History of luxury train traveling in India dated back to the days of British Raj and introduction of railways in India. Back then, Maharajas of India fell head over heel in love with James Watt's creation. As royalty, the princely rulers expected to be surrounded by the trappings of their status even when on the move.
Born into royalty and adorned with rubies and jewels, maharajas of India were certainly a breed apart from their counterparts. Vying with each other to create the most luxurious carriages, the maharajas installed salons and billiard rooms, private suites, and even air conditioning - made from electric fans that blew air over blocks of ice. If one maharaja gifted his son a personal narrow gauge toy train to celebrate his birthday, others were content in miniature rail carriages made of silver to ferry cuisines and drinks on the sprawling dining table during royal feasts.
Ever since the introduction of Palace on Wheels in 1982, modern luxury rail journey has come a long way in India. Nowadays, an array of luxury trains operates on different routes and offers a manifestation of kaleidoscope of India. Each of these opulent luxury train tours have been designed to provide best of the traditional and the contemporary. These tourist trains provide whirlwind tour across some of the most enthralling destinations in India and are one of the most effective ways to discover the untold wealth of this country making them exciting options when it comes to vacations in India.
Interiors of these luxury trains recreate the elegance and affluence of the personal cabins of erstwhile Maharajas of India whereas the contemporary amenities and impeccable service ensure that a lavish stay akin to 5 star hotels is offered on board these cruise trains. The itineraries of these trains are meticulously planned to bring out diverse colors, rich heritage and vibrant culture of India and illumine and enrich the guests when it comes to irresistible allure of Incredible India. Enjoy some of the best rail journeys of world courtesy Indian luxury trains.
Palace on Wheels
Introduced in 1982 to promote tourism in Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels remains the most revered luxury trains in India. Taking its cue from the personal carriages used by the erstwhile maharajas of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels recreates the romance and opulence of a bygone era. Palace on Wheels has 14 aesthetically appointed carriages each named after a princely state of Rajasthan. The motif of each cabin is manifestation of the unique culture and heritage of that particular princely state. Besides, Palace on Wheels is equipped with world class amenities which include restaurants and bar offering gourmet dining experience. Other facilities on the train include personal butler, television, telephones, lounge, souvenir shop and a spa salon to add to the luxury and pampering of the guests.
Itinerary: Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra.
Duration: 8 day and 7 nights.
The Indian Maharaja
Offering extravagant journey across select destinations in West and North India, the Indian Maharaja Train is this year’s winner of the coveted World Travel Award for Asia’s Best Luxury Train. Offer enchanting voyage across some of the most alluring landscapes and destinations which include an array of World Heritage Sites in India and cultural excursions, the luxury rail journey on board the Indian Maharaja is a passage through time in the lap of sheer opulence. Embark on a luxury train journey drenched in opulence with interiors reminiscent of elegance of imperial past and state of the art amenities to match the comfort and luxury of 5 star hotels. Impeccable service and tastefully selected destinations and off-train excursion make for an unforgettable holiday on board the Indian Maharaja.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
Maharajas Express
One of the most expensive luxury trains around, Maharajas Express is touted to be the India’s answer to the Orient Express of the West. The unparalleled finesse, contemporary amenities, impeccable service and quaint décor add to an ethereal odyssey on board this luxury train in India. Maharajas Express offer 6 times the luxury unseen previously in any luxury tourist train services anywhere in the world. The lavish presidential suite of the train offers a stately accommodation to match the opulence worthy of erstwhile Maharajas of India. There are 14 guest carriages featuring 43 cabins in total and which includes 20 deluxe cabins, 18 junior suites, 4 suites and 1 truly classy Presidential Suite spanning over whole carriage. The train also offers 4 itineraries to let you choose the best way to discover and explore the treasure trove and amazing concoction of kaleidoscope of India. Mouth tingling cuisines served in remarkable dining cars and a bar coach with tasteful selection of finest labels of wines and liquors along with facilities such as spa, gym and en-suite facilities such as safe, bathroom, telephone and LCD television ad to the élan and pampering of a luxury ride unwitnessed in any part of the world.
Royal India Tour Itinerary: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Vadodara and Mumbai.
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights.
Classical India Tour Itinerary: Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Varanasi, Lucknow and Delhi.
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights.
Princely India Tour Itinerary: Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, and Delhi.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
Royal Sojourn Tour Itinerary: Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, Ranthambore, Agra and Delhi.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
Deccan Odyssey
This luxury train chugs across fascinating destinations in Deccan Plateau in the state of Maharashtra to showcase the rich heritage and myriad colors of this Maratha state. An array of World Heritage Sites, cultural tours, voyage through Konkan coast and finally the sun and sand paradise Goa makes a dream itinerary come true as you chart a passage through time on board this train. The train with its aesthetically appointed 11 guest cabins, restaurant and bar facility and amenities such as fitness center and spa saloon recreate a stately ambience and round the clock hospitality ensure that you get a taste of royalty as you uncover the remarkable mélange of Indian kaleidoscope.
Itinerary: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora and then back to Mumbai.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Launched on the cues of immense success of Palace on Wheels train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels provide journey through time and places in the ‘Land of Maharajas’ Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra, Varanasi and Khajuraho to flaunt the magnificent architectural marvels and ancient spirituality of India. Designed to imbibe the imperial ambience of the coaches used by maharajas of Rajasthan, the appointed interiors radiate unblemished panache and supreme luxury. Traditional elegance and contemporary sophistication fuse flawlessly to conjure the romance and intrigue of princely living and 5 star luxuries. Gourmet cuisines, round the clock valet, spa salon, fitness center, LCD television and telephones along with impeccable service on board and red carpet welcome maintained throughout the itinerary ensures that you get to savor a truly royal journey in sheer opulence.
Itinerary: New Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Agra and New Delhi.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
The Golden Chariot
Uncover the amazing diversity and gems of South India as you embark on two meticulously crafted journeys on board this Indian luxury train. While Pride of the South journey cuts across destinations in Karnataka, Southern Splendor lets you uncover and explore the treasure troves of South India on the whole. Named after the famous Stone Chariots in Hampi, the Golden Chariot is the only luxury train offering enchanting journeys across destinations in South India. With services and facilities at par with the trains such as the Orient Express and Rovos Rail, this luxury train in India lets you rediscover the art of elegant traveling. Destinations covered by this train include Bangalore, Kabini, Hospet, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Alappuzha, Thanjavur and Kochi among others. An array of World Heritage Sites, a dash of wildlife, cultural excursions, temple and monuments and charming beaches and backwaters ensure that you have the time of your life as the vibrant culture and breathtaking diversity of South India comes alive with the Golden Chariot train travel in India.
Pride of the South Itinerary: Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Kabini, Badami, Goa and Bangalore.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
Splendor of the South Itinerary: Bangalore, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Madurai, Thiruvananthapuram, Poovar, Kochi and Kerala Backwaters.
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights.
