Luxury Trains in India
Travel and stay in luxury in India, when you visit the Taj Mahal, or spend a few days sailing on the backwaters of Kerala or cruising on the Brahmaputra in the North-East. Rajasthan can be seen in all its splendor with a stay on the lake in Udaipur or in the palaces of Jaipur and Jodhpur, or even the desert in Jaisalmer. India is renowned for its hospitality and the service you get is warm and impeccable. Luxuriate on Goa beaches or dive in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Pamper yourself in some of the world’s best spas and Ayurveda resorts. You can also feel like a maharaja on an Indian train while covering Rajasthan or the Deccan plateau. India offers the best in the world if you want to indulge yourself.
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Maharajas’ Express
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Palace On Wheels
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The Deccan Odyssey
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Golden Chariot
Maharajas’ Express
Redefining luxury train travel since 2010, Maharajas Express is the most luxurious train in India. Offering 5 fascinating journeys crisscrossing some of the most vibrant destinations, significant attractions and offering a vista of breathtaking landscape, culture and heritage with which India is blessed; Maharajas Express offers journeys to the very depth of the soul of India in sheer opulence. Designed to recreate the elegance and pageantry of the personal carriages of erstwhile maharajas, the interiors of this luxury train in India is suffused with nostalgia. Elegance of a bygone era and state of the art amenities coalesce seamlessly to offer 5 Star living in the quaint interiors of the Maharaja Express.
This train has different itinerary for different departure dates. Please check with us the departure date for itinerary of your choice.
7D/6N Heritage of India Journey
Mumbai - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Bikaner - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Agra - Delhi
Maharajas' Express Heritage of India itinerary offer insights into the rich heritage and culture of India. Starting from Mumbai, the train criss-crosses through the medieval caves of Ajanta, forts and Palaces of Rajasthan and the majestic Taj Mahal. The highlight of the tour includes cultural immersion during local sightseeing tours, insider experiences such as sundowner cocktails amidst sand dunes and Elephant painting & joyrides and some shopping experiences among others.
7D/6N Indian Splendor Journey
Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jodhpur - Udaipur - Mumbai
A meticulously crafted itinerary which includes a dash of royalty, palaces, forts, sand dunes, wildlife and cultural excursions will bring out the best of the India's royal traditions, art and vibrant culture. A journey spanning over 8 days and 7 nights in the magnificence of Asia's most luxurious train brings out an amazing concoction of the myriad hues of this vast and diverse land. Adding to the royal experience is the delectable cuisines, impeccable hospitality and guided off-train excursions bringing out the best of the splendors of the incredible India.
4D/3N Treasures of India Journey
Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore - Jaipur - Delhi
Treasures of India is a 3 nights and 4 days whirlwind tour across the famed Golden Triangle tour circuit of India. From the colorful bazaars and majestic forts of Rajasthan, to catching the glimpse of tigers prowling in the wild in Ranthambore National Park. Itinerary include visits to no less than 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with insider experiences and shopping detours in Agra and Jaipur.
7D/6N Indian Panorama Journey
Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Delhi
Beginning and concluding in Delhi, the Indian Panorama tour chugs along to Agra for a sojourn of Taj Mahal and move on to the sacred city of Varanasi and its holy bathing Ghats on the banks of legendary Ganges. Group of Monuments at Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another attraction offering a glimpse into an era of cultural and architectural brilliance of Chandelas. A never before experience of the India is on the cards in the sheer opulence of Maharajas Express tastefully appointed interiors aided impeccably by gracious hospitality.
Includes: Accommodation on the train, all main meals, group transfers & sightseeing as indicated, local English speaking guides and entrances.
Departs: Sunday, October - April. No departure from May-September
Notes: Ask for suggestions for pre-post arrangements.
