Embark on an unforgettable journey through India aboard luxurious trains with large crystal-clear windows, elegantly decorated cabins, and an ambiance that is rustic yet real, promising to steal your heart.India, renowned for its rich culture, history, civilization, regal legacy, picturesque villages, and ancient scriptures, invites you to experience its essence in royal Maharaja style. Step into decorated cabins that transport you to the era of kings, narrating stories you've never heard before.
The concept of luxury trains was first introduced in Western countries. India, however, embraced this idea during the British colonial era when tracks were laid for their comfort and trading purposes. Originally not intended for tourism, the cabins and wagons were designed with their comfort in mind.Following India's independence in 1947, the government took control of all trains. In 1982, India inaugurated its first royal train, covering historical, cultural, and monumental landmarks, offering tourists a unique and immersive experience. With a positive response, the government introduced more luxury trains on different routes and upgraded the cabins to meet evolving standards of service and amenities. Truly, luxury trains provide the most enchanting way to explore India
Inside these opulent carriages, you'll find four distinguished luxury trains - The Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and Golden Chariot - each operating in distinct regions, showcasing India's diverse tapestry. Additionally, there's a semi-deluxe train, The Buddhist Circuit, offering a unique perspective. These luxury trains have garnered popularity among both national and international travelers, drawing visitors from around the world to experience unparalleled hospitality and a journey through the heart of India.
Recently, the Indian government has introduced several other train circuits featuring deluxe and semi-deluxe trains, such as the Buddhist Circuit and Ramayana Circuit. These luxury trains are equipped with a myriad of services that astonish tourists.
Indulge in sumptuous meals showcasing India's diverse cuisines, prepared by skilled chefs.
Retreat to spacious, well-appointed cabins adorned with classic decor and modern amenities
Relax and rejuvenate with luxurious spa treatments, ensuring a tranquil journey.
Be captivated by traditional dances, music, and performances showcasing India's vibrant culture.
Explore historical sites, temples, local villages, and natural wonders with knowledgeable guides.
Experience impeccable hospitality with attentive staff catering to your every need.
These luxury trains offer a glimpse into the soul of India, where every journey becomes a tale of grandeur, culture, and unforgettable moments.
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Palace on Wheels |
Inspired by royal heritage travel, the iconic Palace on Wheels is India's first luxury train, offering unmatched experiences. Once preferred by the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Maharajas of Rajasthan, this heritage train provides a unique way to explore Rajasthan. It promises an exciting journey, excellent transport, world-class hospitality, and a meticulously crafted itinerary.
A joint venture of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways, the Palace on Wheels has won numerous accolades as a pioneer among Indian luxury trains. Onboard, guests enjoy personal butlers and modern amenities for a thoroughly pampered experience.
Building on the success of the Heritage Palace on Wheels, RTDC introduced the New Palace on Wheels for royal-style travel across various
destinations. This 7-night, 8-day journey includes stops in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra, allowing guests to travel like maharajas
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Golden Chariot |
The Golden Chariot, an extraordinary luxury train, offers a window to the soul of South India. Blending adventure and leisure, a Golden Chariot journey is the epitome of a dream holiday.
Owned by Karnataka Tourism (KSTDC), the Golden Chariot commenced operations in 2008 and promotes various tourist sites in Karnataka and neighboring states. The train features 10 guest carriages with a capacity of 72 passengers, two fine dining restaurants seating 36 each, a bar, spa, business center, and mini gymnasium.
Centered around South India, the Golden Chariot offers three distinct itineraries, all starting and ending in Bengaluru, covering destinations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala.
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Maharaja's Express |
Renowned for their larger-than-life persona and extravagant lifestyles, India's maharajas were known for owning the finest luxury cars, majestic palaces, and a treasure trove of the world's most exquisite jewels. If the opulent lifestyle of India's former royalty fascinates you, here is your chance to explore India like a true maharaja. The Maharajas' Express, cocooned in an aura of royal luxury and exclusivity, offers guests an unparalleled experience. Traveling on this unique train, served by attentive butlers and visiting India's most splendid tourist attractions in all their glory, promises to captivate anyone.
Each of the four meticulously curated itineraries includes handpicked destinations and bespoke experiences, crafting a dream holiday. Known as the queen of all royal trains, the award-winning and internationally
acclaimed Maharajas' Express is a venture of IRCTC. The train is sumptuously furnished with the finest royal trappings, with each coach reflecting the motifs and splendor of different royal states. This exclusive train offers four itineraries covering a diverse landscape of India, ensuring a royal experience at every destination and the finest onboard services fit for a maharaja. Departing from Delhi, the Maharajas' Express takes you on a fabulous tour through various princely cities and destinations across North-West and Central India.
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Buddha Express |
In the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the Buddha tells his followers they can attain merit and a noble rebirth by going on pilgrimage to the places where he was born (Lumbini), gained enlightenment (Bodhgaya), first taught (Sarnath), and attained Nirvana (Kushinagar).
The Buddhist tourist train takes you to these sacred sites, offering a firsthand experience of the disciplined and legendary life of Lord Buddha. India, the birthplace of Buddhism, holds rich memories of its Buddhist legacy, supporting the construction of stupas (stone-cased mounds commemorating Buddha's relics), chaityas (prayer halls), and viharas (monks' cells). The Buddhist Train India allows you to visit these places up close for a truly spiritual journey.
Discover the path to enlightenment with the Buddhist Circuit, offering an all-inclusive 7-night, 8-day package covering major destinations related to the life of Lord Buddha. The itinerary starts and ends in Delhi, covering Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Sravasti, and Agra. The package includes travel on a special air-conditioned train, hotel stays, and local sightseeing at places of tourist interest.
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Deccan Odyssey |
The Deccan Odyssey, modeled after the renowned Palace on Wheels, is a luxurious 5-star resort on wheels, offering guests a splendid journey across the Western Ghats, the Konkan coast, and the Deccan Plateau. Since its inception in 2004, this luxury train of India provides six unique itineraries, each lasting 7 nights and 8 days. The journeys are titled: Maharashtra Splendor, Indian Odyssey, Indian Sojourn, Jewels of the Deccan, Hidden Treasures of Gujarat, Maharashtra-a Wild Trail
The destinations covered in these itineraries include Mumbai, Goa, Nashik, Ajanta-Ellora caves, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Sawai Madhopur, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur, Vadodara, Palitana, Gir, Little Rann of Kutch, Modhera, Bijapur, Aihole, Pattadakal, Hampi, Hyderabad, and Delhi, depending on the chosen journey.
Guests aboard the Deccan Odyssey enjoy royal treatment and can choose from various types of accommodation in the 10 coaches, such as presidential suites or deluxe cabins. The train features two restaurants, a well-stocked bar, a spa, a mini gym, and a parlour, along with a library, music, and activities to keep guests entertained throughout their journey.
Experience the royalty in the style of Indian Maharaja's - The Kings!