Indian luxury trains are an ideal tribute to the confounding diversity of this country. While Blue Train and Orient Express dominate the western world, much of the revival in luxury train has come from India in the form of six luxury tourist trains.
A journey to the heart of india with indian luxury trains
1. A Journey to the heart of India with Indian Luxury trains
Indian Luxury Train - Golden Chariot
Indian luxury trains are an ideal tribute to the confounding diversity of this country. While Blue Train and
Orient Express dominate the western world, much of the revival in luxury train has come from India in the
form of six luxury tourist trains. The history of elegant train travelling in India began with the introduction
of Palace on Wheels by Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) in 1982. Following the
record breaking success of Palace on Wheels, many state tourism boards and private players come up
with their own version of deluxe trains which include Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey,
Golden Chariot and the Indian Maharaja. Luxury train travelling got a new high with the launch of
Maharajas’ Express in 2010. The train constitutes of a presidential suite that span across entire carriage,
something never heard previously.
2. Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels Train
At A Glance:
Tour Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Price Starting From – USD 520
Destinations Covered: Delhi- Jaipur- Sawai Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Udaipur- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur-
Bharatpur-Agra- Delhi
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Launched on 26 January, 1982, Palace on Wheels is considered as the queen of Indian luxury trains. A
joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways,
Palace on Wheels offers a weeklong trip into Rajputana heartland ‘Rajasthan’ along with a halt in Agra.
The train was designed to replicate the cultural ethos of the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan in its
interior décor.
3. Palace on Wheels Facilities
Restaurant
14 salons named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan.
Facilities provided in the cabins
Channel Music System
Mini Pantry
Direct Dial Phone
Air Conditioning
En-suite Bathrooms
Two Restaurants- Maharaja and Maharani
Sitting Lounge to relax and converse with fellow guests
To make a Reservation, visit the Palace on Wheels website.
4. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train
At A Glance:
Tour Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Price Starting From – USD 590
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Khajuraho -
Varanasi - Agra - Delhi
Another joint venture of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian
Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was launched in January 2009 to accommodate the budding
demand of luxury rail journeys in Rajasthan.
5. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Facilities
Bar Lounge in Sheesh Mahal Restaurant
13 deluxe saloons and 1 super deluxe saloon named after erstwhile palaces of Rajasthan.
Facilities provided in the cabins
Individual temperature control
Wi-Fi Internet
Satellite TV
Channel Music System
Electronic Safe
Two Restro-bars – Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal
Souvenir Coach selling memorabilia items
Revitalizing massages and therapies at Royal Spa
To make a Reservation, visit the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels website.
6. Maharajas’ Express
Maharajas’ Express Train
At A Glance:
Tour Duration - 7 nights/8 days & 3 nights/4 days
Price Starting From: 3580 USD
Destinations Covered: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur etc.
The latest addition in the list of Indian Luxury Trains, Maharajas’ Express is dubbed as India’s answer to
the Orient Express of West. Launched in 2010, the train offers 5 journeys which include 3 golden triangle
tours covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
7. Maharajas’ Express Facilities
The Presidential Suite
14 guest carriages comprising of:
20 Deluxe Cabins
18 Junior Suites
4 Suites
1 Presidential Suite
Facilities in the guest cabins
LCD TV with Satellite Connection
Direct Dial Phones
Electronic Safe
Central Air Conditioning
Writing Desk
Two 42 seater restaurants- Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal
Safari Bar- fully stocked with premium wines and spirits
Rajah Club- Ideal for relaxing in laid-back ambience
Treasure Chest- A high-end boutique to purchase memorabilia items
To make a Reservation, visit the Maharaja Express website.
8. The Golden Chariot
Golden Chariot Train
At A Glance:
Tour Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Price Starting From: 440 USD
Destinations Covered: Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Tanjavur, Goa etc.
South India’s first luxury train, Golden Chariot derives its name from stone chariots in Hampi. The brain
child of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC) and the Indian Railways, this
luxury tourist train cover destinations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala with its two itineraries- Pride of
the South and Splendor of the South.
9. Golden Chariot Facilities
Twin Bed Deluxe Cabin
11 guest carriages comprising of:
o 26 twin bed cabins
o 17 double bed cabins
o 1 disabled friendly cabin
State of the art facilities in cabins
o Air conditioning
o LCD television
o DVD player
o Writing desk
o wardrobe
Two multi-cuisine restaurants- Nala and Ruchi
A nonchalant lounge bar ‘Madira’
A 30 seater conference car
An Ayurvedic wellness spa ‘Nirvana’
To make a Reservation, visit the Golden Chariot website.
10. Indian Maharaja
Indian Maharaja Train
At A Glance:
Tour Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Starting From – USD 595
Destinations Covered: Mumbai, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Delhi etc.
Winner of coveted ‘World Travel Award’ for two times in a row, Indian Maharaja is owned and managed
by Travel Corporation of India (TCI). The luxury train with its two journeys- Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to
Mumbai- takes guests on a whirlwind tour across Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
11. Indian Maharaja Facilities
The Dining
44 guest cabins categorized as
o Silver Class
o Golden Class
o Platinum Class (Presidential Suite)
State of the art facilities in cabins
o Air conditioning
o Personal safe
o Direct dial telephone
o CD/MP3 Player
Two multi-cuisine restaurants
A business centre equipped with modern amenities
Ayurvedic Spa and Beauty Salon
To make a Reservation, visit the Indian Maharaja website.
12. Deccan Odyssey
At A Glance:
Tour Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Price Starting From – USD 425
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Sindhudurg - Tarkarli - Goa/Vasco - Kolhapur - Daulatabad - Ajanta -
Nashik - Mumbai
A luxurious tour package for a jaunt into Maratha heartland comes on board Deccan Odyssey train, a joint
initiative of Maharashtra Tourism and Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Indian Railways.
13. Deccan Odyssey Facilities
Peshwa I Restaurant
o 11 guest carriages named after erstwhile Deccan dynasties.
o Facilities in the cabins
CD/MP3 Player
Air Conditioning
LCD television
Personal Safe
o Two multi cuisine restaurants-Peshwa I and Peshwa II
o A fully stocked bar- Mumbai Hi
o A 50 seater conference car
o Onsite gymnasium and health spa
To make a Reservation, visit the Deccan Odyssey website.