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

When you think of luxury train trips, a high-end rail experience that blends comfort, culture, and scenic beauty. Also known as royal train journeys, these are not just ways to get from point A to point B—they’re immersive tours wrapped in silk curtains, polished brass, and white-glove service. In India, luxury train trips aren’t a novelty—they’re a tradition. These trains carry you through landscapes that have inspired poets, emperors, and travelers for centuries, all while you sip chai from fine porcelain and sleep in cabins with hand-carved woodwork.

What makes these journeys special isn’t just the plush bedding or the gourmet meals prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. It’s how they connect you to India’s soul. The Palace on Wheels, a restored royal train that travels through Rajasthan’s desert forts and palaces lets you wake up outside the Amber Fort, step off the train into a private durbar, and return to your suite with a turbaned attendant offering warm towels. Then there’s the Golden Chariot, a South Indian treasure that winds through Hampi’s ancient ruins, Mysore’s royal palace, and the coffee plantations of Chikmagalur. And if you’re drawn to the coast, the Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train that explores Maharashtra’s forts, Goa’s beaches, and the Western Ghats gives you a front-row seat to India’s diverse geography without ever packing a suitcase.

These aren’t just trains—they’re floating hotels with itineraries designed by historians, chefs, and local guides. You’ll meet artisans in remote villages, watch classical dance under the stars, and ride elephants to hilltop temples—all arranged before you even leave your cabin. The cost? It’s steep, yes. But when you consider what’s included—five-star stays, private excursions, meals, and even spa treatments—it’s closer to a curated resort vacation than a train ride.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real traveler stories, hidden tips, and honest comparisons. You’ll learn which luxury train gives you the best value, when to book to avoid waiting lists, and which routes match your travel style—whether you crave history, food, or quiet luxury. No fluff. No marketing spin. Just what actually matters when you’re spending thousands on a rail journey across India.