Luxury Train Travel in India

There are many ways to explore the many worlds of India. It is also said that it is impossible to know the heart of this incredible country if one has not traveled on Indian Rail. Indian Railways is one of the largest railways network in the world covering a whopping 114,500 kilometers of total track and carrying 30 million passengers daily. Aimed specifically to woo the affluent tourists from overseas, luxury train travel in India aims to recreate the romance of a bygone era.

The history of luxury train traveling in India is quite old. It started with the penchant of the former monarchs of princely states of India during the British Colonial rule.

Fascinated by James Watt’s creation, the erstwhile Maharajas of India introduced the trend of royal train traveling in the country during the British Raj.

These carriages were the reflection of the pageantry and idiosyncrasies of the Indian maharajas and were studded with gems, jewels, valuable materials and antique artworks.

From salons to billiard rooms and from private suites to air conditioning- everything was arranged for to recreate the opulence of their palatial lifestyle.

The first luxury train of India, Palace on Wheels when launched in 1982 was composed entirely of the personal carriages of maharajas, viceroys and Nizams of India.

Currently there are 6 luxury trains operating in India which includes the Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the Golden Chariot and the Maharajas’ Express

Maharajas' Express the most recent introduction to the fleet of luxury trains in India.

First of all, booking luxury train tour eliminates touts usually required for booking hotels, hiring guides, local transportation thereby removing from equation the most bothersome part of traveling in India.

Another major advantage is that the tariff of these luxury rail journeys is all inclusive. The cost of dining, lodging, transportation at the destinations included in itineraries, guides and entrance fees of the monuments are included in the prices of these rail tour packages.

Additionally what makes these journeys exclusive and unique is an array of insider experiences and cultural interactions which translates into unforgettable guest experiences.

From dining with the erstwhile monarchs in magnificent palaces, cultural performances and sundowner cocktails amid Sam sand dunes; to son et lumiere and off the beaten track excursions, each journey offered by the luxury trains in India is a unique way of unraveling the myriad colors of India, a journey to the very depth of her soul.

More on luxury trains: https://www.indianluxurytrains.com/

Voted world’s 4th best luxury train, Palace on Wheels is India’s most revered luxury train. In operation since 1982, Palace on Wheels offers tours to the erstwhile princely states in Rajasthan.

The journey aboard the Palace on Wheels spans over 168 hours from Delhi to Agra letting you discover and explore the myriad colors of Rajasthan even as you are accorded royal treatment and traditional Indian hospitality in the interiors suffused with nostalgia.

Initially the train catered exclusively to travelers from overseas but now Indian citizens also travel aboard this Palace on Wheels.

The train comes equipped with modern amenities and the tariff is all inclusive covering travel cost as well as food, accommodation on board, guided sightseeing tour and transportation charges.

Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

USP: The most authentic luxury train tour in India

Coaches: 14 guest carriages, each named after provinces of Rajasthan such as Alwar, Bharatpur, Bundi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur etc.

Facilities:

• Luggage Collection
• Welcome Kit on Arrival
• Personal Attendant or Khidmatgar
• Mineral Water
• News Paper/Magazine
• Toiletries
• Security
• CD player
• Free Wi-Fi Internet
• Spa
• Dining & bar

Attractions Covered:

Delhi – India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb
Jaipur – Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Rajasthali, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh – Ranthambore National Park, Chittorgarh Fort
Udaipur – Jag Niwas, Lake Pichhola
Jaisalmer – Yellow Sandstone Fort, ancient mansions
Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort, grand palaces, shopping tour in Jodhpur
Bharatpur – Keoladeo Ghana National Park
Agra – Fatehpur-Sikri, the Taj Mahal

Website: https://www.palacesonwheels.com/

Winner of 4 consecutive World Travel Awards in the category of World’s Leading Luxury Train, Maharajas’ Express recreates an era of legendary maharajas of India renowned for their idiosyncratic lifestyle and decadence.

