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Photo Story: 12 Gorgeous Pictures of India’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys

Take an incredible journey through the nation, on any of these luxury trains.

Photo Story: 12 Gorgeous Pictures of India’s Most Luxurious Train Journeys

India has always had a love affair with heritage and luxury, and you can now get a taste of the royal life, aboard these luxury trains in India.

Fitted with amenities befitting a royal family, these trains run through historically significant destinations. However, the interiors of these fascinating trains is what truly catches one’s eye.

Leave the world behind, as you settle down to sip a drink at a bar-cum-lounge, dig into a multi-course meal, and enjoy the good life! These heritage luxury trains are a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.

Here are six trains, that are coveted for being the most opulent trains in the Railway’s fleet.

1. The Maharajas’ Express

The Maharaja's Express, is a luxurious experience in a luxury train. Image Courtesy: Facebook.
The Maharaja’s Express, is a luxurious experience indeed. Image Courtesy: Facebook.

 

One of the most famous luxury trains, the Maharaja Express promises to cradle you in opulence. Image Courtesy: Facebook.
One of the most famous luxury trains, the Maharaja Express promises to cradle you in opulence. Image Courtesy: Facebook.

The most expensive luxury train in the world, the Maharajas’ Express was bestowed the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train” award, at the World Travel Awards, for five consecutive years, from 2012 to 2017.

Started in March 2010, the train runs on five circuits covering more than 12 destinations across North-West and Central India. Its Presidential Suite is the benchmark of luxury, with a complimentary mini-bar, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that you would typically find in a 5-star hotel!

2. The Deccan Odyssey:-

Have a good night's sleep, in these luxurious beds, aboard The Deccan Odyssey a luxury train. Image Courtesy: The Deccan Odyssey.
Have a good night’s sleep, in these luxurious beds, aboard The Deccan Odyssey. Image Courtesy: The Deccan Odyssey

 

Dig into flavourful cuisine in an opulent setting on this luxury train. Image Courtesy: The Deccan Odyssey.
Dig into flavourful cuisine in an opulent setting on this luxury train. Image Courtesy: The Deccan Odyssey.

Modelled on the Palace on Wheels, this venture of the Maharashtra Government and the Ministry of Railways has 21 luxurious coaches, of which 11 accommodate guests, while the rest comprise of a dining space, a lounge, a conference car and a health spa.

A unique facet of this train is that each coach is inspired by the different royal eras of Maharashtra. The two restaurants on board, dish out a delectable selection of Indian, oriental and continental dishes. The Deccan Odyssey has seven journeys, encompassing iconic sights and sounds and even hidden treasures!

3. The Golden Chariot Train:-

The Golden Chariot Train, has a well-equipped gymnasium! Image Courtesy: Flickr
The Golden Chariot Train, has a well-equipped gymnasium! Image Courtesy: Flickr

 

The staff on this luxury train leaves no stone unturned, in making sure you have a great experience. Image Courtesy: Flickr.
The staff on this luxury train leaves no stone unturned, in making sure you have a great experience. Image Courtesy: Flickr.

Passengers can cover both major and offbeat tourist destinations of South India, on this luxurious train which offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches that are named after the dynasties that ruled the region.

In addition to the 11 plush coaches, 2 dining cars, a bar-lounge, business centre, mini-gymnasium and ayurvedic spa make up this train.

The Cigar Bar Lounge (called Madira), is modelled after the iconic Mysore Palace!

Unwind in style, thanks to the massage rooms that rely on time-tested Ayurvedic techniques, and burn calories in the gym. The Golden Chariot undertakes a 7-night journey, which will show you the incredible multi-cultural fabric of South India.

Please note that this train will be operational again, only after 15th July 2018

4. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:-

Sip a drink, courtesy the fully-stocked bar on this luxury train! Image Courtesy: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Sip a drink, courtesy the fully-stocked bar on this luxury train! Image Courtesy: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

 

The Deluxe Sapphire Saloon, is luxurious just like the gem it derives its name from. Image Courtesy: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels luxury train
The Deluxe Sapphire Saloon, is luxurious just like the gem it derives its name from. Image Courtesy: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The train takes tourists to several important tourist, wildlife and heritage sites across Rajasthan, and help them to escape into the land of the kings.

This train has passenger coaches with deluxe saloons, that sport colour themes inspired by precious gems, like rubies, pearls and sapphires. The coaches are named after iconic Rajasthan locations like Surya Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Lalgarh Palace, etc.

The tour itinerary is a 7-day extravaganza that begins in the national capital and ends at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

5. The Palace on Wheels:-

Look out at old, historic fords, while you travel in the luxury train the Palace of Wheels. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.
Look out at old, historic fords, while you travel in the Palace of Wheels. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons.

 

The bathrooms on this luxury train are truly a sight to behold. Image Credit: Facebook.
The bathrooms on this luxury train are truly a sight to behold. Image Credit: Facebook.

The famous and instantly recognisable train is an ode to the Royal Rajputs. View the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan, all in a week. The train has beautiful lounges like the Swarn Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal, deluxe saloons and a health spa, and a well-equipped gymnasium.

There is a very engaging welcome ceremony, at the Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi, for passengers before they board! Unfortunately, the train doesn’t run in summer and operates only from September to April.

6. The Royal Orient:-

The Royal Orient Express, is a luxury train boasting of beautiful heritage furniture. Image Courtesy :Facebook.
The Royal Orient Express, is a luxury train boasting of beautiful heritage furniture. Image Courtesy :Facebook.

 

Sit at the bar, and let the staff take care of your every need, on this luxury train. Image Courtesy: Facebook.
Sit at the bar, and let the staff take care of your every need, on this luxury train. Image Courtesy: Facebook.

Running between Gujarat and Rajasthan, the train offers its passengers a taste of royal luxury while showcasing the best of Indian culture and heritage.

As you make your way through the two states, feast your eyes on the great Indian desert, soak in the vibe at an ancient Jain temple city, dip your toes in the Arabian sea, and undertake a jungle safari to see the Asiatic Lion.

The 8-day itinerary promises you luxurious memories, thanks to the train’s amenities, which include spacious cabins and into the multi-cuisine fare.


You may also like: Maharaja Express Goes South! Explore the Southern Jewels on Indian Railways’ Luxury Train


These luxury trains offer a unique experience and a new way to see the wonders that India has to offer. Whether it is the vast deserts and magnificent palaces of Rajasthan, the jungles of Gujarat, or the expanse of the Arabian Sea, make sure to keep your eyes wide open as you embark on a memorable journey!

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