Blue Train: Luxury Rail Journeys in India and Beyond

When people talk about the Blue Train, a world-famous luxury rail service in South Africa known for its opulent cabins and gourmet dining. Also known as the world’s most luxurious train ride, it sets the gold standard for rail travel—but it’s not the only one that matters. In India, luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express don’t just transport you—they immerse you in royal history, remote landscapes, and five-star service across the subcontinent. These aren’t ordinary trains. They’re floating hotels with butlers, vintage decor, and routes that weave through desert forts, tiger reserves, and ancient temple towns you can’t reach by car.

Think of the Orient Express, the legendary European train that inspired generations of travelers with its elegance and mystery. Also known as the original luxury rail experience, it made headlines with its velvet curtains and silver service—but India’s luxury trains do something even more powerful: they connect you to living culture. While the Orient Express glides through snowy Alps, India’s trains roll past chai stalls at dawn, temple bells echoing in the hills, and women in bright saris waving from platform edges. You don’t just watch the country—you taste it. Meals on these trains feature regional specialties: spicy Goan fish curry one day, slow-cooked Mughlai biryani the next. And unlike flying, where you arrive at a destination already tired, these journeys make the trip part of the adventure.

India’s rail network is one of the largest in the world, but only a handful of trains offer this level of luxury. The Palace on Wheels, a restored royal train that tours Rajasthan’s golden cities. Also known as India’s answer to the Blue Train, it runs seasonal routes from Delhi to Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer, stopping at palaces turned museums and desert camps lit by lanterns. Meanwhile, the Maharajas’ Express covers more ground—from Mumbai’s Gateway of India to the Taj Mahal in Agra—with private balconies and champagne breakfasts. These aren’t budget trips. But they’re not just for the rich—they’re for anyone who wants to see India differently. No rushing. No airport lines. Just the rhythm of steel wheels on track, the scent of spices drifting through open windows, and the quiet thrill of waking up in a new state every morning.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel like royalty without leaving the ground, these trains deliver. They’re not about speed. They’re about presence. And while the Blue Train might be the most famous name in luxury rail, India’s versions are richer—in history, flavor, and soul. Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve taken these journeys, tips on what to pack, how to book, and why skipping the plane might be the best decision you make on your next trip to India.