India boasts the largest rail network, connecting nearly every city across the country. It’s often said that to truly experience India, one should embark on a train journey. With its diverse culture and extensive history, India offers an unforgettable experience to travelers. To enhance the visit of people exploring India, the Indian Railways, in collaboration with the hospitality and tourism industry, has introduced several luxury trains. These trains aim to provide passengers with a glimpse into India’s culture, history, rich biodiversity, and rural life while indulging in the comforts akin to a five-star hotel.
These luxury trains operate between various tourist destinations and offer accommodation facilities at these destinations, providing a blend of local experiences and sightseeing opportunities. These experiences are curated to immerse travelers in India’s vibrant culture and offer an exclusive and lavish way to explore the country. Below are details about the luxury trains operating in India, each offering its unique route and experiences to passengers.
Palace on Wheels
The inaugural luxury train, which commenced operations way back in 1982 on January 26th, traverses through Rajasthan, India’s most frequented travel destination. Within a short span, the Palace on Wheels garnered recognition as one of the top ten opulent train journeys globally. Comprising 14 air-conditioned coaches, each named after former Rajput states, the train’s aesthetics and interiors echo the grandeur of its royal heritage. Every coach is equipped with a miniature pantry to ensure the availability of both hot and cold beverages along with refreshments. Designed considerately, the train boasts modern amenities such as comfortable sofas, strategically positioned lights for reading purposes, luxuriously appointed beds with plush furnishings, built-in wardrobes, and expansive glass windows affording panoramic views of the passing countryside.
Itinerary: The Palace on Wheels embarks on its iconic journey from the nation’s capital, Delhi, specifically departing from the Safdarjung Railway Station. This itinerary is an extensive exploration covering two Indian states, featuring numerous architectural marvels, breathtaking landscapes, and India’s natural treasures.
Spanning across 7 Nights and 8 Days, this trip offers a comprehensive experience encompassing every facet of Indian tourism. The journey encompasses key destinations including Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, and Bharatpur within the state of Rajasthan. Beyond Rajasthan, the trip ventures into the Mughal haven, Agra, famously known for the Taj Mahal. The excursion commences and concludes in Delhi, presenting an all-encompassing tour of some of India’s most culturally rich and historically significant locations.
Maharaja Express
Awarded the prestigious “World’s Leading Luxury Train” accolade continuously for seven years between 2012 and 2018, the Maharajas’ Express has transformed the notion of extravagant travel. This train offers guests an exceptional chance to explore renowned destinations, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Incredible India, leaving behind cherished memories.
Operated by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, the Maharajas’ Express offers luxury tours to India’s key destinations, blending modern comforts with historical opulence across its four unique journeys. Welcoming passengers with a traditional Indian reception at departure, these expeditions span either a weeklong adventure or a shorter 3 nights and 4 days trip across India, showcasing the grandeur of ancient Indian culture.
The salons aboard the Maharajas’ Express train, among the most opulent and expensive luxury train rides globally, draw inspiration from the private saloons once used by India’s former Maharajas. Long before the advent of rail travel in India, these Maharajas held a deep fascination with these remarkable wheeled wonders introduced by James Watt.
This luxury train mirrors the lavishness of a five-star hotel, ensuring passengers experience unparalleled comfort throughout the journey. Meticulously arranged world-class facilities guarantee an extraordinary experience during the week-long excursion.
The current salons of the train aim to recreate the classic elegance of the Indian Maharajas’ personal carriages. Each cabin, including the dining coupes, is infused with nostalgia for past grandeur. The blend of quaint décor and contemporary amenities creates an ambiance of sheer opulence, providing passengers aboard the Maharajas’ Express with a pampering akin to a 5-star experience.
Itinerary:
Indian Panorama: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore & Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha and Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
The Indian Splendor: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
The Heritage of India: Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra and Delhi
Treasures of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
Deccan Odyssey
The morning of January 16th, 2004 marked a significant milestone in Maharashtra’s tourism industry with the commencement of the grand voyage of the Deccan Odyssey Indian, setting off from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. This remarkable journey was launched in collaboration with the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, offering guests a luxurious 5-star hotel experience onboard. Meticulous attention has been devoted to ensuring that guests receive the utmost in warm and attentive hospitality services.
The Deccan Odyssey comprises 21 coaches, each exquisitely appointed. Among these coaches, 11 are designated for guest accommodations, while the remaining coaches serve various purposes such as dining, lounging, conferences, and a health spa. Reflecting the opulence of the bygone era when Maharajas traveled, every coach of this opulent train is inspired by distinct royal periods of Maharashtra, under the rule of diverse dynasties.
All cabins aboard the Deccan Odyssey are equipped with modern conveniences including air-conditioning, internet connectivity, and personalized guest amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey. Furthermore, the multi-cuisine restaurant, well-stocked bar, state-of-the-art conference car, and spa & massage cabin on board add vibrant hues of joy to your entire tour.
Itinerary:
Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
Indian Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodra – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Mumbai
Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Aurangabad – Ramtek (Pench Tiger Reserve) – Tadoba – Jalgaon (Ajanta Caves) – Nashik – Mumbai
Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi
Cultural Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Agra – Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
Heritage Odyssey: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Delhi
The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot endeavors to weave together significant elements that have influenced the history of South India across various centuries.
Carefully selected destinations along the Golden Chariot route aim to present the architectural marvels, rich culture, and historical legacies of this region.
Situated uniquely on the southern peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the West, the Indian Ocean in the South, and the Bay of Bengal in the East, South India has historical ties with both the East and West due to trade and political connections.
These dynasties, known for their support of the arts and crafts, have left an enduring mark on the landscape through intricately carved temples and other structures that narrate the compelling story of the region’s illustrious past.
Regarding the train itself, the guest carriages of the Golden Chariot are named after the dynasties that ruled South India across various eras. Each guest carriage comprises four cabins, offering a mix of twin and double accommodation. Among them, there are 13 Double Bed Cabins, 30 Twin Bed Cabins, and 1 specially designed cabin for individuals with disabilities.
The train’s dining options include two restaurants, Ruchi and Nalapaka, offering a delightful array of global cuisine alongside a variety of Indian dishes. The onboard bar, Madira, provides an assortment of fine wines, beers, and spirits.
Arogya, the Spa cum Fitness Center, seamlessly blends traditional Ayurvedic Spa therapies with modern workout machines, ensuring a holistic experience for passengers onboard the Golden Chariot.
Itinerary:
Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hospet – Goa – Bengaluru
Jewels of South: Bengaluru – Mysore – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad/Karaikudi – Cochin – Chertala/Maraikulam – Bengaluru
Glipmses of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Hospet – Bengalur
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a tour of India via luxury trains such as the Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and the Golden Chariot offers an unparalleled journey through the heart of this diverse and culturally rich country. These opulent trains not only redefine travel but also serve as gateways to experiencing India’s majestic history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Each train presents a unique narrative, weaving together the tapestry of India’s heritage, showcasing royal splendor, architectural marvels, and providing a glimpse into the country’s intriguing past. From the regal charm of Rajasthan to the serene landscapes of South India, these luxury train tours offer a curated experience, blending modern comforts with a nostalgic nod to the bygone era of royal extravagance. Whether it’s the opulence of the accommodations, the delectable cuisine, the immersive cultural experiences, or the scenic routes, these luxury train journeys promise an unforgettable exploration of India’s magnificence, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.