Planning to explore India, but wishing to do it in a luxurious way? Well flights are great, but they don’t quite offer the same experience as a luxury train in India. We’re talking about world-class amenities like spas, gyms, restaurants, entire suites, and even personal attendants. If this got you excited already, here are some of the best luxury train journeys in India.
Best Luxury Train Journeys In India
Golden Chariot Express
This luxury train ride is perfect if you wish to explore South India’s rich history and heritage. With picture-perfect views and top-notch services, the Golden Chariot truly feels like a palace on steroids.
It was first inaugurated in 2008 and has a total of 19 coaches, all colored in royal purple and golden. The train actually offers three different routes that start and end at Bangalore, as mentioned below:
- Glimpses of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Hospet – Bengaluru (3 nights/4 days)
Price: INR 1,99,080 onwards
- Jewels of South: Bengaluru – Mysore – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad/Karaikudi – Cochin – Chertala/Maraikulam – Bengaluru (5 Nights/6 Days)
Price: INR 2,99,040 onwards
- Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Nanjangud – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hospet – Goa – Bengaluru (5 Nights/6 Days)
Price: INR 2,99,040 onwards
These train coaches are exquisitely decorated, including state-of-the-art facilities such as plush interiors, an elaborate lounge, dedicated spa and mini-gym, elegant furnishings and drapery, and multi-cuisine restaurant.
The Deccan Odyssey
The idea of launching a luxury train in Maharashtra was first proposed in 2001, with the inaugural ride taking place in 2004. Since then, The Deccan Odyssey has been at the forefront of luxury train travel in India.
With its world-class royal amenities like plush cabins, multi-cuisine restaurants, lounges, spa, and exquisite dining halls, the deluxe train promises a sophisticated and comfortable experience through India’s diverse states.
Plus, Deccan Odyssey makes the experience more regal by assigning you a personal attendant and even air-conditioned bathrooms!
Now, that’s what you call luxury at its finest.
Routes:
- Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nasik – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Ratnagiri – Mumbai
- Indian Odyssey: Delhi – Sawai Madhopur – Agra – Jaipur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai
- Hidden Treasures of Gujarat: Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir – Somnath – Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera – Patan – Nashik – Mumbai
- Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur – Delhi
- Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
- Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ramtek – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai
All routes are of 7 nights/8 days, with the tariff starting INR 3,71,900 per person.
Palace On Wheels
A list of the best luxury trains in India is incomplete without the mention of what is one of India’s earliest luxury trains – the Palace on Wheels.
With its maiden journey commencing in 1982, the train has won several global awards, including the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Award in 1987, the title of the 4th Best Luxurious Train in the World, and the Best in Asia in 2010.
The Palace on Wheels introduced Indians to a whole new world of sophisticated and luxurious travel – the one possible on India’s train tracks.
With amenities such as spacious bedrooms, dedicated spa and lounges, top-class restaurants, bars, and dining halls, as well as personal attendants, the luxury train is unlike any other in India.
So, if you’re all about taking a North India tour the regal way, the Palace on Wheels must be on the top of your list!
Route: New Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – New Delhi
Price: INR 1,23,100 onwards (2025-26)
Note: Prices vary depending on the suite type and peak/lean season, so check prices accordingly on the official Palace on Wheels website.
Maharaj’s Express
There are many luxurious train journeys that offer a glimpse of North India’s gems, however, nothing compares to the experience that Maharaj’s Express delivers. The luxury train might also give Indian palaces a run for their money.
We’re talking about four different types of luxurious cabins to choose from – Deluxe, Junior Suite, Suite, and Presidential Suite.
These come with some of the best amenities like world-class bathrooms, entertainment systems, stable internet, and many others.
And not just that, the train is also equipped with multiple bars, lounges, and restaurants that will bring global and Indian cuisine under one roof.
With the train earning the title of ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, Maharaj’s Express will definitely make you feel like a ‘Maharaj’!
Routes:
- Indian Splendor: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai (6 nights/7 days)
Price: INR 5,23,630 onwards
- The Heritage of India: Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra and Delhi (6 nights/7 days)
Price: INR 5,50,250 onwards
- The Indian Panorama: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha and Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi (6 nights/7 days)
Price: INR 5,23,630 onwards
- Treasures of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi (3 nights/4 days)
Price: INR 3,28,380 onwards
Fairy Queen Express
While the rest of the trains on this list are some of the best luxury train journeys in India, Fairy Queen Express stands out mainly for two reasons.
One: it delivers a vintage-inspired train journey and two: it is comparatively affordable. Also, the Fairy Queen’s locomotive is one of the world’s oldest working steam locomotives, seeing the daylight way back in 1855.
When it comes to its standouts, know that the train only has two coaches but that doesn’t mean that service is compromised. It has a 60-seat, air-conditioned chair car with a large glass window for panoramic views throughout the journey.
Plus, it has an attractive lounge and a fully-equipped pantry car for on-board catering.
The Fairy Queen Express runs only between Delhi, Alwar, and Rewari but takes you through some of the most iconic landmarks here.
So, if you’re a history buff and love a vintage train ride, you must book your tickets for the Fairy Queen Express!
Route: Delhi – Alwar – Sariska- Alwar – Delhi
Price: INR 6804
Summing Up
These best luxurious train journeys in India are a testament to India’s signature hospitality where guests are treated like gods.
Be it the Palace on Wheels or the Maharaj’s Express, these train journeys have redefined luxury travel for Indians and foreigners alike.
So, whether you’re wishing to explore North India’s hidden gems, Deccan’s opulence, or the jewels of the South, these luxury trains in India are here to make the journey a little more enjoyable!
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