Luxury Trains in India: A Guide to Adventures on Wheels

Have you ever imagined completing your India journey aboard a luxury train? Train travel isn't uncommon, but spending your entire trip on a moving palace is something truly special. Picture this: exploring iconic destinations by day, then returning to your elegant train suite by night to enjoy royal treatment - plush bedding, fine-dining restaurants, immersive spa experiences, and more.

Intrigued? This guide introduces some of the most recommended luxury train journeys in India, highlighting their unique features and itineraries. Let’s explore the possibilities of discovering India in ultimate comfort and style, all on wheels!

Maharajas' Express

The word "Maharaja" in Indian is a title equivalent to prince, you can see obviously from the name of this luxury train that it is an authentic royal palace on wheels. It will be a good choice for people who would like to experience the classic parts of India.

The Maharajas' Express has maroon and gold exterior, adorned with intricate motifs of crowns and wild animals, evoking the grandeur of Indian royalty. Inside, it features plush cabins equipped with modern amenities, two fine-dining restaurants, and a regal lounge.

This ultimate royal journey covers most iconic travel cities in India, and operates from October to April. Departing weekly on Sundays, it offers 4 to 7-day journeys on four routes:

• The Indian Panorama (6 Nights / 7 Days): Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha and Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

• The Indian Splendor (6 Nights / 7 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai

• Heritage of India (6 Nights / 7 Days): Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra and Delhi

• Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi

The train will make stops in each city, and then you can explore the cultural charm of them. Before your off-rail excursions, you will be greeted by the enthusiastic staff, and you will even feel the supreme treatment of being presented with a wreath on the red carpet when train arrives. If you book a suite, they will also arrange a private car to take you to the attractions.

Lake Pichola, Udaipur

Maharajas' Express promises a royal experience with personalized butler service, cultural performances, and exclusive access to historic palaces and forts. You will have chances to experience tiger safaris and private dining overlooking the Taj Mahal.

After the train journey, if you are interested, you can contact us to make extension plan to your trip. As the luxury ride ends in Delhi and Mumbai, you can extend your adventure by exploring Amritsar's Golden Temple, or Goa beaches in South India near Mumbai.

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Deccan Odyssey

Compare to Maharajas' Express, the Deccan Odyssey is more like a luxury travel plan for those seeking experiences in off-the-beaten areas across India in Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Gujarat. Especially in destinations like Gujarat, where tourism is less crowded and hotel options are limited, the Deccan Odyssey truly shines. Instead of compromising on comfort, you can stay aboard this luxurious train, enjoying comfortable amenities while exploring these unique locations during the day.

Khajuraho Temple

Its sleek blue exterior with golden patterns reflects its modern luxury. Inside, cabins feature contemporary decor, while amenities like a spa, fitness center, and lounges elevate the journey.

Running from September to May, Deccan Odyssey offers fixed departures for 7-night itineraries across six routes:

• Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai - Nashik - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Ajanta Caves - Kolhapur - Goa - Sindhudurg - Mumbai
• Indian Odyssey Journey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore National Park - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Aurangabad- Ellora Caves - Mumbai

• Cultural Odyssey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
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• Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey: Mumbai - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Pench (Ramtek) - Tadoba - Ajanta - Nashik - Mumbai
• Heritage Odyssey: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi
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You will have chances to experience wine-tasting in Nashik, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient caves at Ajanta and Ellora, and relax on Goa's beaches. Onboard, you can enjoy curated menus featuring regional cuisines and rejuvenating spa treatments.

From Mumbai, when the luxury train tour ends, you can extend your trip to Kerala's serene backwaters or the Andaman Islands for tropical bliss.

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Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is like a timeless elegance, for north Indian heritage, it provides unparalleled experiences. This train's cream-and-blue exterior, adorned with vibrant Rajasthani patterns, sets the tone for an elegant journey. Inside, royal-contemporary nostalgic look reflects the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal heritage, complemented by cozy cabins and luxurious lounges.

Departing every Wednesday from September to April, the train focus on a 7 Nights / 8 Days journey starting in Delhi and covering Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur, and Agra. In Sawai Madhopur, you won't miss the best part of Ranthambore National Park - Jeep Safari!

It's worth noting that Jaisalmer, the mesmerizing "Golden City," has no airport, and reaching it typically involves a long drive from Jodhpur. However, if you choose the Palace on Wheels, your journey transforms into pure comfort. After exploring Udaipur, simply enjoy a delightful dinner, sleep peacefully in your luxurious cabin, and wake up the next morning ready to embark on your adventure in the breathtaking Thar Desert.

Jaisalmer Fort

The traditional Rajasthani cuisine, Ayurvedic spa treatments and live performances onboard will be plus point, and you will feel its royal hospitality fully.

Golden Chariot

As South India's crown jewel, the Golden Chariot mainly runs across the less-visited places in the area, and it is ideal for those who want to explore South India in depth. Its royal purple and gold hues with carvings and floral patterns reflect the inspirations from South Indian temples. Interiors feature rich wooden accents, royal upholstery, and a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

It connects states of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu weekly between October and March, the 3 routes are from 4 days to 6 days, depart every Saturday from Bangalore:

• Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights / 6 Days): Bangalore - Nanjangud - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hospet - Goa - Bangalore

• Jewels of South (5 Nights / 6 Days): Bangalore - Mysore - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur - Chettinad/Karaikudi - Cochin - Chertala/Maraikulam - Bangalore
• Glimpse of Karnataka (3 Nights / 4 Days): Bangalore - Nanjangud - Mysore - Hospet - Bangalore
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With mentioned places visited, you can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hampi and Mahabalipuram, and wildlife safaris in Bandipur.

Some of the places in these regions lack many luxury hotel options, making the five-star amenities on the train an even better choice for a truly indulgent experience. What's more, you can enjoy local South Indian delicacies onboard.

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Make Your Travel Plan With Odynovo

Can this luxury train journey be a good one? Experience it until you find the answer! If you are also interested in extend your journey to other places, do not hesitate to contact our India travel experts via [email protected], they will help to make a perfect travel plan come true.