Experience the splendours of royalty appeals to you, luxury trains of India may well exceed your expectations. These luxury trains in India cater to those who wish to see the country’s rich cultural history in elegance.
India’s railways are the veins and arteries that keep the country’s heart beating, stretching to nooks and crannies that no jet could ever reach and connecting 1.38 billion people with friends and family. There’s a train journey to fit every travel need and budget, from 10-minute commuting rides to spectacular four-day treks across the subcontinent. Local trains move millions of people around major cities including Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, while sumptuous luxury locos allow passengers to travel the nation in style.
Certain childhood experiences stick with us for the rest of our lives. Many of us remember those thrilling train rides we used to take with our loved ones before flying became the norm. Traveling by train back then meant buying our favourite comics and snacks, sipping tea, playing card games, and seeing the changing vistas outside. These excursions have gone a long way from the days when we brought our own boriya-bistar, heard the tea vendor’s typical “chai garam, garam chai,” and sipped water from a surahi. If the thought of travelling back in time to experience the splendours of royalty appeals to you, luxury trains in India may well exceed your expectations. These luxury trains in India cater to those who wish to see the country’s rich cultural history in elegance. Their richness can be observed in their breathtaking décor, fantastic ambiance, delicious gastronomic cuisine, strict security measures, and almost everything else you can think of.
1. Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels is India’s first luxury train, which began operations on January 26, 1982. It is, undoubtedly, one of India’s best luxury trains for royalty. It is an incredibly regal occasion, originally meant to cater for the kings of Gujarat, Rajputana, the British Viceroy, and the Nizam of Hyderabad, complete with luxurious amenities and two separate dining options. With 14 coaches named after pre-independence Rajput kingdoms, the saloons include specially carved inlaid themes, wall to wall carpeting, all furniture done in the richest materials, and only the most friendly and traditionally costumed crew. Television sets, separate pantry and toilet facilities with each coach, and a personal attendant are just a few of the amenities provided abroad. Palace on Wheels, launched by the Indian Railways to promote Rajasthan tourism, is a pioneer in the world of ultra chic travel, and is positioned at the helm of luxury trains in India.
2. Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey boasts one of the most eye-catching regal coaches, dipped in indigo and embellished with golden embellishments, in the most royal of royal blue. It is operated by the Maharashtra MTDC and the Indian Railways and was established to promote Maharashtra tourism. Apart from a critically regarded restaurant on board, ten of the Deccan Odyssey’s twenty-one coaches are allocated for the most opulent uses, such as a bar, conference cart, and even a health spa.
With ten itineraries designed for every potential travel subject, from tourism to spirituality, booking a luxury train ride has never been easier. The coaches, which are named after different areas in Maharashtra, are encased in luxury and elegance, with state-of-the-art blue and gold themed décor and Marathi themes. If touring central and southern India is on your bucket list, this is the place to go.
3. Maharajas’ Express
Consider a top-tier tour of culturally rich Rajasthan and other areas indicative of Indian history, combined with top-tier five-star amenities suitable for a monarch, and the Maharajas’ Express will not only meet but exceed your expectations. The Maharajas’ Express, as its name suggests, provides luxurious amenities for the classiest and wealthiest passengers. The Maharajas’ Express is easily among the most opulent forms of transportation, having won the title of “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” twice in a row in 2012 and 2013, as well as being Asia’s most costly train.
Five well-planned journeys that take into account the diverse needs of the guests. Passengers can choose between two routes encompassing the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as three pan-Indian journeys. The Maharaja’s Express, India’s most opulent and luxury train in its class, demands respect and at least one trip in a lifetime.
4. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, modelled after the Palace on Wheels, is one of India’s luxury trains particularly constructed for a full tour of the culturally rich Rajasthan. It was inspired by the Palace of Wheels and started for the same reason. The interiors of this luxury train in India have been tastefully decorated in the style of Rajasthani royal palaces, and each non-residential coach, such as the two restaurant coaches, the spa coach, and the souvenir coach, sport extremely individualistic designs and are thematically designed with nothing less than royalty in mind.
The Swarn Mahal coach, fashioned in gold and brass combinations, and the Sheesh Mahal coach, embellished with crystal pelmets and towering floor lights, are particularly remarkable. Royal Rajasthan is your best choice for a well-rounded tour of the state steeped in a royal past and a rich legacy.
