Imagine steaming through the endless landscapes of central India, past the timeless palaces of romantic Rajasthan and the patchwork fields of Tamil Nadu, or exploring the country’s pulsating cities like Mumbai and New Delhi on insightful guided excursions.
As a regular visitor, I’ll be the first to admit India can be sensory overload for many travellers but navigating this fascinating land via its luxury trains is a chance to tap into the glamour of yesteryear, to explore the nation’s rich culture and heritage, and to sample the authentic hospitality of the Subcontinent and to slow down and take a much-needed breath, all while still enjoying the best of creature comforts.
India’s rail legacy was left by the British and the country’s extensive network means that the luxury trains of India cater to the aspirations of every affluent traveller, from those inspired by the country’s royal legacy to those opting for slow-paced opulence, and those seeking wildlife encounters unlike anywhere else.
While all different, each of the luxury trains in India offers travellers a kaleidoscope of cultural immersions, including special, behind-the-scenes encounters, and the chance to delve into India’s myriad landscapes, from the deserts of the north to the lush jungles of the south and the thriving cities of the west coast.
We take a closer look at India’s best luxury train trips, what they include, how they differ, and how they’ll define your next visit to this thrilling destination, so step aboard, pour yourself a gin and tonic (better yet, have someone do it for you, this is luxury travel, after all), and prepare as we embark on a journey to explore the best luxury train journeys in India.
The Maharajas’ Express – India’s Most Awarded Train
Arguably the best luxury train in India and the most awarded (it was World’s Leading Luxury Train for five years in a row) and certainly one of my favourites, the Delhi-based Maharajas’ Express is a sublime journey that offers four wholly different itineraries – the week-long Indian Panorama, which delves into picturesque Rajasthan; and the week-long Indian Splendour route, which travels between Delhi and Mumbai; to the three-night Treasures of India, a roundtrip journey from Delhi to Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur; and the week-long Heritage of India, which journeys to the west coast via Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy fascinating daily excursions, from visits to local jewellery artisan workshops to exclusive access to working palaces and time-weathered temples. All of the excursions are guided and are each fascinating in their way – especially when you can leave the crowds and queues behind and slip into regal manors and gilded palaces filled with history.
It’s also impossible not to feel like royalty or a Bollywood legend when you pull into each station; the train has a very regal presence and as you prepare to disembark, the crew, resplendent in their gold and royal blue uniforms and white gloves, set up the red welcome carpets, literally.
Back on the 19-carriage train, staterooms are well-appointed and feature ensuites, Wi-Fi, panoramic windows, DVD players, personal valets, and air conditioning (I suggest you splurge on one of the 18 junior suites for a little more elbow room), while the lounges and dining rooms capture the essence of Indian hospitality, with vibrant colours, hand-crafted furniture and menus laced with traditional favourites.
My pick is the seven-day Panorama Journey (on which I once took my mother), a captivating week-long epic through some of Northern India’s most beautiful landscapes and most historic trading and religious cities that includes a private dinner hosted in the confines of the Gwalior Palace, an evening cruise on the Ganges, and opportunities to buy gems from local artisans. On the final night, you’ll even have the chance to dress to impress for an onboard Bollywood party.
To travel on the Maharajas’ Express, you’ll pay between US$5,000 and $25,000, but the fare is all-inclusive of excursions, beverages and meals.
Palace on Wheels – Into India’s Wilds
Probably the most iconic luxury train in India, the Palace on Wheels lives up to its lofty name. It’s been whisking the well-heeled through Rajasthan’s romance-inducing ‘land of the kings’ since 1982 on its seven-night itinerary, which departs Delhi and combines stops in the pink city of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (also known as the City of Lakes), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra, with visits to the Ranthambore National Park for guided tiger safaris, Lake Pichola, Jaisalmer’s camel-studded dunes, the stunning Taj Mahal and the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary along the way.
With its action-packed itinerary featuring everything from lush, tiger-filled jungle and vibrant local markets to UNESCO-listed monuments and postcard-perfect desert landscapes, this train is well-suited for travellers with a little adventure in their blood, but who also like the finer things in life when they return to their moving palace.
