Luxury Trains in India: Ride in Style Across the Country

When you think of luxury trains, opulent rail journeys that blend historic charm with modern comfort. Also known as palace trains, they’re not just transportation—they’re experiences designed for travelers who want to see India without sacrificing elegance. These aren’t your average commuter cars. They’re restored royal carriages, polished wood interiors, fine linens, and private balconies with views of temples, deserts, and tea plantations rolling by.

India’s Palace on Wheels, the original luxury train that revived royal rail travel in the 1980s takes you through Rajasthan’s golden cities—Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur—with guided tours, live folk music, and multi-course meals served by white-gloved staff. Then there’s the Deccan Odyssey, a sleek, modern train that glides through Maharashtra and Goa, stopping at wildlife sanctuaries and colonial forts. And if you’re drawn to South India’s lush hills and ancient temples, the Golden Chariot, a train modeled after the Mysore royal court, connects Bangalore, Mysore, and Hampi with curated cultural stops. Each one is built for slow travel, where the journey itself becomes the destination.

What makes these trains special isn’t just the five-star service—it’s how they tie together India’s biggest cultural highlights. You’ll wake up near a 12th-century temple, lunch in a palace-turned-hotel, and dine under stars on a platform surrounded by desert dunes—all without packing or unpacking. The staff know your name by day two. Your butler remembers you like tea. And the windows? They’re framed like living paintings.

These journeys don’t come cheap, but they’re not just for the wealthy. They’re for anyone who wants to travel differently—without crowds, without stress, without compromise. You’re not just riding a train. You’re stepping into a story written in silk, spice, and steel.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve taken these routes, tips on what to pack, what to expect at mealtime, and how to choose the right train for your style—whether you’re after royal grandeur, coastal charm, or mountain air with a side of luxury.