India's luxury trains: a journey of a lifetime

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

India's luxury tourist trains recreate the romance of royal rail travel, combining palatial cabins with guided sightseeing at each stop.

What they are

Luxury trains are like moving hotels: guests sleep in elegant cabins, dine on board and leave the train each day for guided excursions. Journeys usually last several nights.

Typical routes

Most luxury trains focus on Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, with stops such as Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Agra. Some routes cover other parts of India, such as Karnataka, Goa and the heritage sites of the Deccan, or the Buddhist circuit.

What to expect

• Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
• Dining cars serving Indian and international cuisine.
• Lounges and bars.
• Guided tours and entry fees at each stop.
• Cultural performances.

Who it suits

• Couples celebrating a special occasion.
• Travellers who want to see Rajasthan without packing and unpacking.
• Senior travellers who prefer guided, structured trips (though some stations and excursions involve walking).

Things to consider

• Prices are high and include almost everything on board.
• Departures are limited and sell out, especially from October to March.
• Schedules are fixed, so there is less flexibility than a private tour.

Alternatives

A private Rajasthan tour with heritage hotels offers a similar royal experience with more flexibility. See Rajasthan in 10 days: the royal circuit and Luxury holidays.

When to book

The main season runs from about October to March. Popular departures sell out many months in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year. Book early and plan flights around fixed departure and arrival dates.