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8Days Palace On Wheels
Price from: $6785 per person on twin sharing basis
Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
Welcome aboard The Palace on Wheels which has been rated amongst the top ten luxury trains of the world. In times gone by, the rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India travelled by these luxurious coaches. You can experience the same memorable and glorious past in this special heritage tourist train, where its vibrating journey takes you to the royal land of sand dunes and regal forts & palaces, to the timeless beauty of Taj Mahal. Explore the best of Incredible India in a truly grand style which departs every Wednesday evening for a 7-nights’ into the impressive history of this inspirational land.
Day 1(Wed): Delhi
Afternoon, board Palace on Wheels for a week-long extravaganza through fascinating Rajasthan
Day 2(Thu): Jaipur Arrival 0300 hrs; Departs at 19.30 hrs.
Enjoy a full day tour of the Pink City of Jaipur, visiting Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to the Amber Fort. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace Museum and Observatory.
Day 3(Fri): Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh
Arrive into Sawai Madhopur and visit Ranthambhore National Park – country’s best sanctuary for observing and photographing tigers in wild. Train leaves in the afternoon for Chittaurgarh. Explore the historic fort, with its legends of valour and chivalry, before continuing on to Udaipur.
Day 4(Sat): Udaipur
Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities of the East. Two of the most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble palaces – the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Visit the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.
Day 5(Sun): Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert, lies Jaisalmer. See the palaces, Jain temples and magnificent Havelis. Visit sand dunes of Sam and enjoy camel rides in the desert. Dinner and cultural program at a hotel before returning to Palace on Wheels.
Day 6(Mon): Jodhpur
Morning arrival in Jodhpur and visit Meherangarh Fort – one of the most impressive and formidable in Rajasthan, Jaswant Thada, the Royal Cenotaphs and Mahamandir, an architectural wonder with 84 intricately carved pillars.
Day 7(Tue): Bharatpur – Agra
Arrive in Bharatpur and visit the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park, the nesting place for thousands of species of birds. A short journey takes you to Agra to visit the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal, a pristine monument of undying love.
Day 8(Wed): Delhi
Morning arrival in Delhi, and disembark after breakfast.
Includes: Accommodation for 7 nights on the train, all main meals, group transfers & sightseeing as indicated, local English speaking guides and entrances.
Departs: Wednesday, September - April. No departure from May-August
Notes: Option to take minimum 5 nights’ experience also. Ask for suggestions for pre-post arrangements.
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8Days Deccan Odyssey
Price from: $9479 per person on twin sharing basis
Mumbai – Jaigadh – Ganapatipule – Ratnagiri – Sindhudurg – Tarkarli – Sawantwadi – Goa – Pune – Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
Travel across the heart of India, through the land of the brave Marathas, on a Deccan Odyssey, an imperial ride designed especially for traversing through the states of Maharashtra & Goa. The royal journey brings to you the images of mythical sculptures, sun-drenched beaches, lush green fields, whitewashed buildings, awe-inspiring fortresses and vast expanses of impossibly-blue Arabian Sea – all with a touch of royalty. Journey back in time and relive the luxury of a regal age on the royal luxury train – the Deccan Odyssey. Travel to beautiful beaches in Goa and Maharashtra, see the grand forts and palaces of the Marathas, Osho Ashram in Pune, ancient architectural wonders of Ajanta, Ellora and Aurangabad.
Day 1(Wed): Mumbai (D)
Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through city will reveal this inherent truth. This afternoon, board the train at Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus, which is one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral Part of Mumbai’s skyline.
Day 2(Thu): Ratnagiri- Ganapatipule-Jaigad (B/L/D)
Alight in the morning at the Ratnagiri Railway Station and visit Thibaw Palace where Thibaw, the last King of Burma was incarcerated by British. Proceed then to Bhatye view point for panoramic view of magnificent coastline of Bhatye beach. Then pass through the landmarks of town & local markets. A brief visit to the memorial of India’s greatest freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. On way visit to see Mango, Cashew Nut, and Coconut plantations.
After town visit, travel to Ganapatipule, an experience by itself. The vast ‘Konkan’ stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of ‘Konkan’ cuisine and spend some time in the company of the locals, who are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. After lunch you can try Tuk-Tuk ride around the Malgund a tiny coastal village.
