India Luxury Train Journeys

Train travel in India has got to be one of the best experiences of journeying the subcontinent. Nothing quite beats sitting by a window, fresh chai in hand, enjoying the scenes of life that pass by. But, the Indian railways system is renowned for being overly complex and sometimes complicated - so we are here to help set you up with all everything you need to know to enjoy travelling by train in India to the full! 


Train travel is synonymous with India and indeed it is the largest employer in India with over 1.4 million employees. Indian railway journeys might not be as slick as the Swiss, but they are almost as extensive and equally exhilarating. It is undoubtedly true that trains are the lifeline of India, and while travelling in the country, it is one of the most convenient and comfortable modes of transport, especially for a long journey. Travelling by train in India offers you a quintessential experience of more space and added comfort as compared to a ride on the bus. 


There are various degrees of train travel in India and most people would like to do a journey of some sort on a trip to the country which we do thoroughly recommend, though do beware, it is not the romantic experience that most people expect. It is a wonderful way of experiencing the ‘real’ India!

Luxury Trains in India

From some of the world’s highest mountains to the largest deserts, India is a heavily populated country that spans nearly 2.09 million square kilometers. With a population of 1.35 billion and a vast amount of land to cover, a luxury train journey in India is an excellent way to tour the country without contending with overwhelming crowds, jam-packed buses, or public trains. Traversing through beautiful plains and to exotic destinations, the exquisite luxury trains in India, that float majestically in the major tourist circuits of India are an attraction to the affluent from the country and abroad. With 5 star hospitality and only the best services on board, the royal railway network has to be the most exclusive and yet one of the most culturally rich experiences of all times.

The Maharajas’ Express has revolutionized the luxury travel experience by giving the chance to see legendary locations. This train ride will leave you with wonderful memories to be treasured. India’s most extravagant and opulent train in its class, demands respect and at least one ride in a lifetime.

Maharaja Express

The first luxury train in India, known as Palace on Wheels, began service on January 26, 1982. One of India’s finest luxury trains for royalty, in fact. It is much like a palace on wheels that evokes the relic of the past of rulers and their royal palaces with its opulent cabins, gorgeous wallpaper & friendly hospitality.

Palace on Wheels

The Golden Chariot is an effort to draw connections between some of the significant events that have formed South India’s history over many centuries. The train includes bars, restaurants serving a range of cuisines, an Ayurveda spa, and other 5-star amenities.

The Golden Chariot

The Deccan Odyssey is inspired by the modes of transportation used by monarchs and emperors during various royal times of ancient India. Its imperial service for passengers, palace-like cabin décor, multi-cuisine dining, lounges, a conference car, an onboard spa, and other cutting-edge amenities put it among the top luxury trains in India.

Deccan Odyssey

Toy Trains in India

'A journey is a destination.' This quote by Dan Eldon aptly describes the scenic magic of mountain railways in India. Recognized as the natural heritage site of India worldwide, these little carriages are the marvelous way to trail back in time when train travelling was as exciting as the summer retreats in India. An epitome of world-class engineering, the mountain railways were built during British India between the 19th and 20th centuries. The Mountain railways run on a historic path carved through the mountains passing through scenic valleys exposing views of ethereal beauty.

Standing at number 4 in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kalka-Shimla is among the most famous toy trains in India. It passes through lush green hills offering picturesque views of the surrounding beauty. The 96 km Kalka-Shimla route is a narrow gauge train track that includes 103 tunnels and over 850 bridges.

Kalka-Shimla Railway

The intimidatingly high snow-clad mountains, the zigzag turns and thrillful steep gradients are a common sight if you’re on board the Darjeeling Himalayan toy train. The breathtakingly beautiful landscape makes you wonder about this engineering marvel.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

If you’re on board the Nilgiri Mountain toy train, you’ve got to hold your breath – this one’s the steepest of all rail systems, not only in India but Asia as well. Chugging through dense forests, rocky terrain, and misty hilltops, Nilgiri Mountain toy train is one of most awe-inspiring toy trains in India.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Running from Neral to Matheran, the Matheran Hill Railway is about a century-old rail service in Maharashtra. It was known for unbelievable ascents and descents and the ‘One Kiss Tunnel’. Matheran is declared as an eco-sensitive region. In this case, the Matheran Hill Train is the only way to reach out to this region.

Matheran Hill Railway

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