India has no dearth of luxury trains with suites starting from INR one lakh
Indian Railways is one of the biggest railway organisations in the world. Unfortunately,
given the extensive nature of the network, maintaining trains has always been a challenge, particularly in terms of cleanliness. The factor continues to decline due to the lack of civic sense among citizens. However, on the other hand, India has some of the most luxurious trains in the world for those with unlimited wealth.
In this article of ‘India On Wheels’, let us introduce you to the other side of Indian Railways, a luxurious experience on wheels that you will find in very few countries.
Deccan Odyssey
(Credit- Deccan Odyssey)
Clad in blue, the Deccan Odyssey is a five-star luxury train managed by the Taj Group of Hotels, which reflects the lives of Maharajas from the 16th century. The train runs on several routes with different itineraries between Delhi and Mumbai. From various cuisines to spas, cafés, bars, libraries, and several other amenities, you almost get every luxurious indulgence on this train. A trip on the train could cost anywhere between INR 100,000 and 500,000.
Maharajas’ Express
(Credit- Jansatta)
The World Travel Awards has awarded the Maharajas’ Express the title of “World’s Leading Luxury Train”. The train operates in the state of Rajasthan, taking tourists across cities such as Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaipur. There’s also an itinerary that takes tourists from Delhi to Varanasi, starting in Jaipur. From luxurious suites to expensive drinks, live life like a true Maharaja on the Maharajas’ Express. One can check out the price of a trip on the Maharajas’ Express official site.
The Golden Chariot
(Credit- The Golden Chariot)
Enter the train, and you will feel as though you have stepped into a chariot that epitomises luxuriousness on wheels. An initiative by the Karnataka State Tourism Board, the Golden Chariot takes tourists through the natural landscapes of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa, including many World Heritage Sites. The interior design of the train is heavily inspired by the designs found in old and historic buildings of Mysore. Similar to other trains, this train also offers a wide range of cuisines, drinks, and luxurious amenities.
Palace on Wheels
(Conde Nast Traveller India)
Out of all the luxurious trains, this particular train is our favourite because it is a piece of Indian history. The train was originally used by the kings of Gujarat and the Nizams of Hyderabad. In 2009, the train was refurbished for tourist purposes, and since then, it has truly been a Palace on Wheels. The train runs the route -- Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi.
These trains have upheld Indian luxuriousness and hospitality on wheels for decades. Therefore, if one can afford it, a trip in one of these must be done once in a lifetime to get a taste of Indian Railways’ finest offerings.
