India is a diverse country that attracts visitors from around the world. It offers a great travel experience with friendly and hospitable people. To boost inbound tourism and attract more foreign visitors, the Indian tourism industry has introduced luxury trains. These trains redefine travel in India by providing royal hospitality, a comfortable atmosphere, and fine dining.
If you’re tired of flying to different domestic cities, luxury trains offer a refreshing alternative. They are beautifully designed to ensure a relaxing and elegant journey while showcasing India’s rich culture and traditions. The luxury train tours in India include Maharajas Express, Deccan Odyssey, Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Golden Chariot and many more. Learn more about these luxury trains in detail.
Top Luxury Trains in India
Maharaja Express
Maharajas’ Express is the best luxury train in India and one of the five most luxurious trains in the world. This half-a-mile long train offers top-notch service from skilled professionals, fully stocked bars, luxurious suites, and butler services. It is also one of the most expensive trains in India.
Tourists on board can enjoy the rich culture of India in a unique way on this premium train. Just for the record, it was voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, consecutively.
Maharaja Express Routes
The Maharajas’ Express runs on four different routes through some of India’s most beautiful and culturally rich areas. These routes mainly focus on the state of Rajasthan. Here are the four routes:
- The Heritage of India (6 Nights/7 Days): Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
- The Indian Panorama (6 Nights/7 Days): Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur – Sikri – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
- The Indian Splendour (6 Nights/ 7 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Balasinor – Mumbai
- Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days): Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
Maharaja Express Tariff
Maharajas’ Express Packages for Season 2024-25 (USD)
Itinerary | Rooming | Deluxe Cabin | Junior Suite | Suite | Presidential Suite |
The Indian Splendour (7 Days/ 6 Nights) | Adult Single Supplement | $7750 $5820 | $9940 $8950 | $14490 $14490 | $24890 $24890 |
The Heritage of India (7 Days/ 6 Nights) | Adult Single Supplement | $8130 $6100 | $10390 $9360 | $14490 $14490 | $24890 $24890 |
The Indian Panorama (7 Days/ 6 Nights) | Adult Single Supplement | $7750 $5820 | $9940 $8950 | $14490 $14490 | $24890 $24890 |
Treasures of India (4 Days/ 3 Nights) | Adult Single Supplement | $4890 $3670 | $5200 $4680 | $7980 $7980 | $13550 $13550 |
Operational Months: October to April
Food: Vegetarian food and eggs are served here
Palace On Wheels
Palace on Wheels is a luxury train in India that was renovated and relaunched in 2009 to boost tourism. It features luxurious cabins, beautiful wallpapers, a well-stocked bar, and friendly service. The train showcases local culture through paintings and handicrafts, creating an experience similar to traveling in a royal palace. It was voted the 4th best luxury train in the world, making it one of the finest royal trains in India. If you want a luxurious trip to Rajasthan, this is the best choice!
Palace on Wheels Routes
The Palace on Wheels is a train trip that begins and ends in Delhi. It takes 8 days and 7 nights to complete the journey, which includes 7 stops. At each stop, tourists can take city tours.
Operational Months: September to April
Route: Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
Foods: Choose from vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options in Chinese, Continental, and Indian cuisines
Key Attractions Covered by this Train
- Delhi: India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
- Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Rajasthali, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
- Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh: Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort
- Udaipur: Jag Niwas, Lake Pichhola
- Jaisalmer: Yellow Sandstone Fort, ancient mansions
- Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort, grand palaces, shopping tour
- Bharatpur: Keoladeo Ghana National Park
- Agra: Fatehpur-Sikri, Taj Mahal
Palace on Wheels Tariff
Foreign Passport Holders (in USD)
Category | Sept. 2024 & April 2025 (Per Night) | Oct. 2024 to March 2025 (Per Night) (Except December 2024) | December 2024 (Per Night) |
Presidential Suite (Per Cabin) | USD 3,223 | USD 3,510 | USD 3,894 |
Super Deluxe (Per Cabin) | USD 2,629 | USD 2,748 | USD 2,972 |
Single Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | USD 1,328 | USD 1,501 | USD 1,696 |
Double Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | USD 864 | USD 976 | USD 1,103 |
Indian Nationals (in INR)
Category | Sept. 2024 & April 2025 (Per Night) | Oct. 2024 to March 2025 (Per Night) (Except December 2024) | December 2024 (Per Night) |
Presidential Suite (Per Cabin) | INR 267,509 | INR 291,330 | INR 323,202 |
Super Deluxe (Per Cabin) | INR 218,207 | INR 228,084 | INR 246,676 |
Single Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | INR 110,224 | INR 124,583 | INR 140,768 |
Double Occupancy Deluxe Cabin(Per Pax) | INR 71,712 | INR 81,008 | INR 91,549 |
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a train that takes you through the rich culture of Rajasthan. As you travel, you will see the beautiful forts and palaces in the state, which may make you long for the past. You can feel the bravery and hospitality of the Rajput people as soon as you board the train. The train combines the charm of history with the comforts of a luxury hotel. It features elegant cabins, lounges, and bars where you can enjoy your journey in style.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Routes
The train starts from Delhi, visiting major tourist spots along the way, in 7 nights and 8 days. The route is as follows.
Routes: Delhi – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Agra – Delhi
The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey is a luxury train inspired by the travel style of ancient Indian kings. It is a 5-star hotel on wheels that takes you to interesting places in India. Passengers enjoy royal treatment and stay in cabin interiors that resemble a palace. The train features multi-cuisine restaurants, lounges, a conference car, an onboard spa, and other modern amenities. This makes it one of the best luxury trains in India and around the world.
