/8D):
Delhi → Sawai Madhopur → Jaipur → Agra → Varanasi → Khajuraho → Orchha → Delhi
Deccan Odyssey - Cultural Odyssey Indian Sojourn (7N/8D):
Mumbai → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Jaipur → Agra → Sawai Madhopur → Mumbai
Deccan Odyssey - Indian Sojourn Maharashtra Wild Trail (7N/8D):
Mumbai → Ellora Caves → Aurangabad → Pench → Tadoba → Ajanta Caves → Nashik → Mumbai
Deccan Odyssey - Maharashtra Wild Trail
Onboard vibe:
Spacious cabins with modern comforts, two restaurants serving diverse Indian and international cuisine, a well-stocked bar, relaxing Ayurvedic spa, onboard fitness center, dedicated conference car, and customizable meals for special dietary needs (on prior request)—all designed for seamless luxury across India’s western and southern heartlands.
Offboard highlights:
Ajanta and Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Sindhudurg Fort and beach walks, Hampi’s ancient ruins, Pattadakal and Aihole temples, Goa heritage walk and spice plantation, Bijapur’s Gol Gumbaz, Nashik vineyard tours and river ghats, Hyderabad’s Charminar and Falaknuma Palace, Udaipur’s City Palace, Jaipur’s Amber Fort, Agra’s Taj Mahal, and local bazaars in Aurangabad and Kolhapur.
Ideal for: Repeat India travelers, history buffs, those looking beyond the Taj.
Golden Chariot – Exploring Southern India in Style
Named by Vanity Fair as one of the seven best luxury trains in the world, the Golden Chariot is often considered South India’s crown jewel of royal rail travel. Operated by Karnataka Tourism and IRCTC, it blends heritage, comfort, and curated off-train experiences across the southern states.
Signature routes:
Pride of Karnataka (5N/6D):
Bengaluru → Nanjangud → Mysore → Halebidu → Chikmagalur → Hospet → Goa → Bengaluru
Golden Chariot - Pride of Karnataka Jewels of the South (5N/6D):
Bengaluru → Mysore → Kanchipuram → Mahabalipuram → Thanjavur → Chettinad → Cochin → Cherthala → Bengaluru
Golden Chariot - Jewels of South
Onboard vibe:
Deluxe Cabins and Suites with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and modern comforts. Two elegant restaurants serving Indian and international cuisine with veg/non-veg options. Bar lounge with premium spirits for relaxed evenings. Designed for a royal yet restful journey through South India.
Offboard highlights:
Mysore Palace, Bandipur National Park (safari), Hampi temple complex (UNESCO), Mahabalipuram shore temples, Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswara Temple, Chettinad mansions, Cochin’s Fort Kochi heritage walk, Kathakali performance, Alleppey backwater cruise (Kumarakom), Chikmagalur coffee estates, Halebidu temples, Goa’s churches and beaches.
Ideal for: Spiritual seekers, cultural connoisseurs, and nature lovers who want to explore South India’s temples, backwaters, tea estates, and wildlife.
Booking and Travel Tips for Luxury Train Tours in India
Planning to experience India’s luxury trains? Here’s what you need to know to make your trip smooth and hassle-free.
When’s the best time to travel?
October through March is prime time for luxury train journeys in India. The weather is cooler, making your trip far more comfortable. Plus, all four luxury trains — Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey, and Golden Chariot — run mostly during these months and are fully air-conditioned, so you can relax in comfort no matter the outside temperature.
Here’s a quick rundown of their schedules:
Palace on Wheels: September to April (with special offers available in September, making it a great time to book)
Maharajas’ Express: Late September to Early April
Deccan Odyssey: September to May
Golden Chariot: October to March
Book early to secure your spot
These luxury train journeys are in high demand and often sell out months in advance, especially during peak season. If you want your preferred dates or a specific route, don’t wait to book.
Exploring India’s heritage in style aboard the Deccan Odyssey luxury train. Picture Credit: Deccan Odyssey Visa essentials
Indian e-visas are accepted for most nationalities and easy to apply for online. Make sure you have your visa sorted well before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
Need help with your India visa? Check out our step-by-step visa guide for travelers.
What to pack?
Opt for smart casuals during the day. Since many trains host themed dinners and cultural evenings, bring along some Indian or semi-formal outfits to match the royal vibe onboard. Keep your packing light and smart, as cabin space is limited.
Explore our essential India Travel Guide for visa tips, smart packing advice, and everything you need to know before you go.
Why Choose WizTrek for Your Luxury Train Journey Across India?
Access exclusive deals, early bird discounts, and special offers you won’t find elsewhere.
Extend your trip with stays at heritage hotels or boutique retreats before or after your train journey.
Add wildlife safaris, spiritual tours, or beach escapes to create a personalized India itinerary.
We take care of all transfers, excursions, and logistics—so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Discover India’s finest luxury trains with the experts by your side. Contact WizTrek and start planning your luxury train journey today.
Email: hello@wiztrek.com
Whatsapp: +91-704-563-4889
Instagram DM: @WizTrek
Luxury Train India FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Are India’s luxury trains suitable for seniors and elderly travelers?
Yes. These trains are designed for comfort and ease. Cabins require minimal walking, and day excursions are paced carefully to accommodate all age groups, including seniors and those with limited mobility.
Are meals included on India’s luxury trains?
Yes. All meals—usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner—plus tea/coffee and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Gourmet menus feature Indian, continental, and regional specialties. Excursions generally include meals or refreshments.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard India’s luxury trains?
Wi-Fi is available on some trains, such as Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels, but coverage can be spotty due to remote routes. Many travelers use this time to disconnect and enjoy the journey.
What is the cancellation policy for luxury train bookings in India?
Cancellation policies vary depending on the train operator and booking terms. Booking through experienced agents like WizTrek helps clarify refund rules, rescheduling options, and ensures support if plans change.
Can I customize my luxury train itinerary in India?
Partially. The train routes are fixed, but you can customize by adding pre- or post-train stays (heritage hotels, boutique resorts) or side tours such as wildlife safaris, spiritual visits, or beach trips, arranged through your travel agent.
When is the best time to travel on India’s luxury trains?
October to March is the prime season, thanks to pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing. Most luxury trains operate mainly during these cooler months.
How far in advance should I book a luxury train in India?
Booking at least 3 to 6 months ahead is recommended, especially for peak travel periods or if you want specific cabins/suites.
What should I pack for an India luxury train journey?
Smart casual daytime clothes are perfect for onboard and excursions. For themed dinners, Indian or semi-formal attire is recommended. Pack light due to limited cabin storage; larger bags go in the luggage car.
Do I need a visa to travel on India’s luxury trains?
Yes. All international travelers must have a valid Indian visa before boarding. Most can apply for an e-visa online in advance.
Are luxury trains in India safe for solo travelers?
Yes. The trains have excellent security, professional staff, and a friendly atmosphere, making them safe and comfortable for solo travelers.
Is tipping expected on India’s luxury trains?
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. Gratuities are appreciated for good service, especially for personal butlers and guides.
What languages do the staff and guides speak on India’s luxury trains?
English is the primary language spoken by staff and guides. Some may also speak regional languages to enhance cultural explanations.
Are luxury trains in India wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot, and Deccan Odyssey all offer wheelchair-accessible cabins and facilities. These trains are equipped with ramps and trained staff to assist travelers with mobility needs. For the best experience, it’s recommended to provide advance notice when booking.
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