Redefining Luxury Through The Trains Of India
Since its inception between Roorkie and Piran Kaliyar in 1851 by the British East India Company, the Indian Railways have come a long way and grown to be one of the world’s largest railway networks. The most noteworthy feature of the Indian Railways, however, is its offering of luxury trains. To promote tourism in various parts of the country, these trains are as close as one can get to grandeur and luxury, with gyms, spas, and all the mod-cons. Read on to see five of India’s most luxurious trains.
Palace On Wheels – Running since 1982, Relaunched in 2009
Train Route: New Delhi – Jaipur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Agra
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Price: INR 2 Lakh/Person
Experience the splendid and enchanted royal journey of the golden Rajasthan on board the Palace on Wheels. The train boasts of two grand dining cars aptly named Maharajah and Maharani Hall, luxurious cabins, bars, a spa and to top it all, exquisite interiors. With personal attendants, private quarters and grand bedchambers, the Palace on Wheels truly does justice to its name.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels – Running Since 2009
Train Route: Safdarjung – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Jaipur – Banaras – Agra
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Price: INR 3.8 Lakh/Person
Experience royal-like leisure travel across the ‘Land of Kings’ with Royal Rajasthan. From the very onset of the journey, one can witness the true colors of Rajasthan, provided by amazing architecture, fascinating festivals and age-old traditions. Embroidered in contemporary regal décor, the interiors, and overall journey is sure to make you feel like a king.
Maharajas’ Express – Running Since 2010
Train Route: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai (Indian Splendour Tour)
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Price: INR 4 Lakh/Person
This half-mile-long train redefines luxury and comfort and is a definite ticket to an unsurpassed experience. On board the Maharajas’ Express, one can indulge in the beautifully crafted ambiance of the Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal dining halls, a perfect recipe for a soul-soothing experience, and the Rajah Club-Lounge Car for recreational activities such as a library and board games. Embark on the world’s leading luxury train and experience a journey like no other through the magical land of India.
Deccan Odyssey – Started in 2014
Train Route: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves (Jewels Of Deccan Tour)
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Price: INR 3.5 Lakh/Person
Also known as the Blue Limousine on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey offers a rich and soulful journey across the grand Deccan corridor of incredible India. This 12-year-old train offers a wide array of facilities such as a spa, conference rooms plus brilliantly decorated dining halls named Peshwa I and II. The dining halls feature stewards dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire to enrich the authenticity of the rich experience. The train also offers a great scenic view while it cruises across the Western Ghats, with the green mountains and waterfalls of the region forming a picturesque scene for the travelers on board.
Golden Chariot – Started in 2008
Train Route: Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Belur – Hampi – Goa
Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Price: INR 2.2 Lakh/Person
Named after the Stone Chariot of Hampi, the train stands tall as the only luxury train of the kaleidoscopic magical land of Southern India. Offering a mix of heritage, culture, wildlife and beach life, this train journey appeals to people with a wide variety of interests. The plush and royal interiors are a perfect example of how the train blends elegance and modern refinements. Golden Chariot is a promising way of traversing across the colorful land, making it a rich and unforgettable experience.
So get your bags ready and ride across the incredible land of India in the most luxurious way possible, for it’s not always the destination but also the means to reach the destination that create the magic and gives us memories.
‘For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.’ – Robert Louis Stevenson