If you’re planning a trip to India, you’ll find there’s always a lot to explore. And if you’re still wondering how you can enjoy a luxurious stay and get to travel simultaneously, hold on because the best is on offer. Welcome to the land of luxury trains. These trains not only take you to your destinations but do so in the most luxurious and romantic manner possible. It’s one of the best ways to travel and explore the myriad beauty of this country while catching a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage. Much like India’s vastness is remarkable, our railway networks mirror that grandeur.

Train journeys in India remain one of the most fulfilling ways of travelling through the subcontinent. The sprawling Indian railways connect the country, from every small town and city to the metropolitan and cosmopolitan centres.  Be it tourist destinations, religious sites, or adventure hotspots, they all have one thing in common: the Indian railways. So, here are the top luxury trains in India for your next trip.

The Maharajas Express

Among the most popular luxury trains in India, travelling on the Maharajas Express will make you feel nothing short of royalty. Infused with amazing design aesthetics, luxury, and a hint of nostalgia, the Maharajas Express is often considered to be India’s counterpart to the Orient Express in the West. A journey aboard the Maharajas Express offers a rich blend of culture, heritage, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will be etched in your memory. From deserts to jungles to mountains, it is an unforgettable journey through ‘Incredible India’. You get to see the magnificent palaces and forts in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, while history welcomes you in Fatehpur Sikri. The pristine beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra will leave you awestruck, and the temple architecture of Khajuraho will captivate you with its magnificent beauty. During your train travel, you also get to visit Varanasi, the oldest city in the world. You get to explore all these and more during this most memorable train journey in India.

Places covered: The Maharajas’ Express covers multiple magical Indian destinations including Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Mumbai.

The Palace on Wheels

India’s very first luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, takes you on a journey through history, into the land and times of the Maharajas. Inspired by the carriages used by the Maharajas of ancient times, this luxurious train is the ultimate way to explore Rajasthan, the land of the royals. The train has a total of 14 guest carriages and is equipped with a restaurant, bar, lounge, spa music system, and complimentary Internet access. With personal attendants for all guests, the Palace on Wheels offers one of the most extraordinary luxury train rides in India.

Starting its journey from the capital city of Delhi, the Palace on Wheels takes you through the royal cities of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Visit the majestic Golden Fort in Jaisalmer and explore the magnificent palaces and forts in Jaipur. You also get to visit one of the Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal in Agra, and catch a glimpse of India’s rich wildlife in Ranthambore. All this while you enjoy the luxurious experience of a train journey in India.

Places covered: The Palace on Wheels covers multiple enchanting Indian destinations including Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra.

The Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey will take you on a luxurious and magnificent trip across the Indian state of Maharashtra. Known as one of the best luxury trains in India, the Deccan Odyssey provides a wholesome experience filled with the historical, spiritual, wildlife, and cultural richness of India. The train traverses through some of the most sought-after travel destinations across India, allowing travellers to revel in both the beauty and the history of the Maratha kingdom while attending various cultural events. The state-of-the-art decor of the train transports you back to the erstwhile luxurious life of the kingdoms it traverses through. The well-planned journeys provide world-class services, making travel on the Deccan Odyssey, one of the best luxury train journeys in India.

All the cabins are equipped with luxury amenities, such as air conditioning, LCD television, wardrobes, writing desks, and more. The train also includes two exquisite restaurants, a lounge and bar, a recreation zone, and a butler service for all passengers. Travelling on the Deccan Odyssey offers you the opportunity to witness the true beauty of India as it provides a glimpse into the mystical vastness of the country and the richness and grandeur it once embodied. With its exceptional services, lavish interiors, and outstanding facilities, it is an experience that you cannot afford to miss.

Places covered: The Deccan Odyssey covers many captivating Indian destinations including Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Vadodara, Hyderabad, Hampi, Aurangabad, Tadoba, Rann of Kutch, Nashik, Sasan Gir, and Somnath.

The Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot offers you a one-stop ticket to experience the best of India. It encompasses train tours across majestic southern India, taking you on the ride of a lifetime. With heartwarming hospitality and unmatched luxury, the Golden Chariot is one of the best luxury trains in India. Intricate carvings, sylvan décor, and furniture inspired by the Mysore and Hoysala architecture are ingrained throughout the train’s interior, providing a royal treatment to all its guests. The train covers many world heritage sites, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural sites in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Equipped with amenities such as luxurious restaurants, a lounge and bar, a recreational zone, and butler service, travelling on the Golden Chariot is the best way to explore this incredible subcontinent.

Places covered: The Golden Chariot covers some major tourist attractions such as Hampi, Shravanabelagola, Halebidu, Gadag, Belur, Pattadakal, Badami, among others.