Top Luxury Trains in India

Traveling by bus, air, or sea have their own perks, but nothing matches the beauty and the feel of traveling by a train. From the hustle and bustle of chai-wallahs and various other refreshments, to sharing dabbas with fellow passengers, all while traveling through the scenic routes full of mountains, rivers, tunnels and modern infrastructure, nothing beats traveling by train, well nothing except, traveling by luxury trains. With perfectly crafted itineraries and activities, traveling in an Indian luxury train will give you an unforgettable and incomparable experience, that is a must at least once in a life-time.

Below is a list of the top luxury trains in India that would give any premium five-star hotel a run for their money:

Maharajas’ Express

Mayur Mahal Restaurant aboard the Maharajas’ Express
Image Credit: Maharajas’ Express Official Website

Presidential Suite on the Maharajas’ Express
Image Credit: Maharajas’ Express Official Website

Maharajas’ Express’ Safari Bar
Image Credit: Maharajas’ Express Official Website

Awarded by the World Travel Awards, the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” title for seven (7) consecutive years from 2012 to 2018, this luxury train has to be at the top of your list. Taking you through various Forts, Palaces and Heritage Places, the Maharajas’ express has redefined luxury travel experience of Incredible India to another level. Apart from private butlers, this luxury train boasts of private washrooms, lavish bedrooms, plush lounges and a regal dining area.

Additional Information –

Operational Months – Operates from October to April.
Tours with Routes and their duration–
- The Heritage of India: Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri – Agra, Delhi (07 days/06 nights).
- The Indian Panorama: Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri – Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Lucknow, Delhi (07 days/06 nights).
- Treasure of India: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Delhi (04 days/03 nights).
- The Indian Splendor: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai (07 days/06 nights).
Cost – The cost of traveling ranges from INR 2.5 Lac to INR 4.5 Lac approximately.

Also Read: Partnered with Maharajas’ Express and Golden Chariot as their PSA

Fairy Queen Express

Wish to experience the old school charm of traveling in a train with steam powered locomotive engine? Then search no more!! The Fairy Queen Express is here to fulfill your wish. Mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records for the oldest locomotive engine running – built in 1855, and a recipient of National Tourism Awards, Fairy Queen Express sure does stand out in our list. This queen heritage luxury train, accommodates up-to 50 passengers on board its two (2) day journey. It offers all meals with tea and coffee provided on board or in hotels.

Additional Information –

Operational months – Operates from October to March (only on 2^nd and 4^th Saturdays of the month).
Routes – Delhi, Alwar – Sariska – Alwar – Delhi.
Cost – The cost of full package, (which includes the train journey, sightseeing in Alwar and Sariska, one night stay at Sariska, and Govt. Service Tax), for Adults is approx. INR 15,200 and for Children of age 5-12 years is INR 7,550.

Deccan Odyssey

Interiors of the Deccan Odyssey luxurious passenger train
Image Credit: CRS PHOTO

Delicious Indian food for tourist at Peshwa Restaurant on board the Deccan Odyssey Train.
Image Credit: CRS PHOTO

Gym on board the Deccan odyssey Train
Image Credit: Deccan Odyssey Official Website

With palace like interiors, onboard spa, multi-cuisine restaurants, and state of the art amenities, this luxury train will leave you awestruck with its grandeur. Managed by the Taj Group of Hotels, and an initiative of Maharashtra State Tourism, the Deccan Odyssey lets you experience the marvel of the Maratha Kingdom through various destinations. With a perfect blend of luxury and hospitality, this luxury train takes you through historical monuments, beaches, ancient caves, and gives you a taste of authentic India.

Additional Information –

Operational months – Operates from October to April.
Tours with routes and their duration –
- Maharashtra Splendour: Mumbai – Nashik – Ellora Cave – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai (08 days/07 nights).
- Indian Odyssey: New Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai (08 days/07 nights).
- Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Delhi (08 days/07 nights).
- Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Pench (Ramtek) – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai (08 days/07 nights).
- Hidden Treasures of Gujarat: Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir – Somnath – Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera – Patan – Nashik – Mumbai (08 days/07 nights).
- Jewels of The Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai (08 days/07 nights).
Cost – The cost of traveling ranges from INR 5.4 Lac to INR 11.8 Lac for Indian travelers and USD 7.3K to USD 15.8K for International travelers.

Also Read: A List Of 10 Historic And Iconic Oldest Railway Stations In India

The Golden Chariot

One of the restaurants onboard the Golden Chariot Express
Image Credit: The Golden Chariot Official Website

Onboard Bar
Image Credit: The Golden Chariot Official Website

**Onboard Spa**
**Image Credit: The Golden Chariot Official Website**

Awarded the “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in the year 2013, the Gold Chariot, styled after the Mysore Palace reflects the elements of unspoilt luxury. It is truly an exquisite work of art. With the initiative of the Karnataka State Tourism, you can truly travel like the kings and royalties of the era by-gone. Providing you with breakfast in bed, and other exclusive facilities like an Ayurveda spa and a mini gym, the Golden Chariot truly stands out in our list.

