Spanning over 3 million km², India is brimming with treasures scattered across the country. To discover them? Traveling by luxury train in India is an excellent way! Capable of covering very long distances in just a few days, these exceptional trains allow you to slip into the shoes of a maharaja, thanks to circuits that are (very) high-end... Follow us for a premium journey aboard the most beautiful Indian trains...

Luxury train travel in India: a closer look at iconic trains

While taking the train in India can be complicated for standard travel, booking a luxury train journey is generally much simpler. Indeed, unlike standard train tickets (which can be reserved in many ways), luxury train tickets are accessible through the official train websites or via agencies specializing in luxury train travel in India.

Regardless of the operators, all luxury trains use railway lines managed by Indian Railways – the national railway company.

It's also worth noting that these highly luxurious train journeys were inspired by the sumptuous travels of ancient maharajas, to offer passengers a royal experience… In fact, every traveler is treated like royalty during the journey, with exceptional services and amenities – including the services of a khidmatgar (personal butler).

1. Palace on Wheels

The train: description and onboard services

Palace on Wheels (or the former Royal Rajasthan On Wheels route) was renovated in 2009, as part of a campaign to promote tourism in India. This "palace on wheels" is composed of genuine vintage coaches that once transported royal members.

The train consists of fourteen carriages and thirty-nine richly decorated cabins – all harmoniously designed to evoke the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. You'll be able to admire traditional art styles displayed throughout.

In operation since 1982, Palace on Wheels has continued to captivate its travelers ever since, thanks to the splendor of its cabins and the services offered onboard, including:

• "royal attention" (with around a hundred staff members onboard, including a butler at your service 24/7)
• refined cuisine from the Sheesh Mahal restaurant,
• comfortable bedding (including queen-size beds in deluxe twin cabins).
• optimized cabin layout to facilitate travel (with reading lamps, built-in wardrobes, a desk, etc.),
• quality furnishings (carved wood),
• a private bathroom and toilet in each cabin,
• a pantry in each lounge,
• individual air conditioning (in each cabin).

The itinerary

The Palace on Wheels itinerary (7 nights and 8 days) allows you to discover the multiple facets of northern India. An opportunity to stop in many major cities – Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra.

Depending on the stops (and the program established by the travel agency), activities offered may include cultural visits, a camel safari, discovery of iconic monuments (such as Patwon ki haveli, Mehrangarh Fort, Phool Mahal Palace, etc.) or a stopover in a wild or natural location, such as Bharatpur National Park.

This train departs every Wednesday of the week from Delhi.

• Day 01 (Wednesday) New Delhi
• Day 02 Jaipur (the capital of the royal state of Rajasthan)
• Day 03 Sawai Madhopur
• Day 04 Udaipur
• Day 05 Jaisalmer
• Day 06 Jodhpur
• Day 07 Bharatpur-Agra
• Day 08 (following Wednesday) return to New Delhi

Pricing and booking

Rates in € from January to April 2025* :

Important points when booking:

• The rate for children under 5 years old is 15% (provided they share a double bed in a cabin)
• The rate for children aged 5 to 12 years is 75% (provided they share a double bed in a cabin)
• The service provider reserves the right to cancel the journey if occupancy falls below 50%
• A deposit of 25% of the total amount is paid upon booking + a copy of each traveler's passport
• A cabin can accommodate only 2 passengers.

2. The Maharaja's Express

The train: description and onboard services

Known as Asia's most expensive train, the Maharaja's Express was conceived and designed with inspiration from the world's most luxurious trains. It is composed of fourteen cabins (each bearing the name of a precious gemstone) distributed – in order of increasing amenities – into four cabin categories:

• luxury cabin,
• junior suite,
• suite,
• presidential suite.

The train's interior is inspired by the former decorations of royal coaches, with cars:

• adorned with wallpaper, carpets, linens, and upholstery fabrics,
• equipped with high-tech equipment (television, electronic safe, etc.),
• featuring a private bathroom and toilet.

The itineraries

The Maharajas Express offers four itineraries (with schedules varying by month).

1/ Indian Splendour (6 nights/7 days) : Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai

2/ Heritage of India (6 nights/7 days) : Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra and Delhi

3/ Indian Panorama (6 nights/7 days) : Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha and Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

4/ Treasures of India (3 nights/4 days) : Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi.

Depending on the itinerary chosen, the program will differ slightly from the other three circuits. Here's an overview of the main activities that may be undertaken on the Indian Splendour tour: visit to Agra, safari in Ranthambore National Park, visits to Amber, Junagarh, and Mehrangarh Forts, boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Pricing and booking

Rates in € for the 2025-26 season* :

Important points when booking:

• Children under 5 years old travel free (provided they share a double bed with their parents),
• The rate for children aged 5 to 12 years is 50% (provided they share a double bed in a cabin with 2 adults paying full price).
• An additional charge applies for travel during Christmas or New Year's holidays.
• The rate includes: travel, accommodation, meals and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as butler services and the cost of transportation/sightseeing tours.

3. Deccan Odyssey

The train: description and onboard services

Often compared to a 5-star hotel on rails, the Deccan Odyssey was built in 2003. It draws inspiration from the dynasties that once ruled the eponymous region, with a subtle blend of culture and opulence (symbolizing the grandeur of the Deccan.)

This train consists of twenty-one carriages – including one car transformed into a spa! Like its predecessors, the "blue train of India" (sometimes also called the "blue limousine") features interior decor inspired by the splendor of yesteryear.

Onboard, the Deccan Odyssey also includes a conference room, as well as an excellent restaurant. As for cabins, the train provides:

• a private bathroom and toilet,
• a direct telephone line,
• an electronic safe,
• a personal butler is available in each sleeping car 24/7.

