Photo Credit: Photos_Worldwide, Pixabay
In India, when we think of train journeys, we think of crowded platforms, shouting vendors, and congested compartments. But there are a few trains which can uplift your train journey experience. These are called luxury trains, and they are designed in a way to provide the traveller with maximum comfort, and make them feel like a royal.
In addition to the most luxurious accommodations, these trains will serve up the finest cuisine and other facilities to pamper your senses. Managed by the Indian Railways and IRCTC several luxury trains in India help travellers explore some of the most exotic destinations with unforgettable experiences.
Here are some of the best luxury trains in India.
Maharajas' Express
A joint venture between Cox and Kings Travel and IRCTC, Maharaja Express offers five different itineraries which cover some of the best tourist destinations in the North-West and Central India. It is one of the most expensive luxury trains in India. Every year, from October to April, you may enjoy this journey. They have the finest dining, with a capacity of 42 passengers sitting together in the dining compartment. There are two different Mahals namely Mayur and Rang, and also a Safari bar. The interiors present a fusion of traditional Indian and modern Indian decorations. They have different types of suites, like Junior Suites, Suites, and Presidential suites.
Some of the key features of this train are,
Centralised Air Conditioning
Private bath
LCD along with satellite connection
Wifi connections
Souvenir shops
The five itineraries are namely-
The Heritage of India
The Indian panorama
Gems of India
Treasure of India
Indian splendour
One can choose from any of these routes and enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience. The duration may vary from three nights & four days to nine nights & ten days, and the cost can go from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 15 lakhs depending upon the suite one chooses. All in all, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is worth the cost.
Palace On Wheels
Palace on Wheels started its journey on the 26th of January 1982. This luxury train is well known for its high-end service and royal atmosphere. The Palace on Wheels is accessible from September to April and covers North and Western India. This train consists of 23 coaches named after pre-Independence Rajput states. It was preliminarily launched for the Rulers of Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the British Viceroy, and all other royal dignitaries. It consists of 14 deluxe saloons, historical coaches and fine dining, all clad with rich Rajasthani fabric. They provide three different types of occupancy: single, double, and super deluxe suites.
Some key features of this train are,
Individual pantry
Luxury bathrooms
Personal attendants are in all coaches.
Traditionally clad staff
The routes of the tour start from Delhi, Jaipur, Swai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra, then return to Delhi. The duration of the trip revolves around seven nights and eight days, and it can cost up to five lakhs depending on the type of occupancy and season. This journey is a must-have for those travellers who want to travel to Western India by train with an ambience of royalty.
Deccan Odyssey
This royal blue ecstasy, which is operational from October to April, takes one through the most exotic parts of the Western Ghats, Konkan plateau, and Deccan plateau. It was launched in the year 2003 as a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and the Government of India. This is designed to represent the lives of the Maharajas of the 16th century. While travelling on this train, one can see the brilliance of the Maratha Kingdom. Managed by the Taj Group of hotels, Deccan Odyssey consists of 40 deluxe cabins and 2 presidential cabins along with conference rooms.
Some key features of this train are,
Gymnasium
Beauty parlour
Spa
They provide six different itineraries, namely
The Indian Odyssey Route
The Indian Sojourn Route
Jewels of the Deccan Route
The Maharashtra Splendour Route
Maharashtra Wild Trail Route
Hidden Treasures of the Gujarat Route
The duration of these tours might be around seven nights and eight days with a cost of around 4 lakh to 9.5 lakh, which may vary depending on the suites. Deccan Odyssey is the best choice for one who wants to travel through Maharashtra while reliving the glorious days of the Maratha Royals.
The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot started its journey on March 10th, 2008 and operates from October to March under the initiative of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation. This train comprises 19 purple and gold coaches, along with 2 restaurants, a lounge bar named 'Madira' and a conference hall. The interior designs represent the authenticity of Karnataka. It covers parts of South India, namely Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. More specifically, the train starts and ends at Bengaluru while covering destinations like Bandipur, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Badami, Hampi, and Goa.
Some key features of the train;
LCD television along with satellite connection
Centralised air conditioner
Private baths
Writing desks
They provide two itineraries, namely
Southern splendour route
Pride of the South Route
The tour duration consists of seven nights and eight days with a cost of around 3.5 lakhs. It is one of the best options to travel royally while indulging oneself in the beauties of Southern India.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Operated by Indian Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels presents rich Rajasthani culture and cuisine to travellers. Along with 14 fully air-conditioned coaches, it has two luxury restaurant coaches, namely Sheesh Mahal coach and Swarn Mahal coach. The coaches are clad in rich silk, along with antique wooden furniture, which provides the perfect Rajasthani ambience for travellers. The whole train is decorated with crystal pellets and traditional royal floor lamps. They have two different types of cabins, namely Deluxe and Super Deluxe. The deluxe cabins are categorised into three different types, namely Ruby, Sapphire, and Pearl. They provide rich wildlife and heritage for the passengers on board. It covers famous spots like the Taj Mahal. Agra fort, Chittorgarh fort, Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jag Niwas.
Some key features of the train:
Posh toiletries
Temperature control
Internet connectivity
Music system
It starts from Delhi and goes along to Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Sarnath, Agra, and then comes back to Delhi. The tour duration is around seven nights and eight days as it costs around fifty thousand to eighty thousand per person. It is a good option to explore Rajasthan royally.
