Travel bucket list 101: Four luxury train experiences in India you cannot miss

All the trains are equipped with modern facilities such as gourmet dining, bars, smoke detection systems, and even smart cabins (in some). Here are four of the most popular luxury trains that will take you on a royal adventure:

1. The Maharajas’ Express

Imagine waking up in a plush cabin with silk upholstery, being treated to a scrumptious meal in a chandelier-lit restaurant car, and spending your day exploring ancient forts and palaces. This is what a typical day aboard the Maharajas’ Express looks like.

Touted as the most luxurious train in India, it takes travelers through Rajasthan’s regal cities. You can choose from four itineraries and board either from Delhi or Mumbai, depending on the package you select.

The train was named the World’s Leading Luxury Train by the World Travel Awards for seven consecutive years (2012–2018).

Travel packages start at ₹4,34,880 per person for Deluxe Cabin in twin sharing for full journey, and similarly ₹3,28,380 per person for single occupancy Deluxe Cabin.

2. The Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is another gem in the luxury travel landscape, paying homage to Rajasthan’s royal heritage and Rajput legacy. From state-of-the-art interiors and iconic hospitality to modern comforts, it offers it all.

The train tours through Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and the desert dunes of Jaisalmer—complete with camel rides, cultural shows, and candlelit dinners under the stars.

Travel packages start at ₹80,000 per night per person in double occupancy and ₹1,23,100 per night for single occupancy.

 

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3. Deccan Odyssey

If you want to witness the magnificence of the Maratha dynasty, there’s no better option than the Deccan Odyssey. It offers six different itineraries, including routes through the vineyards of Nashik, the beaches of Goa, and the Ajanta–Ellora caves.

Besides its jaw-dropping interiors and world-class hospitality, the train also features a mini gymnasium, a conference hall, and an Ayurvedic spa. Each journey is a feast for the senses, complete with gourmet cuisine, fine wines, and rejuvenating treatments.

Travel packages start at ₹6,87,000 per person for Deluxe Cabin in twin sharing,  for full journey and ₹17,60,000 per person for Presidential Suite.

4. Golden Chariot

 

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The Golden Chariot, touted as the most popular luxury train in South India, is a classy window into the region’s rich cultural tapestry and natural marvels. Styled in Dravidian ethos, it captures the soul of southern India in sheer elegance.

Its restaurants draw inspiration from the architectural ruins of Hampi and Halebidu temples, serving regal banana leaf feasts alongside modern delicacies.

You can choose from six itineraries and explore the cultural lanes of Mysore, Hampi, Badami, Thanjavur, and more.

Travel packages start at ₹265,440 per person for a shorter route and ₹398,160 per person for the longer journey.