5. Golden Chariot
The beautiful and gentle yet commanding violet and gold exterior of the luxury train coaches is sufficient to capture your attention, and as if that isn’t enough, the Golden Chariot, which takes its name from the chariot sculpture in the Hampi ruins, has a tasteful interior decoration along the lines of South Indian architecture that is mesmerising. It is one of the more recent additions to India’s luxury train fleet.
The Golden Chariot is an overwhelming experience for the senses, making it to the list of most luxurious trains in India, from the lounge bar, ‘Madira,’ which draws its decor from Mysore palaces, to the coaches, which draw strongly from Mysore and Hoysala architectural movements with state of the art carvings adorning the walls and ceilings. The gastronomic selections are excellent, with a full vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, and the residential coaches are outfitted with state-of-the-art uninterrupted luxury amenities and elegantly carved furnishings.
The Golden Chariot, which draws passengers from all over the world, is indeed a golden chance for those who wish to discover the finest of South Indian history.
6. Royal Orient
This train rolls in royalty. This majestic train goes from Gujarat to Rajasthan, stopping at popular tourist attractions including Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Junagarh, Veraval, and Somnath. There are 13 magnificent blue coaches, and each saloon has an attached toilet, as well as two attendants who will serve you around the clock.
The Royal Orient delivers meals suited for Rajput monarchs, featuring Indian, Chinese, Continental, Gujarati, and Rajasthani options. The Watering Hole is a well-stocked bar that offers both Indian and international liquor around the clock. The train also offers a library with a vast selection of books and publications, as well as a charming lounge with a television and a CD player.
Travel from Junagarh’s fort to Jaipur’s palaces, stopping for desert safaris and other scenic trips along the way. It is an excellent opportunity for people interested in exploring Northern India’s forts, palaces, and monuments.
7. Fairy Queen
Fairy Queen is well-known as the world’s oldest rolling locomotive and is appropriately classified as a historic train. The railway began its voyage in 1855 and ran until 1908, when its regular operations were terminated owing to various factors. In July 1997, the Indian Railways resumed the trip of this historic train, which began in Delhi and continues to Alwar. A visit to the famed Sariksa Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do here.
Fairy Queen features two coaches, one of which is an air-conditioned vehicle with a seating capacity of 50 passengers. This coach has been particularly created, and the seats can also recline, making the travel more comfortable. In addition, there is a well-kept pantry vehicle for catering purposes. The train also features a lounge in front of the passenger carriage with a huge window providing a wonderful outside view.
The Fairy Queen historic train tour is a one-night/2-day journey with no overnight stay aboard the train. During the stay, guests can participate in a variety of cultural activities that are held in the evening. During the voyage, passengers get the opportunity to see several historical landmarks in Delhi, Alwar, and the world-famous Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, where they may enjoy the facility of a Jeep Safari to explore the beautiful wildlife.
8. The Mahaparinirvan Express
The Mahaparinirvan Express is a Buddhist Pilgrim Train that travels through all of India and Nepal’s important Buddhist locations. The newest effort of the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation), it is an 8-day trek throughout India to all of the holy Buddhist monuments. Its amenities and wonderfully designed itinerary have earned the hearts of both Buddhist pilgrims and visitors since its inception in 2007.
The Mahaparinirvan Express Tour is an intricately organised 8-day journey that begins and concludes in Delhi. It brings you to India’s most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites, such as Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini, and Sravasti. This well-planned schedule not only brings you to the most important Buddhist sites, but also allows you to enjoy sightseeing in Buddhist-related locations.
Traveling aboard the Mahaparinirvan Express is a wonderful experience, especially in terms of lodgings. The train has three types of accommodations: first class, first class coupe, and second class.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourist Corporation (IRCTC) in partnership with state tourism agencies operates luxury trains that redefine happiness and deliver luxury worth every penny . So, the next time you plan a vacation to India, take a ride on one of the country’s luxury trains to discover what all the hype is about. After all, the best replies are based on personal experience. So, read over this list of luxury trains in India and plan a trip to India to enjoy an amazing sumptuous experience on these trains and have the time of your life! #tohyd #hydnews