Afternoon proceed to 17th century Jaigad fort, high and proud on a cliff with spectacular view of the ocean. Enjoy the backwater cruise in and around Jaigad fort in the mesmerizing silence of the scenic backwater accompanied by an impressive number of exotic birds. This romantic journey brings you back to Jaigad Jetty and return to the train.
Day 3(Fri): Sindhudurg,Tarkarli And Sawantwadi (B/L/D)
The train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari station. Take a boat from Malvan Jetty and enjoy a mesmerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride to Sindhudurg Fort. Next stop is one time naval base, Fort of Sindhudurg. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breath-taking view of the vast open sea.
Head out to Tarkarli, a virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the river bank, all contribute to the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and later, take a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Walawal Jetty and visit Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. After a quick visit to Craft Village, return back to your train.
Day 4(Sat): Goa (B/L/D)
As the train pulls in to Goa, explore the exotic destination with brilliant lush green fields surrounding village and hamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. Goa, the land of India’s finest golden sand beaches, jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour of bougainvillea.
Take a tour of starting off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Visit St. Augustine Church, Basilica of Born Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi that is now an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters. Return to your train.
Day 5(Sun): Kolhapur & Pune (B/L/D)
Arrive in Kolhapur, a city with a multifaceted persona and a mythical past. Kolhapur has survived regimes of various rulers, all left their imprints. First stop of the tour is at The New Palace, Indo-Sarecenic architectural marvel built in 1881 and houses array of the former Maharaja’s possessions. Visit Bhavani Mandap, where an immaculate display of martial arts awaits you.
Visit Mahalakshmi Mandir, adorned with horizontal mouldings and vertifical offsets, creating a rich light and shade pattern. Travel to Shalini Palace on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala Lake to discover the beauty of the gigantic architecture bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur.
Head back to the train and travel to Pune - the early home of the great Maratha warrior, Shivaji, Step into the Raja Kelkar Museum, a quaint Rajasthani styled building with an interesting personal collection of artefacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries.
Day 6(Mon): Aurangabad (B/L/D)
Next morning, travelling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, travel to Aurangabad. The tour takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad, an impregnable defence in its day, it still stands tall and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell extraordinary stories of bravery and valour. Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap.
Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale Maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Return to the train in the evening.
Day 7(Tue): Ajanta Caves & Nasik (B/L/D)
Alight at Jalgaon railway station and travel to the dramatic views of Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located (200 BC to 650 AD). Lost to the world after the 7th Century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition. At Ajanta, the Birth of Buddha and The Thousand Buddhas are amongst the finest murals and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling, particularly the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and the row of dancers with musicians can mesmerize anyone.
Back on the train and travel to Nashik. Dismebark and visit Panchvati Ghats that is lined with a number of ancient temples before heading back to the train.
Day 8(Wed): Mumbai (B)
Arrive in Mumbai and disembark after breakfast, which brings an end to the royal journey.
Notes: Ask us for recommendations for pre or post add-on arrangements.
Includes: Accommodation for 7 nights with main meals, group transfers & sightseeing as indicated, local English speaking guides and entrances.
Departs: Every Saturday from October to May – itinerary can vary for certain departures.
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8Days The Golden Chariot
Price from: $10338 per person on twin Sharing
Bangalore – Mysore – Kabini – Hassan – Hospet – Gadag – Goa – Bangalore
The Golden Chariot awaits you for a fascinating journey through Karnataka, steeped in historical and architectural significance, yet shimmering with vibrant contemporary culture. Karnataka is endowed by some of the most powerful empires of ancient India, whose enduring traditions in artistic, cultural, and literary excellence are mirrored in modern-day cultural and social trends and amenities. The Golden Chariot Train named after the famous Stone Chariot in Hampi, travels through timeless heritage sites, grand forts & palaces, wildlife and golden beaches.
