7 Best Luxury Trains In India

luxury trains in india
Deanna
Deanna 
Published
| 3 min read

Palatial rides are not unusual in the Indian subcontinent and luxury train companies in India take to their purpose very seriously indeed. India is home to some of the most expensive train rides in the world today. The pomp and splendor of the country’s celebrated rail journeys rival Europe’s finest. The travel coaches and routes described here are fit for royalty. In fact, all these trains have been decorated and equipped to provide guests an experience of the height of the wealth and influence of the Maharajas. It only takes one ticket purchase for an extraordinary experience of a lifetime. Here are some of the best luxury trains in India.

1. Golden Chariot

Golden Chariot Dining
Source: Photo by Flickr user Luxury Train Club used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Luxury is redefined for you with a customized tour of South India’s heritage sites, temples & palaces, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Golden Chariot’s remarkable itinerary is designed to give passengers unequaled access to Goa, Nagarhole, Hampi, Pattadakal, Belur & Halebid, some of India’s most celebrated tourist destinations. Impeccable service all through a journey of seven nights, culinary delights, and saloons furnished in the lavish Hoysala and Mysore traditions leave passengers wanting for nothing. The Golden Chariot has a gym on board and offer guests healing Ayurvedic massage. From Bengaluru, The Golden Chariot offers you the full splendor of the south.

The Golden Chariot

Website: The Golden Chariot

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2. Maharajas' Express

Maharajas' Express Luxury Train (India) - Restaurant
Source: Photo by Flickr user Luxury Train Club used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Maharajas’ Express received the World Travel Awards “World’s Leading Luxury Train” distinction six years in a row. The presidential suite named Navratna (Nine Precious Jewels) looks as if it belongs to a palace, not a train rolling on a track. A red carpet interior makes everyone on board feel like prince and princess. From Delhi, you can board this luxury train southbound to see the Taj Mahal (Agra) and places of spiritualism and cultural diversification such as Orchha, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Varanasi, and more. The Maharajas Express is a five-star hotel in every respect.

Maharajas' Express

Website: Maharajas’ Express

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3. Deccan Odyssey

The Indian Maharaja, Deccan Odyssey - Beauty Salon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Simon Pielow used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Deccan Odyssey’s tasteful grandiosity is an homage to the might of the Maharajas of India in the 16th century. The luxury train is a project of Maharashtra Tourism and cover primarily Maharashtra along with some other places in the neighboring states such Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Goa. The services provided during the journey represent various cultural traditions. A journey on board not only takes you to luxurious heights in one of India’s finest trains. It also takes you to exotic locations and places that showcase India’s culture and contributions to world heritage. Charter rides area available to groups who wish to experience Incredible India aboard a luxury train.

Deccan Odyssey

Website: Deccan Odyssey

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4. Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels Jaipur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rainer Haeßner used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Palace on Wheels is the most affordable luxury train in India. Its coaches are inspired replica of the interiors of royal estates. Palace on Wheels may be more affordable but it still provides top of the line rail services. After all, it has to live up to being the original Indian luxury train. An eight-day journey in Deluxe and Super Deluxe cabins is the best way to travel to Agra and Rajasthan. You’ll have an exclusive butler attend to your every need. The train pulls travel coaches that once housed Nizams and princes. To this day, the services delivered by Palace on Wheels staff are centered on pampering guests and giving them an experience of a lifetime.

Palace on Wheels

Website: Palace on Wheels

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5. Heritage On Wheels

Palace on Wheels- Cabin
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user javedqureshifj used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Desert Triangle Tour offered by Heritage Palace On Wheels takes five days and four nights, a shortened route from the standard Palace on Wheels itinerary. This Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways offering takes place on historical train coaches named after the region’s key cities and brings travelers to Delhi, Bikaner, Jaipur, Dholpur and Agra. The tour brings the colors and traditions of Rajasthan closer to passengers, with stops at ancient forts, palaces, and monuments. The extravagance and comfort of Palace on Wheels services accompany Heritage passengers from start to finish.

Heritage On Wheels

Website: Heritage On Wheels

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6. Fairy Queen Express

Fairy Queen Engine
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ramesh lalwani used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Fairy Queen’s coal-fired engine still works, making it the oldest steam locomotive in the world still on the circuit. This heritage train is a national treasure of India and listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Built in 1855, it was christened “East Indian Railway Nr. 22”. This heritage train calls the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum its home, but there are time when it rolls out to pull luxury coaches for an exclusive journey to Rajasthan. For two days and one night, the Steam Express of India brings passengers to Delhi’s best sites and to the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary in Alwar.

Fairy Queen Express

Website: Fairy Queen Express

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7. Royal Orient

Pink City, Jaipur, India (21003228210)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Aleksandr Zykov used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Gujarat’s coastal attractions and wildlife, and Rajasthan cities and pilgrimage sites are the key stops of the Royal Orient Luxury Train. You’re in for a fascinating journey stepped in history and clad in opulence. When you purchase a ticket for the eight days and seven nights’ ride, you are signing up for a royal experience. Sightseeing is the primary objective, but your comfort is also a top priority for the staff. All its lovely coaches offer five-star quality accommodations and round the clock services.

Royan Orient Luxury Train

Website: Royal Orient Luxury Train

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Go on a princely train ride

A luxury train ride usually means plush seats and gourmet meals. India knows how to take it up a few notches. If you can imagine coaches decorated and equipped for the kings and queens, then you are prepared well enough for the splendid time you’ll spend on India’s best luxury trains.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Deanna Kathrina, a pediatric physical therapist specializing in neurodevelopmental disability, serves as a teacher and advocate. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys the company of music and aspires...Read more

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