Luxurious trains in India day again to its colonial period, when opulent carriages transported dignitaries, officials and royalty.
Far more trains were built in the 19th century for the country’s maharajas and other ruling elites and their family members.
Adhering to India’s independence in 1947, privy purses — or governmental payments to these rulers — ended. Without the income to keep them, India’s luxurious rail carriages ended up abandoned.
Indian Railways, which is portion of India’s countrywide railway technique, refurbished various trains more than the decades, with the to start with making its debut in the 1980s. The trains have been released to boost tourism in India by offering travelers with a distinctive and opulent way to knowledge the region.
Mixing historic elegance with present day comforts, these trains are a glimpse into India’s regal earlier.
A note to travelers: Journey companies have web sites that appear to be official sites for the trains in this report, from time to time promoting trips at increased charges. Official web pages for each train are embedded in the hyperlinks.
1. Palace on Wheels
Route: an 8-day journey across northwest India, which include the country’s “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
Selling price: from $864 (based on twin sharing)
When it runs: September to April
Introduced in 1982, the Palace on Wheels is an icon in Indian luxurious coach journey. Chugging together the northern reaches of India by way of Rajasthan and Agra, this train immerses passengers in a royal bygone era with sundowners in the dunes, camel safaris and trips to Rajasthan’s palaces and historic forts.
A peek within a dining automobile and a cabin clearly show the ornate aspects on board India’s Palace on Wheels teach.
Resource: Palace on Wheels
Its 14-mentor teach, every single named after previous princely states of Rajasthan, have 41 cabins, with panoramic windows, luxurious carpets, frescoed ceilings, mahogany paneling and attached bogs. The two “super deluxe” cabins appear with a noteworthy perk: a non-public car or truck and guideline for sightseeing.
The train’s two dining vehicles serve Indian, continental and Italian cuisines, and there’s a individual bar for cocktails and beverages. Active attendees can get their workout repair in the health club, though these who want to chill out can ebook Ayurvedic therapies in the spa.
2. The Golden Chariot
Routes: three itineraries, ranging from 3 to 5 nights, across south India
Selling price: from $3,160 per individual (based mostly on twin sharing)
When it operates: October to March
Introduced in 2008, the Golden Chariot runs across South India, past historic cities, sun-kissed beach locations, jungle-protected hills, temples and safaris. It has 18 purple and gold carriages, each named right after the dynasties of south India.
Cabins come with ensuite loos, intelligent TVs, Wi-Fi and an attendant. Local and international fare is served in two eating autos, and the train’s lounge bar, Madira, options decor motivated by Mysore Palace.
There is also an workout place and spa with common Indian and modern therapeutic massage therapies.
All journeys start and stop in Bengaluru.
3. Deccan Odyssey
Routes: Six week-extensive itineraries, departing from Mumbai and Delhi
Price: From $8,330 for one occupancy and $11,900 for double occupancy
When it operates: September to May well
The Deccan Odyssey — managing considering that 2004 — feels like a roving hotel.
Its 21 carriages dwelling a substantial-tech meeting area, spa, memento store, gymnasium and a bar serving fantastic wines and spirits, as well as mocktails. Twelve vehicles are sleeper cabins, which arrive with personalized butlers and plush carpeting, private loos and mod drawbacks these kinds of as world wide web and DVD gamers.
A single of two dining establishments on board the Deccan Odyssey, which operates from September to May possibly.
The teach was refurbished in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, reopening in 2023 with gasoline stoves in lieu of gasoline-run ones in the pantry car or truck, with additional suspension for a smoother journey, in accordance to The Situations of India.
The two onboard eating places — Waavar and Utsav — are another spotlight, serving specialties from the locations traversed by the coach. Sumptuously draped curtains, crisp linens, engraved wooden panelling and wonderful silver cutlery insert to the royal aesthetic.
The journey also weaves in cultural experiences. A person day, travellers may be admiring historic Indian architecture, and on the following, wine-tasting or embarking on a activity push.
4. Maharajas’ Convey
Routes: 4 itineraries, ranging from 3 to six evenings, departing from Delhi and Mumbai
Cost: from $4,890 for every man or woman (centered on twin sharing)
When it operates: October to April
Lavish interiors blended with the regular royal hospitality of India have garnered the 23-carriage Maharajas’ Express numerous awards given that it introduced in 2010.
Travellers can pick from 4 categories of place in 14 guest cabins — the largest becoming the Presidential Suite, which has two bedrooms, a living home and a lavatory with a bathtub.
Indian foods served in a person of the dining cars on board the luxury Maharajas’ Categorical.
Sergi Reboredo | Vw Pictures | Common Visuals Group | Getty Photographs
A alternative of two restaurants — the peacock-themed Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal — are appropriate for vegetarians and meat fans alike.
Travelers can mingle around cocktails at the Safari Bar or decide for a much more tranquil placing at the Rajah Lounge, exactly where they can engage in games or read through while using in views of the passing landscapes.
Stops alongside the way spotlight Indian culture and heritage, such as holy baths in the sacred ghats, jungle safaris, palace and temple visits and procuring in bustling bazaars.