Each day is a magical ride to a new place, including Mysore, the Imperial City of Palaces; Kabini, home of India’s premier wildlife conservation; Hassan, ancient magnificent rock-carved temples in Shravanabelagola, Belur and Halebidu; Hampi, the seat of India’s great 14th century Vijayanagara Empire, known for its military and cultural achievements; Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal, a comprehensive setting for the myriad architectural forms and styles of temples built between the 6th and 8th centuries; and Goa, the gorgeous golden beach town along the Arabian Sea, to repose and refresh the traveller’s soul before heading back to Bangalore and journey’s end.
Day 1(Mon): Bangalore (L/D)
Check-in at midday and after lunch, proceed for a tour of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, also known as the Garden City because of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Founded by Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its rich cultural heritage that coexists with its modern day technological and industrial achievements. Today Bangalore is popularly known as India’s Silicon Valley. Return to the train.
Day 2(Tue): Mysore (B/L/D)
Arrive this morning in Mysore and proceed for a tour. Mysore has been always associated with the royal families and their patronage. Mysore is known for its resplendent palaces and majestic buildings. A visit to the city conjures up visions of the glory, still evident of the illustrious Wodeyar Kings. This former state capital still retains its tradition in music and dance, art and literature and its time-honoured crafts. City enchants you with its quaint charm, verdant gardens, tree-lined boulevards and its sacred temples. Visit Mysore Palace, built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades, the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.
Visit Srirangapatna, the island fortress of the legendary warrior king Tipu Sultan. Inside the fortress is Tipu’s mosque with its twin minarets, the Wellesley Bridge and the dungeons where British officers were once imprisoned. Return to the train in the evening.
Day 3(Wed): Kabini (B/L/D)
Arrive this morning in Kabini, home to Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The excitement starts with a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more elusive predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher’s paradise, the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which are endemic to these jungles. Return to the train in the evening.
Day 4(Thu): Hassan (B/L/D)
Arrive in Hassan this morning and proceed for another full day or touring, starting with Belur, famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The facade of the temple is filled with intricate sculptures with no portion left blank. It is the only Hoysala Temple still in active worship. Next stop is at Halebid, which has one of the finest Hoysala temples. The Hoysaleswara Temple, perched on a star-shaped base amidst lawns, is a sculptural extravaganza. Its walls are richly carved with an endless variety of Hindu deities, sages, stylized animals, birds and friezes depicting the life of the Hoysala Kings. Continue the tour and visit Shravanabelagola, an important Jain pilgrim centre. It is home to Asia’s largest monolithic statue Lord Gomateswara here towers 58 ft., looming atop the picturesque Vindhyagiri Hill.
Day 5(Fri): Hospet (B/L/D)
Arrive this morning in Hospet. Disembark and proceed on a tour of Hampi, the capital of the famed Vijayanagar Empire, the largest empire in post-moghul India, covering several states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered in about 26 sq. km area. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the city tells a tale of man’s infinite talent and power of creativity. A visit to Anegundi village by traversing the gushing Tunga Badra River on a coracle is an experience that provides the guests with a glimpse into the traditional country life in Karnataka.
Day 6(Sat): Aihole, Pattadakal & Badami (B/L/D)
Arrive in the morning in Badami and take a tour of the city picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking 81 dance poses. Next stop is at Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples which bear testimony to the richness of the Chalukyan architecture.
Continue to Aihole, acclaimed as the Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture. Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village. The oldest temple here is the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village – has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra. The Revalphadi Cave – dedicated to Shiva – is remarkable for its delicate details. There are hundreds of temples strewn in the villages nearby.
Day 7(Sun): Goa (B/L/D)
Arrive in Goa. A world of golden beaches, the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery.
Day 8(Mon): Bangalore (B)
Arrive back in Bangalore this morning and disembark from the train
Notes: Option to take minimum 5 nights’ experience also. Ask for suggestions for pre-post arrangements.
Includes: Accommodation for 7 nights with main meals, group transfers & sightseeing as indicated, local English speaking guides and entrances.
Departs: Departs every Sunday from October to April – itinerary can vary for certain departures.