4 Luxury Trains Across India 2026: Routes, Times, Tips

Have you ever imagined exploring India aboard a luxury train? While train travel is common, spending your entire journey on a moving palace is truly exceptional. By day, you visit iconic destinations; by night, you return to an elegant suite with fine dining, spa facilities, and attentive service.

This guide highlights some of India's most recommended luxury train journeys, focusing on their routes, features, and experiences. Discover a refined way to see India, combining comfort, heritage, and travel, all on wheels.

Quick Facts About 4 Luxury Trains

Luxury Train	Positioning & Style	Main Regions Covered	Typical Journey Length	Best For
Maharajas' Express	Ultra-luxury flagship train with hotel-level service, fine dining, bar, and private butlers	North & Central India: Golden Triangle and Rajasthan	3-7 nights (multiple itineraries)	Travelers seeking the most luxurious and flexible train experience in India
Deccan Odyssey	Modern luxury train with spa, gym, and lounge; less traditional, more contemporary	Western & Central India: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan	Usually 7 nights	Repeat visitors or travelers wanting off-the-beaten-path routes
Palace on Wheels	Classic royal-style train, India's first luxury train; strong heritage atmosphere	Rajasthan & North India: Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Agra)	7 nights / 8 days	First-time visitors focused on Rajasthan and iconic landmarks
Golden Chariot	South India-themed luxury train with regional decoration and cultural focus	South India: Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu	3-6 nights	Travelers interested in South Indian culture, temples, and landscapes

Maharajas' Express

The word "Maharaja" in Indian is a title equivalent to prince, you can see obviously from the name of this luxury train that it is an authentic royal palace on wheels. It will be a good choice for people who would like to experience the classic parts of India.

The Maharajas' Express has maroon and gold exterior, adorned with intricate motifs of crowns and wild animals, evoking the grandeur of Indian royalty. Inside, it features plush cabins equipped with modern amenities, two fine-dining restaurants, and a regal lounge.

This ultimate royal journey covers most iconic travel cities in India, and operates from October to April. Departing weekly on Sundays, it offers 4 to 7-day journeys on four routes:

• The Indian Panorama (6 Nights / 7 Days): Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha and Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi

• The Indian Splendor (6 Nights / 7 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai

• Heritage of India (6 Nights / 7 Days): Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri - Agra and Delhi

• Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days): Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi

The train will make stops in each city, and then you can explore the cultural charm of them. Before your off-rail excursions, you will be greeted by the enthusiastic staff, and you will even feel the supreme treatment of being presented with a wreath on the red carpet when train arrives. If you book a suite, they will also arrange a private car to take you to the attractions.

Maharajas' Express promises a royal experience with personalized butler service, cultural performances, and exclusive access to historic palaces and forts. You will have chances to experience tiger safaris and private dining overlooking the Taj Mahal.

After the train journey, if you are interested, you can contact us to make extension plan to your trip. As the luxury ride ends in Delhi and Mumbai, you can extend your adventure by exploring Amritsar's Golden Temple, or Goa beaches in South India near Mumbai.

Deccan Odyssey

Compare to Maharajas' Express, the Deccan Odyssey is more like a luxury travel plan for those seeking experiences in off-the-beaten areas across India in Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Gujarat. Especially in destinations like Gujarat, where tourism is less crowded and hotel options are limited, the Deccan Odyssey truly shines. Instead of compromising on comfort, you can stay aboard this luxurious train, enjoying comfortable amenities while exploring these unique locations during the day.

India Luxury Trains - Deccan Odyssey & Maharajas' Express

Its sleek blue exterior with golden patterns reflects its modern luxury. Inside, cabins feature contemporary decor, while amenities like a spa, fitness center, and lounges elevate the journey.