The itineraries

The Deccan Odyssey offers multiple circuits – during which you can admire iconic Indian landscapes, as well as charming small villages, vineyards, caves, etc.

1/ Maharastra Splendour (7 nights/8 days) : Mumbai - Nashik - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Ajanta Caves - Kolhapur - Goa - Sindhudurg - Mumbai. This itinerary is named as such because it allows you to discover the most beautiful architectural gems of ancient India. Departure dates, Saturdays 2025:

• March 22,
• May 3,
• September 6, 13 and 20,

2/ Indian Odyssey (7 nights/8 days) : Mumbai - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Ramtek (Pench) - Warora (Tadoba) - Ajanta Caves - Nashik - Mumbai. This circuit is recommended for nature lovers, with visits to caves and wildlife sanctuaries. Departure dates, Saturdays 2025:

• March 15,
• April 5 and 26,
• October 4.

3/ Indian Sojourn (7 nights/8 days) : Mumbai - Vishwamitri (Vadodara) - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Sawai Madhopur - Delhi. Ideal for discovering northern India. An eclectic circuit with visits to UNESCO-listed sites, national parks, and palaces. Departure dates, Saturdays 2025:

• March 1 and 29,
• April 12,
• September 27,
• October 25,
• November 15,
• December 20.

4/ Maharashtra Wild Trail (7 nights/8 days) : Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vishwamitri (Vadodara) - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Mumbai. Visits to national parks, palaces, and major cities. Departure dates, Saturdays 2025:

• May 10 and 17,
• November 8,
• December 13.

5/ Cultural Odyssey Tour (7 nights/8 days) : Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Varanasi - Khajuraho - Orchha - Gwalior - Delhi. This itinerary is named "cultural" because it was designed to encompass multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Deccan (or Dekkan), located in the southern part of the country. Departure dates, Saturdays 2025:

• March 8,
• November 29,
• December 27.

Pricing and booking

Rates in € for the 2025-26 season* :

Important points when booking:

• Children under 5 years old travel free (provided they share a double bed with their parents)
• The presidential suite can accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children (with 1 child aged 0 to 5 years and the second aged 6 to 12 years). If both children are between 6 and 12 years old, a second cabin is required. The first child pays 25% of the adult rate and the second 50%. One adult is then required in each cabin.
• Cost for an additional double bed: 481 € (taxes excluded).
• Price for a separate Deluxe cabin children, on request.
  A deposit of 20% is paid upon booking.

4. Golden Chariot

The train: description and onboard services

Launched in 2008, the "Golden Chariot" comprises nineteen carriages (each with four cabins, featuring either double or twin beds). This train also includes a cabin adapted for people with reduced mobility, a bar, two restaurants (the Nalpaka and the Ruchi), a spa, and a fitness center!

Each cabin is furthermore equipped with:

• air conditioning,
• a television,
• a private bathroom and toilet.

The itineraries

The Golden Chariot offers itineraries designed to highlight the culture and heritage of southern India. It proposes three different circuits:

1/ Glimpses of Karnataka (3 nights/4 days) : Bengaluru - Nanjangud - Mysore - Hospet - Bengaluru. This tour allows you to discover the main tourist attractions of Karnataka (a state in the southwest on the Arabian Sea coast), including the Mysore Palace and the ancient treasures of Hampi-Vijayanagara, listed by UNESCO. This circuit also offers the opportunity to take a safari in the Bandipur National Park (to see tigers). Departures for the Glimpses of Karnataka tour occur every Saturday (2025 departures):

• February 22,
• March 22,
• October 1 (exceptionally departing on Wednesday),
• December 13.

2/ Pride of Karnataka (5 nights/6 days) : Bengaluru - Nanjangud - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hospet - Goa - Bengaluru. This is the extended version of the Glimpses of Karnataka circuit. An opportunity to stop in Goa, prized for its coastline and beaches. Departures for the Pride of Karnataka tour occur every Saturday (2025 departures):

• February 1,
• March 1,
• October 18,
• December 27.

3/ Jewels of South (5 nights/6 days) : Bengaluru - Mysore - Hampi - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur, and Chettinad Kumarakom - Cochin - Bengaluru. Designed to showcase the "jewels of the south," this itinerary allows you to discover iconic sites such as the Mahabalipuram temples and the Chettinad mansions. Departures for the Jewels of South tour occur every Saturday (2025 departures):

• February 15,
• October 11,
• November 8,
• December 6.

Pricing and booking

Rates in € for the 2025-26 season* :

Important points when booking:

An additional charge applies for travel during Christmas or New Year's holidays.

(*) The rates indicated are based on rates practiced in January 2025 by Luxury Trains of India, and are converted to euros (1 USD = 0.96 €). These prices are subject to change – but give an idea of the budget to allocate for a luxury train journey in India.

Frequently asked questions

When should I travel to India?

India being a vast territory, the climate differs depending on the region during the same period. While the northern part of the country enjoys a temperate climate, the south is under the influence of a humid tropical climate. The best time to visit India remains winter (November-March), with mild temperatures and low precipitation. It is recommended to avoid the rainy season, which runs from June to September.

What is the most commonly used mode of transport in India?

Over long distances, the most commonly used mode of transport is the train (thanks to an efficient and well-developed railway network). Buses are also an option (more economical), and ideal for traveling in rural areas. As for the rickshaw (the Indian tuk-tuk taxi), it is a widespread mode of transport in city centers.

What is the most luxurious train in India?

The most luxurious Indian train is the Maharajas' Express. Launched in 2011, this ultra-premium train is equipped with a presidential suite (equivalent to an entire carriage). Onboard, the decor and furnishings evoke the interior of coaches once used by maharaja kings, while premium services are offered throughout the journey (7 days, from Delhi to Mumbai).