Luxury Trains in India : Royalty on Wheels
Traversing through beautiful plains and to exotic destinations, the exquisite luxury trains in India, that float majestically in the major tourist circuits of India are an attraction to the affluent from the country and abroad. With 5 star hospitality and only the best services on board, the royal railway network has to be the most exclusive and yet one of the most culturally rich experiences of all times. Scroll down to know more about the luxury trains in India.
1. Palace on Wheels: One of the finest luxury trains in India
Palace on Wheels is India’s first luxury train which started being operational on 26th January, 1982. It is indeed one of the finest luxury trains in India for the royalty. Originally designed to cater for the rulers of the states of Gujarat, the Rajputana, the British Viceroy and the Nizam of Hyderabad, complete with luxury amenities and two different dining options, it is an absolutely royal affair.
With 14 coaches named after the Rajput states of the pre-Independence era, the saloons come with inlaid motifs crafted specially for this particular rail service, wall to wall carpeting, all the upholstery done in the richest fabrics, and only the most hospitable and traditionally clad staff. Television sets, individual pantry and bathrooms with each coach along with a personal attendant, are just few of the host of facilities available aboard. Launched by the Indian Railways to promote Rajasthan Tourism, Palace on Wheels is the pioneer in the field of uber chic travel, and affixed at the helm of luxury trains in India.
Tour Cost: 5o thousand rupees to 5 lakh per person
Journey duration: 8 – 13 days
Places covered: Delhi-Jaipur- Udaipur- Swai Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Bharatpur- Agra-Delhi.
2. Deccan Odyssey
Sporting the most royal of royal blue, the Deccan Odyssey has one of the most eye catching regal coaches, dipped in indigo and adorned with golden motifs. It is run by the Maharashtra MTDC and Indian railway, and was initiated to boost the tourism of Maharashtra. Ten out of the twenty one coaches of the Deccan Odyssey are reserved for the most luxurious purposes, like a bar, conference cart and even a health spa, apart from a critically acclaimed restaurant on board.
With a whopping 10 journeys planned keeping every possible travel theme in mind, from tourism to spirituality, planning a luxury train ride was never easier. Named after different regions in Maharashtra, the coaches are sheathed in luxury and elegance with state of the art blue and gold themed decor and Marathi motifs. A perfect choice if exploring central and south India figures in your bucket list.
Tour Cost: 3 to 8 lakh per person
Journey duration: 7 Nights/8 Days
Places Covered: Mumbai-Ajanta & Ellora Caves-Udaipur Lake City-Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve-Pink city of Jaipur – Taj Mahal at agra -Delhi
3. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Modeled on the Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is one of luxury trains in India specifically designed for a comprehensive tour of the culturally rich Rajasthan. It was modelled on the Palace of Wheels and initiated for the same purpose as well. The interiors of this luxury train in India have been done up tastefully in style of Rajasthani royal palaces and every non-residential coach like the two restaurant coaches, the spa coach and the souvenir coach sport extremely individualistic designs and are thematically designed keeping in mind the aesthetics of nothing less than royalty.
Especially noteworthy are the two restaurant coaches are the Swarn Mahal coach, styled in gold and brass combinations, and the Sheesh Mahal coach which is adorned with crystal pelmets and majestic floor lamps. For a well rounded trip of the state soaked in a royal past and a proud heritage, Royal Rajasthan is your best bet.
Tour Cost: 50 to 80 thousand per person
Journey duration: 8 days/7 nights
Places covered: New Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra- New Delhi
4. Maharajas’ Express
Think of top of the class tour of the culturally soaked Rajasthan and other states symbolic of the Indian heritage, along with top of the class five star facilities fit for a king, and the Maharajas’ Express will only level your expectations and even supersede them. Rightly named as it is, the Maharajas’ Express has luxury facilities for the classiest and those with an affluent state of mind. Easily on top of the most luxurious modes of travel, the Maharajas’ Express is chiefly known for not only winning the “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” twice in a row in 2012 and 2103, but as the most expensive train in all of Asia.
Five tastefully charted journeys, keeping in mind the various demands of the passengers. Two routes covering the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur’ Golden Triangle and three pan-Indian trips are available to the passengers. The most uber and luxurious train in India in its class, Maharaja’s Express calls for respect and one ride in a lifetime at least.
Tour cost: 2.75 to 10 lakhs per person
Journey duration: Depends on chosen route
Places covered: Four routes – 1. Royal India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai
2. Princely India: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
3. Classical India: Delhi – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
4. Royal Sojourn: Delhi – Jaipur – Kota – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
5. Golden Chariot
Just the beautifully and soft yet commanding violet and gold exterior of the luxury train coaches is enough to command your attention and as if that was not enough, the Golden Chariot, which derives its name from the chariot sculpture in the Hampi ruins, the tasteful interior decoration on the lines of South Indian architecture is mesmerizing. It’s one of the newer additions to the
From the lounge bar, ‘Madira’, drawing its decor from Mysore palaces, and the coaches drawing strongly from Mysore and Hoysala architectural movements with state of the art carvings adorning the walls and ceilings, the Golden Chariot is an overwhelming experience for the senses, making it to the list of most luxurious trains in India.
The culinary options are no less, with a full fledged vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu, and the residential coaches equipped with state of the art uninterrupted luxury services and decked with the most exquisitely carved furniture.
Drawing most of its passengers from around the world, the Golden Chariot is indeed a golden opportunity for those who want to explore the best of South Indian heritage.
Tour cost: 25 to 50 thousand per person
Journey duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Destinations covered: 1. Pride of the south: Bangalore – Mysore – Hampi – Belur – Kabini – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
2. Southern splendour: Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Tiruchirapalli – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Poovar – Kochi – Kerala Backwaters