Redefining Luxury Through The Trains Of India

| © Simon Pielow/Flickr
Vivek Vyas

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.

Palace on Wheels docked at Jaipur

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.

Deluxe Suite Aboard The Royal Rajasthan
Nothing less than a Royal Feast

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.

Soak in the Sublime experience aboard the Maharajah Express
Stewards Stand to Welcome Aboard Maharajah Express
Couples Enjoy A Drink Amidst the Fragile Hospitality

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.

In Transit: Magic On Wheels

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.

Fitness In Transit

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article