In India, due to its vast and diverse territorial extent, traveling via Indian railways provides one of those unique opportunities for travelers to appreciate the various traditions, beautiful landscapes, and exquisite architecture of its cultural heritage. There are luxury trains that gleam with grandeur and take their passengers like royalty from one place to another, and historic lines that have crisscrossed unforgiving mountains and cliffs for years on end, each telling its own story of the past and present of India.

Considered the most luxurious train in India, Maharajas’ Express

The Maharajas’ Express, which launched in 2010 and is run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), is often referred to as the “Orient Express of the East.” In fact, this luxury train has been awarded the title of World’s Leading Luxury Train several times and deservedly so as it aims to offer an incomparable travel experience.

Routes and Itineraries:

Even the Maharajas’ Express has several carefully curated itineraries, such as:

Heritage of India Mumtaz Mahal Package ( 6 Nights / 7 Days): This trip covers Mumbai, Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and ends in New Delhi.

Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days): A condensed version that begins and ends in Delhi and includes Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur.

Indian Panorama (6 Nights/7 Days): Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Lucknow, Delhi.

Onboard Experience:

The train has 23 carriages, of which 14 are for guests and 84 passengers can be accommodated. They include Deluxe Cabins and the massive Presidential Suite, set across an entire carriage. Amenities include two formal dining restaurants, a dedicated bar car, a lounge called the Rajah Club and a spa. Each journey is made more luxurious with guided tours, cultural performances as well as gourmet meals to experience India’s heritage in the most comfortable manner possible.

Palace on Wheels: India, Jaipur, Jaipur Hotels.

Launched in 1982, the Palace on Wheels was the first luxury tourist train in India, and is a joint venture of Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). Rechristened as Heritage Palace on Wheels, the train reflects the splendor of erstwhile royal carriages ridden by kings and princes of India.

Route and Highlights:

Running between September and April, the 7-night, 8-day itinerary features:

Day-1: Departing from New Delhi Throughout the month of October, between dates 1st and 7th, I embarked on a trip. On my client’s request, I decided to travel from New Delhi.

Day 2: Jaipur

Day 3: Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh 

Day 4: Udaipur

Day 5: Jaisalmer

Day 6: Jodhpur

Day 7: Bharatpur and Agra

Day 8: Return to New Delhi

Onboard Experience:

The train has 14 coaches named after erstwhile Rajput states, each reminiscent of royal aesthetics. With space for 82 passengers, facilities include a pair of restaurants — The Maharaja, and The Maharani — a bar-cum-lounge and a spa. From postal and banking services, to even an on-board laundromat, everything you need for a royal journey is provided from here.

Deccan Odyssey: Exploring the Deccan Plateau

The Deccan Odyssey is Escapades on WheelsThe Deccan Odyssey is Escapades on Wheels With plush interiors and curated itineraries, it is a luxe lens through which to see the country’s historical and cultural terrain.

Routes and Itineraries:

Train travels several routes, including:

Maharashtra Delight: Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad & Tadoba

The Jewels of the Deccan: Bijapur, Aihole, Pattadakal, Hampi, Hyderabad

Onboard Experience:

Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches including guest cabins, dining cars, spa, and a lounge. Modern amenities are found in each cabin to ensure a comfortable journey. Onboarding the luxurious train, the voyage to the Deccan region in India becomes a testimony to the colorful culture of the region, as the train decor offers a slice of the region right inside its alleys.

The Golden Chariot: Southern Splendor

South of India is the land of historical monuments, temples, palaces, and more, and the Golden Chariot is an opulent trip to witness the rich culture of South India that takes you to different locations in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Routes and Itineraries:

Notable itineraries include:

Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru, Bandipur, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikamgaluru, Hampi, Goa

Jewels of South: Discovering Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin, and Kumarakom

Onboard Experience:

It has 18 coaches, named after dynasties that ruled parts of South India. Amenities include two restaurants, a lounge bar, conference facilities, a gym and a spa. The interiors are embellished with carvings and motifs indicative of South Indian architecture.

Kalka–Shimla Railway: A Glorious Ride Through the Terrain of the Himalayas

The Kalka–Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that connects the hill station to the valley, takes you through the beautiful Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas. Constructed between 1898 and 1903, this narrow-gauge railway links Kalka to Shimla, which was once British India’s summer capital.

Route and Highlights:

Covering 96.6 kilometers, the railway includes:

103 Tunnels: The longest one is the Barog Tunnel (Tunnel n° 33), with a length of 1,143.61 m. The tunnel is the straightest on Earth, enabling a train to cross in 2.5 minutes at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour.

864 Bridges: Ancient Roman aqueducts come to mind at many of the bridges, which are multi-arched and beautifully engineered.

919 curves: the road is known for sharp curves, the tightest of which has a radius of 37. 47 meters, which makes the road really interesting.

Historical Significance:

The railway was built to give a more easily accessible route to Shimla, the summer capital of British India. Engineering marvels that line the route, such as tunnels and bridges, are testaments to the ingenuity of the era.

Travel Experience:

The train affords passengers panoramic views of rugged mountains, verdant pine forests and pretty hillside villages. Unlike its sleek, modern cousins, the journey is a nostalgic affair and uses vintage coaches with colonial-era stations.

It is now one of India’s-Important tourist cost because of the Historical Knowledge.

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• Country: India