Fortunately, with its 39 deluxe cabins on 14 elegant carriages, two sublime restaurants, a spa, and a fully-stocked cocktail bar and a lounge, there’s no shortage of luxury when guests return to the train.
Of course, as you can imagine, this award-winning train, which operates between September and April, comes with a price tag north of US$9,000 per person.
The Deccan Odyssey – The Gateway to Maharashtra
Resplendent in gleaming blue and burgundy, The Deccan Odyssey was launched in 2004 and modelled on the Palace on Wheels, offering a little something for every India-bound traveller, with a series of mesmerising itineraries that showcase the best of the state of Maharashtra (where the train is based) and beyond, coupled with world-class hospitality on and off the train.
After a Covid hiatus, the train recommenced operations in 2023 and offers six itineraries, including the Maharashtra Splendor, which departs Mumbai and visits Nashik, the Ellora Caves, the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves, Kolhapur, blissful Goa and Ratnagiri before returning to Mumbai; the Indian Odyssey, a roundtrip from Delhi with stops at Sawai Madhopur, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara and the Ellora Caves with time for tiger spotting at Ranthambore; and the Maharashtra Wild Trail, which departs Mumbai for Aurangabad, Ramtek, Tadoba National Park (for more tigers), Ajanta and Nashik.
The beauty of the Deccan Odyssey is that, with its daily guided excursions, it combines more of India’s wild natural settings on its routes. However, you can expect the same levels of luxury back onboard, with 40 air-conditioned ensuite deluxe cabins (including four palatial presidential suites) set across 21 carriages, as well as a spa, gym, two restaurants and a bar, and of course, plenty of authentic hospitality from a well-trained and experienced crew.
Operating between October and April, tickets on the Deccan Odyssey start from US$8,300 per person.
The Golden Chariot – Karnataka’s Regal Rails
Another luxury train worthy of your time, The aptly named Golden Chariot explores the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa, with adventures blending a rich heritage of rail travel with the fascinating cultural tapestry and pristine natural beauty of Southern India. Travellers can expect UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant beach communities, wildlife reserves, ancient temples and a unique perspective on lesser-visited destinations.
Initially launched in 2008 and relaunched in 2022, this sublime train offers three unique itineraries, including the six-day Pride of Karnataka, which departs Bengaluru (the capital of Karnataka), with visits to Bandipur’s acclaimed wildlife sanctuary, Mysore, Halebidu, a coffee plantation in Chikmagalur, Hampi’s UNESCO-listed ruins (the train is named after the iconic Stone Chariot at the city’s Vitthala Temple) and Portuguese-influenced Goa.
Alternatively, Jewels of South is a six-day journey from Bengaluru to Mysore, Mahabalipuram (home of stunning shore temples), the Brihadeshvara Temple at Thanjavur, Chettinad’s historic mansions, Cochin and Kumarakom (where I’d suggest you opt for the serene cruise through Kerala’s backwaters); while Glimpses of Karnataka is a four-day affair that travels to Bandipur, famed for its wildlife safaris; Mysore (be sure to visit the eclectic Mysore Palace), and Hampi.
When you’re not touring palaces, temples and picturesque coastlines, you’ll be doted on by an experienced staff. Guests are accommodated in 44 air-conditioned ensuite cabins, each with televisions, Wi-Fi and interiors by Hoysala & Mysore Architecture inspired by South Indian dynasties, set across 19 coaches.
Guests also dine like kings in Nalapaka (named for famed King Nala, who, in addition to being a maharaja, was also a skilled chef) and Ruchi, the train’s two opulent dining cars, which serve a combination of Indian and Western cuisines.
Leave time for a tipple of Old Monk Indian rum in Madira (the train fare includes all meals, excursions and house alcoholic beverages), the train’s lounge, the design of which was inspired by the Mysore Palace, or a treatment in Arogya, the train’s Ayurvedic spa.
Operating between October and March, tickets on The Golden Chariot will cost you US$2,300-4,700 per person.