Luxurious trains in India date again to its colonial period, when opulent carriages transported dignitaries, officers and royalty.
Extra trains had been constructed within the nineteenth century for the nation’s maharajas and different ruling elites and their households.
Following India’s independence in 1947, privy purses — or governmental funds to those rulers — ended. With out the cash to keep up them, India’s luxurious rail carriages had been deserted.
Indian Railways, which is a part of India’s nationwide railway system, refurbished a number of trains over time, with the primary making its debut within the Eighties. The trains had been launched to advertise tourism in India by offering vacationers with a novel and opulent option to expertise the nation.
Mixing historic magnificence with fashionable comforts, these trains are a glimpse into India’s regal previous.
A be aware to vacationers: Journey corporations have web sites that look like official websites for the trains on this article, typically promoting journeys at greater charges. Official websites for every prepare are embedded within the hyperlinks.
1. Palace on Wheels
Route: an eight-day journey throughout northwest India, together with the nation’s “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
Worth: from $864 (based mostly on twin sharing)
When it runs: September to April
Launched in 1982, the Palace on Wheels is an icon in Indian luxurious prepare journey. Chugging alongside the northern reaches of India via Rajasthan and Agra, this prepare immerses passengers in a royal bygone period with sundowners within the dunes, camel safaris and journeys to Rajasthan’s palaces and historic forts.
A peek inside a eating automobile and a cabin present the ornate particulars on board India’s Palace on Wheels prepare.
Supply: Palace on Wheels
Its 14-coach prepare, every named after former princely states of Rajasthan, have 41 cabins, with panoramic home windows, luxurious carpets, frescoed ceilings, mahogany paneling and hooked up bogs. The 2 “tremendous deluxe” cabins include a noteworthy perk: a personal automobile and information for sightseeing.
The prepare’s two eating automobiles serve Indian, continental and Italian cuisines, and there is a separate bar for cocktails and drinks. Lively company can get their train repair within the gymnasium, whereas those that want to loosen up can ebook Ayurvedic therapies within the spa.
2. The Golden Chariot
Routes: three itineraries, starting from three to 5 nights, throughout south India
Worth: from $3,160 per particular person (based mostly on twin sharing)
When it runs: October to March
Launched in 2008, the Golden Chariot runs throughout South India, previous historic cities, sun-kissed seashores, jungle-covered hills, temples and safaris. It has 18 purple and gold carriages, every named after the dynasties of south India.
Cabins include ensuite bogs, sensible TVs, Wi-Fi and an attendant. Native and worldwide fare is served in two eating automobiles, and the prepare’s lounge bar, Madira, options decor impressed by Mysore Palace.
There may be additionally an train room and spa with conventional Indian and fashionable therapeutic massage therapies.
All journeys begin and finish in Bengaluru.
3. Deccan Odyssey
Routes: Six week-long itineraries, departing from Mumbai and Delhi
Worth: From $8,330 for single occupancy and $11,900 for double occupancy
When it runs: September to Might
The Deccan Odyssey — operating since 2004 — looks like a roving lodge.
Its 21 carriages home a high-tech convention house, spa, memento store, gymnasium and a bar serving tremendous wines and spirits, plus mocktails. Twelve automobiles are sleeper cabins, which include private butlers and plush carpeting, non-public bogs and mod cons akin to web and DVD gamers.
Certainly one of two eating places on board the Deccan Odyssey, which runs from September to Might.
The prepare was refurbished in the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, reopening in 2023 with gasoline stoves in lieu of gas-powered ones within the pantry automobile, with added suspension for a smoother journey, in response to The Instances of India.
The 2 onboard eating places — Waavar and Utsav — are one other spotlight, serving specialties from the areas traversed by the prepare. Sumptuously draped curtains, crisp linens, engraved wooden panelling and tremendous silver cutlery add to the royal aesthetic.
The journey additionally weaves in cultural experiences. Sooner or later, passengers is perhaps admiring historic Indian structure, and on the subsequent, wine-tasting or embarking on a recreation drive.
4. Maharajas’ Specific
Routes: 4 itineraries, starting from three to 6 nights, departing from Delhi and Mumbai
Worth: from $4,890 per particular person (based mostly on twin sharing)
When it runs: October to April
Lavish interiors mixed with the standard royal hospitality of India have garnered the 23-carriage Maharajas’ Specific quite a few awards because it launched in 2010.
Passengers can select from 4 classes of room in 14 visitor cabins — the most important being the Presidential Suite, which has two bedrooms, a lounge and a rest room with a bath.
Indian meals served in one of many eating automobiles on board the posh Maharajas’ Specific.
Sergi Reboredo | Vw Pics | Common Photos Group | Getty Photos
A selection of two eating places — the peacock-themed Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal — are appropriate for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Vacationers can mingle over cocktails on the Safari Bar or go for a extra tranquil setting on the Rajah Lounge, the place they’ll play video games or learn whereas taking in views of the passing landscapes.
Stops alongside the way in which spotlight Indian tradition and historical past, together with holy baths within the sacred ghats, jungle safaris, palace and temple visits and purchasing in bustling bazaars.