Train tours

Luxury train tours in India allow you to discover the country’s royal heritage, remarkable landscapes and celebrated cultural sites in exceptional comfort. Aboard the Maharajas’ Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey or Golden Chariot, you can travel through Rajasthan, North India, Maharashtra and South India without changing hotels every day.

By day, guided excursions take you to magnificent palaces, historic forts, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, temples and national parks. In the evening, you return to your familiar cabin, dine on board and continue overnight to the next destination.

Air-conditioned cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, while accommodation ranges from Deluxe Cabins to spacious suites. Restaurants, lounges and bar areas provide elegant spaces in which to relax. Depending on the train, you may also have access to a spa and fitness area.

Maharajas’ Express – Refined Rail Travel Through Rajasthan and North India

The Maharajas’ Express is the flagship of Indian luxury rail travel. If you value refined accommodation, attentive service and carefully selected experiences, this train offers one of the most sophisticated ways to explore India.

Traditional Indian decorative elements are combined with contemporary amenities. You can choose between Deluxe Cabins, Junior Suites, Suites and the Presidential Suite, all with en-suite bathrooms. Two restaurants, elegant lounges, bar areas and personal cabin attendants complete the experience.

Four principal itineraries are available:

• The Indian Splendour – 6 Nights/7 Days: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
• The Heritage of India – 6 Nights/7 Days: Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Delhi
• The Indian Panorama – 6 Nights/7 Days: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
• Treasures of India – 3 Nights/4 Days: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi

Choose the Maharajas’ Express if you are visiting India for the first time, celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, or seeking a particularly comfortable journey. The shorter Treasures of India itinerary can also be incorporated into a longer tailor-made tour.

Palace on Wheels – The Classic Rajasthan Luxury Train

Introduced in 1982, the Palace on Wheels is India’s longest-established luxury train. Its design draws inspiration from the historic railway carriages once used by the Maharajas and the former princely states of Rajasthan.

The classic journey lasts 7 nights/8 days:

Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi

Along the way, you can discover the palaces of Jaipur and Udaipur, Chittorgarh Fort, the desert city of Jaisalmer and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The itinerary also includes a safari in Ranthambore National Park and a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Select the Palace on Wheels if you wish to explore Rajasthan in depth while experiencing the historic atmosphere of a traditional Indian royal train.

Deccan Odyssey – Culture, Wildlife and Diverse Routes

The blue-and-gold Deccan Odyssey offers one of the broadest selections of luxury rail itineraries in India. Its routes extend across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and other parts of western, central and northern India.

You can stay in a Deluxe Cabin or Presidential Suite, both with en-suite bathroom facilities. Elsewhere on board, two restaurants, a lounge bar, a spa, a small fitness area and a conference carriage provide additional comfort.

Principal journeys include:

• Maharashtra Splendour: Mumbai, Nashik, Ellora, Ajanta, Kolhapur, Goa and the Konkan Coast
• Maharashtra Wild Trail: Ellora, Pench and Tadoba national parks, Ajanta and Nashik
• Indian Odyssey: Delhi, Ranthambore, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara, Ellora and Mumbai
• Indian Sojourn: Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambore and Delhi
• Heritage Odyssey: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and the royal cities of Rajasthan
• Cultural Odyssey: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orchha and Gwalior

Most Deccan Odyssey journeys operate for 7 nights/8 days. This train is a particularly good choice if you are interested in culture, wildlife and UNESCO World Heritage Sites or wish to venture beyond India’s most familiar routes.

Golden Chariot – Luxury Train Journeys Through South India

The Golden Chariot introduces you to the cultural heritage and landscapes of southern India. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you can travel through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Goa.

Its passenger carriages are named after historic South Indian dynasties. Comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms are complemented by two restaurants, a lounge bar and a spa and fitness area.

Three journeys are offered:

• Pride of Karnataka – 5 Nights/6 Days: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikmagalur – Hampi – Goa – Bengaluru
• Jewels of South – 5 Nights/6 Days: Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur – Chettinad – Kochi – Kumarakom – Bengaluru
• Glimpses of Karnataka – 3 Nights/4 Days: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru

During your journey, you can experience royal palaces, temple architecture, UNESCO-listed sites, wildlife and tropical scenery. The Golden Chariot is especially suitable if you wish to explore South India or combine your rail journey with Kerala, an Ayurveda retreat, Goa or the Maldives.

Which Luxury Train in India Is Right for You?

Choose the train according to the regions and experiences that interest you most:

• Maharajas’ Express: choose this train for refined accommodation, attentive service and a varied selection of itineraries.
• Palace on Wheels: select this journey for a classic and comprehensive introduction to Rajasthan.
• Deccan Odyssey: consider this train if you are interested in culture, wildlife and a broader choice of regions.
• Golden Chariot: choose this option for South Indian temples, royal cities, tropical landscapes and Kerala.

What Is Included in an India Luxury Train Tour?

The exact services depend on your chosen train, itinerary and cabin category. Most journeys include:

• accommodation in your selected cabin or suite
• breakfast, lunch and dinner
• selected beverages
• sightseeing and excursions listed in the itinerary
• entrance fees for the included attractions
• transportation during off-train excursions
• an onboard tour director and local English-speaking guides
• personal cabin or butler service
• selected cultural performances and special dining experiences

International flights, Indian visas, travel insurance, gratuities, spa treatments, premium beverages and optional activities are generally not included unless specifically stated.

Prices and Best Time to Travel

The price of your luxury train journey through India depends on the train, itinerary, travel season, cabin category and occupancy. Deluxe Cabins offer the most accessible option, while suites and Presidential Suites provide additional space and amenities.

Most luxury trains operate between September or October and April, although selected departures may continue into May. Reserve well in advance if you plan to travel during the winter months, over Christmas and New Year, or on another popular departure date.

Travel Mart TM will prepare your proposal using the latest schedules, available cabins and applicable fares.

Tailor-Made Extensions to Your Luxury Train Journey

Luxury trains operate on fixed routes and scheduled departure dates, with international passengers travelling together. However, your journey before and after the train can be designed entirely around your interests.

You may combine your luxury rail experience with:

• a privately guided journey through Rajasthan
• additional stays in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru
• a wildlife safari in central India
• a cultural tour of Tamil Nadu
• an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala
• a beach stay in Goa
• a resort extension in the Maldives

With more than 20 years of experience in tailor-made travel across Asia, Travel Mart TM can arrange your complete journey, including flights, carefully selected hotels, private transfers, guides and individual pre- or post-train itineraries.

As departure dates, routes and services may change seasonally, we check current schedules and cabin availability individually for every request.