Launched in March 2010, the Maharajas’ Express train is owned & operated by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). It’s lavish yet refined interiors, state of the art amenities like Wi-Fi, LCD TVs and suites with attached washroom equipped with bathtubs are something previously unheard on in train traveling.

Rediscover the romance of India as you travel across some of the most mesmerizing destinations across India; get pampered by red carpet welcome and traditional Indian hospitality as you embark on one of the most unforgettable voyage across royal land of India.

Visits to an array of World Heritage Sites, bustling bazaars, vibrant locations and a host of cultural interactions offering unique insider experiences fuse together to offer you one of the finest luxury train travel experiences in India. Select from 5 rail journeys and embark on a journey like no other…on a train like no other

Train Facilities:

The train features state of the art amenities making it one of the most advanced luxury trains in the world. It has a pneumatic suspension system which minimizes unpleasant and unhealthy stresses and jerks while train moving to its way as well a water treatment plant on board.

Here a brief look at the train facilities:

Cabins

The train comprises of 14 guest carriages that can accommodate 88 guests on board. It has a plush Presidential Suite, 4 Suites, 20 Deluxe Cabins, and 18 Junior Suites. All cabins feature Wi-Fi internet, direct dial phones, live television, and luggage hold etc. The other highlights are private butler, 24*7 room services along with spacious en-suite bathrooms with shower. All these services are present to ensure the guests enjoy a high standard of services during their journey.

Dining

The train has two dining cars named Mayur Mahal & Rang Mahal which can easily accommodate 42 passengers at once. The food menu offers a variety of cuisines. The plates are fine Limoges and gold plated cutlery monogrammed M. Sitting under hand painted ceiling and partaking freshly prepared food served by gracious staff makes for a royal dining experience.

Lounge & Bar Cars

The train has a lounge bar called as The Rajah Club and a themed bar called as Safari Bar. Both bars offer comfortable & relaxed sitting arrangements with games tables, club arm chair, a comprehensive collection of book & a range of wines & spirits. The Safari bar also organizes business events & meetings. Wines, liqueurs, spirits and beers along with snacks are served to keep the guests in high spirit.

Each guest cabin come equipped with:

• A spacious wardrobe
• Individual climate control
• Luggage hold underneath the bed
• RFID door locks
• Electronic smoke detection systems
• Free Wi-Fi internet
• Live television
• CCTV cameras for all public areas
• Electronic safe
• Hair dryers
• Direct international dial telephone facility
• Attached washroom in all categories of room

Other unique features include:

• Water filtration plant on board
• Pneumatic suspension system for smooth journey
• Air Ambulance service in case of emergencies

Journeys

The Indian Splendor
Starting from USD 5980
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai

The Indian Panorama
Starting from USD 5980
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Lucknow - Delhi

Treasures of India
Starting from USD 3850
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Destinations Covered: Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi

The Heritage of India
Starting from USD 6340
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi

Website: https://www.maharajas-express-india.com/

USP: Unfold the rich tapestry of South Indian rich heritage and natural treasure troves; many worlds, one voyage

Intro: The Golden Chariot with its two tastefully crafted itineraries - Pride of the South and Splendor of the South - offer whirlwind tours across some of the most culturally and visually illuminating destinations in South India. . The train is designed to imbibe the cultural ethos and traditions of the South India and comes equipped with state of the art amenities which include restaurants, business center, gymnasium and a spa carriage.

Coaches:

26 twin beds, 17 double bed cabins and 1 cabin for the physically challenged. Two restaurants named Nala and Ruchi and a bar called Madira. A Gym car and a conference car

Journeys:

Pride of Karnataka
Starting from USD 700
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destinations Covered: Bengaluru - Bandipur - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hampi - Badami - Goa - Bengaluru

Jewels of South
Starting from USD 700
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Destinations Covered: Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi - Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur - Chettinad – Kanyakumari – Kumarakom – Cochin – Bengaluru

Glimpses of Karnataka
Starting from USD 800
Duration: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Destinations Covered: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru

Website: https://www.the-golden-chariot.com/