Additional Information –

Operational Months – Operates from October to March.
Tours with routes and their duration are–
- Glimpses of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru (04 days/03 nights).
- Jewels of South: Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad – Kanyakumari – Kumarakom – Cochin – Bengaluru (07 days/06 nights).
- Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hampi – Badami – Goa – Bengaluru (07 days/06 nights).
Cost – The cost of traveling ranges from INR 50K to INR 5.6 Lac for Indian travelers and USD 700 to USD 7.3K for International travelers.

Palace On Wheels

One of the restaurants onboard the Palace On Wheels
Image Credit: Palace On Wheel Official Website

Personal cabin onboard the Palace On Wheels
Image Credit: Palace On Wheel Official Website

Once used by Nizams, Maharajas and the Viceroys of India, the Palace on Wheels is the original luxury train of India. This luxury train has charmed both the Indians and the International travelers alike. Promoted by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, it travels through the heart of Rajasthan along with Delhi and Agra. Decorated with handicrafts and exquisite paintings, Palace on Wheels has earned the reward of the “Worlds 4^th Best Luxury train.”

Additional Information –

Operational Months – Operates from September to April.
Routes – Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra + Fatehpur Sikri – Delhi (08 days/07 nights).
Cost – The cost of traveling ranges from INR 37K to 9.4 Lac for Indian travelers and USD 550 to 13.8K for International travelers.

Royal Orient Train

Running between Gujarat and Rajasthan, this royal ride was modeled after the Palace on Wheels. Equipped with a library, this train is perfect for travelers who share the passion of reading and traveling alike. Furnished with palatial style cabins with spacious baths attached, the coaches provide its travelers with a five-star like experience. If that is not enough, each coach has traditionally dressed “Khidmatgars” (attendants) available at your service always.

Additional Information –

Operational months – Operates from September to April (every Wednesday of the week).
Routes – Delhi – Chittaurgarh/ Udaipur – Mehsana – Ahmedabad – Sassan Gir – Ahmedpur Mandovi / Diu – Palitana – Udaipur/ Ranakpur – Delhi (08 days/07 nights).
Cost – The cost of traveling varies from INR 21K to 1.2 Lac approximately.

Royal Rajasthan On Wheels

Ever wanted to walk the red carpet? Well, your wait is over! The Royal Rajasthan On Wheels greets you with a grand musical event including a red carpet. The Rajasthani warmth and hospitality shines through the interiors of the train. Moreover. the highlight of this train is the Souvenir Coach, where you can find all sorts of handcrafted apparels, products such as utensils and cutlery, hand made jewellery, leather wallets, leather photo frames, etc.

Additional Information –

Operational months – Operates from September to April.
Routes – New Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore Jungle & Chittor Fort – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur & Agra – New Delhi (08 days/07 nights).
Cost – The cost of travelling varies from INR 2.7 Lac to 7.5 Lac for Indian travelers and USD 4.5K to 12.6K for International travelers.

Heritage on Wheels

Bored of the major cities and the usual tours around Rajasthan? How about going away from all the chaos of the touristy cities while traveling like a royal? Experience untouched and undiscovered locations like Gajner and Tal Chhapar Sanctuaries, where you can witness the majestic herds of Black Bucks galloping around in their natural habitat. Also modeled after the Palace on Wheels, Heritage on Wheels focuses on taking you away to the real Rajasthan, full of art and culture, yet not influenced by royalty overtly.

Additional Information –

Operational months – Operates year round every Tuesday and Friday.
Routes – Delhi – Bikaner – Jaipur – Dholpur/Agra – Delhi(05 days/04 nights)
Cost – The cost of travelling varies from USD 250 per person per night to USD 500 per person per night.

Explore the rich culture and heritage of our country in ways not possible otherwise. From mind blowing grandeur to unbeatable hospitality, there is nothing that these luxury trains don’t offer. Be it majestic interiors or unmatched class, every aspect of traveling by them is sure to take you back in time. Traveling could not get any more luxurious than this! So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Akbartravels.com and book your tickets to these amazing luxury trains and travel in the lap of luxury like the royalty you are.

If you are someone looking to make your own travel brand, how about becoming a licensed IRCTC agent with Akbartravels? Becoming an agent is easy and can be done from the comfort of your home. Moreover, you get the added benefit of earning high commissions on every bookings you make.

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Prisca Vaniyapilly

Travel is in Prisca’s DNA, and she is always looking to explore new places and share those experiences through writing. Off the page, she spends her free time baking, nurturing her garden, and enjoying long movie marathons to unwind and relax.