The Romance of the Rails
There is something undeniably poetic about train travel.
The soft sway of motion.
The landscape unfolding like a film reel outside your window.
The hypnotic rhythm of wheels echoing a bygone era.
In India, this poetry acquires a golden sheen.
Here, trains are not just transport — they are theatre. They carry the nostalgia of maharajas, the elegance of royal courts, and the timeless thrill of watching India shift from desert to jungle to palace town in a matter of hours.
India’s luxury trains — Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey — are among the finest in the world. These are journeys where every corridor tells a story, every meal is a memory, and every arrival is a celebration.
For travellers who crave depth, indulgence and heritage woven into movement, luxury rail holidays are one of the finest ways to explore the subcontinent.
Palace on Wheels — Rajasthan in Regal Motion
Launched in 1982, the Palace on Wheels remains India’s most iconic luxury train — a perfect tribute to the romance of Rajasthan. Inspired by the personal coaches of princely states, it carries forward the aesthetic of gold brocade, hand-carved wood, polished brass and the warm hospitality Rajasthan is famous for.
The Route: A Moving Museum of Rajasthan
This seven-night journey meanders through:
- Jaipur – Pink City & Amber Fort
- Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
- Chittorgarh – The fort of legends
- Udaipur – Palaces by the lake
- Jaisalmer – Golden desert and havelis
- Jodhpur – The Blue City & Mehrangarh Fort
- Bharatpur – Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary
- Agra – The Taj Mahal finale
Every stop feels like stepping into a chapter of India’s royal history.
Life Onboard
The cabins echo princely suites — each named after a Rajasthan kingdom like Alwar, Kota or Bikaner. Expect:
- Plush silks and hand-woven carpets
- Personal attendants (khidmatgars)
- Crystal-lit dining cars
- Spa and lounge facilities
- Evenings of traditional Rajasthani music
It is nostalgia, yes — but elevated by present-day comfort.
Maharajas’ Express — The Crown Jewel of Indian Luxury Trains
If Palace on Wheels is nostalgic, Maharajas’ Express is aspirational. Recognised consistently among the world’s best luxury trains, it blends old-world glamour with the precision of modern hospitality.
Design & Ambience
Think:
- Panoramic windows for uninterrupted views
- En-suite bathrooms with showers
- A plush Safari Bar
- Two gourmet restaurants
- Butler service in every cabin
It is not just transport — it is a five-star hotel in motion.
Signature Itineraries
Popular journeys include:
- Heritage of India – Mumbai to Delhi through Ajanta, Udaipur, Jaipur, and more
- Treasures of India – A shorter Golden Triangle-plus-Ranthambhore circuit
- Indian Panorama – Temples, ghats and forts across North & Central India
Experiences might include:
- Champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal
- A private river cruise in Varanasi
- A guided walk through Khajuraho’s UNESCO temples
- Tiger tracking in Ranthambhore
This is luxury train travel in India at its highest expression.
The Deccan Odyssey — Elegance Across the Western Ghats
The Deccan Odyssey explores the lesser-known yet deeply rewarding landscapes of western and southern India — vineyards, coastline, caves, forts and temples.
Where It Takes You
Depending on the itinerary, you may explore:
- Nashik’s wine country
- Konkan’s empty beaches
- Sindhudurg’s coastal forts
- Goa’s old Latin quarters
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Karnataka’s royal heritage circuits
It is the perfect luxury train for travellers who prefer culture, cuisine and calm over crowds.
Onboard Experience
Inside, the train mirrors the elegance of Maratha royalty:
- Dining cars inspired by imperial salons
- A fully equipped spa cabin
- Lounge areas for reading and conversation
- Regional dishes paired with Indian wines
It is a journey that feels personal, warm and exquisitely curated.
Life Onboard: Moving Palaces of Detail
Regardless of which luxury train you choose, the essence is the same — slow travel, deep experiences, refined spaces.
Wake up to:
- The aroma of fresh Darjeeling tea
- Sunlight drifting across distant fields
- Soft rustling as attendants prepare breakfast
Spend your days exploring forts, wildlife parks, temples or lakes — and your evenings in:
- Crystal-and-brass dining cars
- Lounges with classical music
- Panoramic cabins with books and wine
- Conversations with fellow travellers as the night hums past
Menus evolve with regions:
Laal Maas in Jodhpur, Machher Jhol in Bengal, Malvani seafood along the Konkan coast. Everything feels rooted yet elevated.
Luxury train travel is not about getting somewhere quickly. It is about enjoying every kilometre.
The Revival of Rail Romance
In a world chasing speed, India’s royal trains celebrate the luxury of time.
You cannot rush these journeys. And that is their gift.
They invite you to watch the world change gradually — one village, one river crossing, one terrain shift at a time.
Modern Enhancements For 2026
Upcoming upgrades include:
- Higher-speed internet
- Digital concierge assistance
- Enhanced spa menus
- Exclusive new off-train excursions (private fort dinners, vineyard tours, curated city walks)
Yet the soul remains unchanged: elegance in motion.
Beyond the Tracks: Tailor-Made Extensions
A luxury rail journey is a perfect spine for a broader itinerary. Tamarind Global Holidays curates elegant extensions:
- Jaipur, Udaipur or Jodhpur boutique palace stays
- Varanasi or Lucknow for cultural immersion
- Goa for a wellness finale after Deccan Odyssey
- Agra for Taj sunrise views
- Delhi for curated shopping and contemporary art tours
We ensure the luxury of the train flows seamlessly into the rest of your journey.
When To Board
India’s luxury trains operate from October to April, when the weather is mild and destinations are at their most beautiful.
- Duration: 7 nights / 8 days (standard)
- Best months: November & February for festivals and crisp desert air
- Tip: Book early for premium cabins, which sell out quickly during peak season
Why Luxury Trains Still Matter
Perhaps what draws travellers back to these journeys is something more emotional than indulgent.
Luxury trains remind us that travel is not a checklist — it is a feeling.
The feeling of dawn light through silk curtains.
The feeling of ancient forts rising outside your window.
The feeling of time slowing down just enough for life to expand.
You realise, as the whistle fades into the distance, that true luxury is not the carriage you occupy — but the world you witness passing by.