The Deccan Odyssey Routes
The Deccan Odyssey offers 6 exciting journeys to some of India’s best destinations. It runs from October to April, and each journey lasts 7 nights and 8 days. The routes are:
- Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nashik – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
- Indian Odyssey: Delhi- Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park- Agra- Jaipur- Udaipur- Vadodara- Aurangabad- Ellora Caves- Mumbai
- Hidden Treasures of Gujarat: Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir – Somnath – Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera – Patan – Nashik – Mumbai
- Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi
- Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
- Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Pench (Ramtek) – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
Operational Months: October to April
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Foods: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices in Indian and continental cuisines
The Deccan Odyssey Tariff
Foreign Passport Holders (in USD)
Occupancy Type | Deluxe Cabins Season 2024 – 2025 | Presidential Suite Season 2024 – 2025 |
Single Occupancy | $ 8,330 | $ 17,850 |
Twin / Double Occupancy | $ 11,900 | $ 17,850 |
02 Children (in a separate Cabin) | Price on Request | Price on Request |
Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot is a luxury train in India that takes you to popular tourist spots in South India. It started operating in 2008 and is known for its excellent service. The train features air-conditioned cabins with beautiful interiors, bars, restaurants serving various cuisines, a mini gym, an Ayurveda spa, and other five-star amenities. Many travelers consider it one of the best luxury trains in India. In 2013, it was awarded as ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train.’
Golden Chariot Routes
The Golden Chariot operates from October to March and has three different routes in southern India as follows;
- Jewels of South (5 Nights/6 Days): This tour lasts six days, starting from Bengaluru. You will visit Mysuru, Hampi, Kabini River, Hassan, Badami, and Goa before returning to Bengaluru.
- Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days): This tour also starts from Bengaluru and takes you to Bandipur, Mysuru, Dwarasamudra, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Pattadakal, Aihole, and Goa, before heading back to Bengaluru.
- Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days): This trip lasts four days and begins in Bengaluru. You will visit Bandipur, Mysuru, and Hampi before returning to Bengaluru.
Operational Months: October to March
Duration: (5 Nights / 6 Days) or (3 Nights / 4 Days)
Food: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available
Golden Chariot Tariff
Tariff For Seasons 2024-25 and 2025-26
Occupancy Type | Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights/6 Days) | Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights/4 Days) | Jewels of South (5 Nights/6 Days) |
Deluxe Cabin | $ 4740 | $ 3160 | $ 4740 |
Single Supplement | $ 3560 | $ 2370 | $ 3560 |
Royal Orient Train
Travel in style with the Royal Orient Train and explore famous tourist spots in India. This luxury train offers an extraordinary experience that combines comfort and elegance. It stands out as one of the best royal trains in India.
The Royal Orient Train features comfortable cabins inspired by palaces, friendly staff, a restaurant serving various cuisines, a bar called the “Watering Hole,” spacious restrooms, a library, and many other amenities you would expect in a 5-star hotel. This train is perfect for planning luxurious trips.
Royal Orient Train Routes
The Royal Orient Train operates all year round for 7 nights and 8 days. During the journey, you can see various city attractions along the way.
Route: Delhi – Chittorgarh/Udaipur -Junagarh/Veraval- Sasan Gir/Dilwara – Palitana- Sarkhej- Ahmedabad- Jaipur- Delhi
- Delhi: Visit Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and India Gate.
- Chittorgarh/Udaipur: Explore Chittorgarh Fort, City Palace, enjoy boating in Lake Pichhola, visit Shilpgram, and relax in the Royal Gardens.
- Junagarh/Veraval: See the Ashokan Rock EDICT from the 3rd Century BC, visit the Darbar Hall Museum and the Mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khanji, and check out the Somnath Temple by the Arabian Sea.
- Sasan Gir National Park: Experience the Lion Sanctuary.
- Dilwara: Visit St. Paul’s Church and Mandir Beach.
- Palitana: Explore the Jain Temple atop Shatrunjaya Hills.
- Ahmedabad: Visit Gandhi Ashram, Calico Museum of Textiles, and Sidi Sayyad’s Mosque.
- Jaipur: Explore Amar Fort with an elephant ride, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar (observatory).
Royal Orient Tariff
Starting fares per cabin per person for one night on twin sharing basis from October-March
For international travelers: US$200 + Service tax
For Indian travelers: INR 7,480 + Service tax
Starting fares per cabin per person for one night on twin sharing basis from April-September
For international travelers: US$150 + Service tax
For Indian travelers: N.A.
Fairy Queen Express
The Fairy Queen Express is one of the oldest luxury trains in India. It uses a steam locomotive built around 1855, giving it a unique charm. The train travels to Alwar in Rajasthan. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records and has won a National Tourism Award, making it one of the most luxurious trains in India.
Route: Delhi – Alwar – Sariska- Alwar – Delhi
Operational Months: October to March on 2nd & 4th Saturdays
Duration: 1 Night / 2 Days
Conclusion
When you plan your next trip, consider traveling on one of India’s luxury trains. These journeys offer unique and unforgettable experiences. Check out the list of luxury trains in India and plan your visit for a luxurious adventure and unforgettable memories!
Riding on these luxury trains will be a dream if you love royal history. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the best luxury trains in India mentioned above.
Please note: The routes, schedules, boarding and deboarding points, and tariffs for luxury train tours in India mentioned in this article may change based on the Government of India’s directions, with prior notice.