Luxury Train Journeys in India: Ride in Style Across the Country

When you think of luxury train journeys, a seamless blend of royal heritage, fine dining, and scenic routes across India. Also known as palace trains, these are not just trips—they’re immersive experiences that let you travel like royalty without leaving your cabin. Unlike regular trains, these aren’t about getting from point A to point B. They’re about the journey itself: silk-lined cabins, butlers serving chai at sunrise, and views of ancient forts rolling past your window as you sip wine in the observation car.

India’s top luxury trains—like the Palace on Wheels, the iconic train that revived luxury rail travel in India in the 1980s, offering 7-night circuits through Rajasthan’s royal cities, the Deccan Odyssey, a modern marvel that cruises from Mumbai to Goa and beyond with spa services and private verandas, and the Golden Chariot, a south Indian gem that links the temples of Karnataka and the beaches of Goa with curated cultural performances onboard—each has its own rhythm. The Palace on Wheels feels like stepping into a 19th-century royal court. The Deccan Odyssey leans into contemporary elegance with wine tastings and yoga sessions. The Golden Chariot ties every stop to local history, from the rock-cut caves of Badami to the marble grandeur of Mysore Palace.

These journeys aren’t just for honeymooners or the wealthy. They’re for anyone who wants to see India without rushing. No airport lines. No hotel check-ins. Just waking up in a new state, stepping onto a platform where a guide waits with a cold towel and a story about the temple you’ll visit that afternoon. The trains move slowly enough to feel the rhythm of the land, fast enough to cover 1,500 kilometers in a week. And yes, you can wear jeans on them—though most guests opt for linen shirts and light saris to match the vibe.

What makes these journeys stand out isn’t the gold-plated taps or the five-course meals. It’s how they turn travel into theater. You’re not just watching history—you’re walking through it, eating it, sleeping in it. The same train that took Maharajas on hunting trips now carries travelers to the same palaces, but with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The contrast is part of the magic.

Below, you’ll find real guides that break down what these trains actually cost, what to pack, which routes match your interests, and even how to spot the best deals. Whether you’re planning your first luxury rail trip or just curious how a train can cost more than a flight to Europe, these posts cut through the hype and give you the facts.