Running from September to May, Deccan Odyssey offers fixed departures for 7-night itineraries across six routes:

• Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai - Nashik - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Ajanta Caves - Kolhapur - Goa - Sindhudurg - Mumbai
• Indian Odyssey Journey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore National Park - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Aurangabad- Ellora Caves - Mumbai

• Cultural Odyssey: Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
• Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey: Mumbai - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Pench (Ramtek) - Tadoba - Ajanta - Nashik - Mumbai
• Heritage Odyssey: Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Delhi
• Indian Sojourn Journey: Mumbai - Vadodara - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Agra - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Delhi

You will have chances to experience wine-tasting in Nashik, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient caves at Ajanta and Ellora, and relax on Goa's beaches. Onboard, you can enjoy curated menus featuring regional cuisines and rejuvenating spa treatments.

From Mumbai, when the luxury train tour ends, you can extend your trip to Kerala's serene backwaters or the Andaman Islands for tropical bliss.

Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is like a timeless elegance, for north Indian heritage, it provides unparalleled experiences. This train's cream-and-blue exterior, adorned with vibrant Rajasthani patterns, sets the tone for an elegant journey. Inside, royal-contemporary nostalgic look reflects the grandeur of Rajasthan's royal heritage, complemented by cozy cabins and luxurious lounges.

Departing every Wednesday from September to April, the train focus on a 7 Nights / 8 Days journey starting in Delhi and covering Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur, and Agra. In Sawai Madhopur, you won't miss the best part of Ranthambore National Park - Jeep Safari!

It's worth noting that Jaisalmer, the mesmerizing "Golden City," has no airport, and reaching it typically involves a long drive from Jodhpur. However, if you choose the Palace on Wheels, your journey transforms into pure comfort. After exploring Udaipur, simply enjoy a delightful dinner, sleep peacefully in your luxurious cabin, and wake up the next morning ready to embark on your adventure in the breathtaking Thar Desert.

The traditional Rajasthani cuisine, Ayurvedic spa treatments and live performances onboard will be plus point, and you will feel its royal hospitality fully.

India Luxury Trains - Golden Chariot & Palace on Wheels

Golden Chariot

As South India's crown jewel, the Golden Chariot mainly runs across the less-visited places in the area, and it is ideal for those who want to explore South India in depth. Its royal purple and gold hues with carvings and floral patterns reflect the inspirations from South Indian temples. Interiors feature rich wooden accents, royal upholstery, and a blend of modern and traditional aesthetics.

It connects states of Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu weekly between October and March, the 3 routes are from 4 days to 6 days, depart every Saturday from Bangalore:

• Pride of Karnataka (5 Nights / 6 Days): Bangalore - Nanjangud - Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hospet - Goa - Bangalore

• Jewels of South (5 Nights / 6 Days): Bangalore - Mysore - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur - Chettinad/Karaikudi - Cochin - Chertala/Maraikulam - Bangalore
• Glimpse of Karnataka (3 Nights / 4 Days): Bangalore - Nanjangud - Mysore - Hospet - Bangalore
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With mentioned places visited, you can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hampi and Mahabalipuram, and wildlife safaris in Bandipur.

Some of the places in these regions lack many luxury hotel options, making the five-star amenities on the train an even better choice for a truly indulgent experience. What's more, you can enjoy local South Indian delicacies onboard.

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple

Travel Tips for India's Luxury Trains

Book Early, Especially for Peak Season

Trains such as Maharajas' Express and Palace on Wheels often sell out months in advance. October to March is the most popular travel window.

Pack Light but Smart

Cabins are comfortable but compact. Bring smart-casual outfits for daytime excursions and slightly dressier clothing for onboard dining in the evenings.

Consider Mobility and Pace

Excursions involve temple visits, forts, and walking tours. These trains are suitable for seniors, but travelers should be comfortable with short walks and steps.

Understand Cabin Categories Before Booking

Each train offers multiple cabin classes. Higher categories provide more space and privacy, but the overall experience and excursions remain similar.

Travel Insurance Is Strongly Recommended

Given the premium pricing and fixed departure dates, insurance covering cancellations and delays is advisable.

Make Your Travel Plan With Odynovo

Can this luxury train journey be a good one? Experience it until you find the answer! If you are also interested in extend your journey to other places, do not hesitate to contact our India travel experts via [email protected], they will help to make a perfect travel plan come true.