Luxury trains are not like your regular, crowded local trains. They are so luxurious that they can give any 5-star hotel a run for its money. If you want to travel like a boss, or better still, travel like a maharaja, then consider these 5 luxurious Indian rides. They'll really pamper the royal in you.
1. Maharajas' Express
When you step onto Maharajas’ Express, you won’t believe your eyes. The express, that looks like a train from the outside, becomes a royal palace once you step in. The train offers a range of five itineraries, which include plans such as meeting the royal family at one of the largest dinosaur fossil sites in Balasinor, exploring the temples of Khajuraho, dining at an elephant polo match in Jaipur, enjoying a sundowner on the sand dunes of Bikaner, and indulging in a champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal. The train comprises 14 guest carriages with 43 cabins in total. Packages range from 4 days/3 nights to 8 days/7 nights and cover major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
Fare: On Single Occupancy per person - Rs. 4,48,840
2. Palace on Wheels
The train, that was started by the late Rajmata of Jaipur, Gayatri Devi, has an apt name in Palace On Wheels. Because it is indeed a palace, that runs smoothly on the tracks. The train starts from Safdarjung New Delhi and reaches Rajasthan in a week. It travels through cities like Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra, before returning to Delhi. Apart from royal spas, the train also boasts of 14 saloons, which are designed and furnished according to the lifestyle theme of former princely states.
Fare: On Single Occupancy per person- Rs. 3,36,000/-
3. Deccan Odyssey
India’s own blue luxury train explores the beautiful Konkan regions of Maharashtra. It leaves from Mumbai every Wednesday and has packages of Gujarat and Delhi too. Each coach of Deccan is named after different dynasties and are designed accordingly. The royal train is equipped with two restaurants, Peshwa l and Peshwa ll, which serve authentic Maharashtrian food. There is also an onboard bar called Mumbai Hi which serves the best varieties of wines and spirits collected from all around the world. For people travelling business class, there is a dedicated conference car onboard the train.
Fare: On Single Occupancy per person –Rs 3,81,251
4. The Golden Chariot
Named after the famous stone chariot in Hampi, the train takes you to Mysore and Goa from Bangalore. The 19 coaches of the royal train have amenities like two restaurants, a lounge bar, and conference, gym and a spa. Managed by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, the Golden Chariot has been awarded the coveted ‘Asia’s leading luxury train’ award. The train departs from Bangalore on alternate Mondays and has two packages - Pride of South & Southern Splendour.
Fare: On Single Occupancy per person – Rs. Rs. 1,68,000
5. Royal Rajasthan
This train is modelled similar to the luxurious Palace On Wheels. However, it does not quite get the aura and luxury of Palace Of Wheels. It has 14 luxury cabins which are named after some erstwhile royal palaces of Rajasthan. The trains starts its tour from Delhi and takes you to all the Rajasthani cities and then returns to Delhi.
Fare: On Single Occupancy per person – Rs. 57,741
