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India boasts one of the world’s most diverse cultural and geographical landscapes, from the majestic forts of Rajasthan to Kerala’s serene backwaters and Madhya Pradesh’s lush tiger reserves.
However, planning a trip to the country can be overwhelming due to its size and varied regions and languages.
So what better way to experience this multi-layered country than an indulgent, slow, immersive train journey that passes through several of India’s diverse regions? Here’s a roundup of the best Indian luxury train trips for 2026 that combine culture, history, and adventure.
Heritage of India: Explore forts and palaces on the Maharajas Express
The Heritage of India itinerary, offered by the Maharajas Express, is widely considered the pinnacle of luxury train travel in India. Over seven days and six nights, this 1,380+ km journey travels from Mumbai to Delhi, covering North India’s most famous landmarks across Rajasthan and beyond.
Stops include Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra.
Guests can choose between a deluxe cabin, junior suite, suite or presidential suite, with options for twin and double beds. The train also offers a range of facilities, including en-suite bathrooms, a butler service, media streaming services, Wi-Fi, a personal valet service and much more.
Presidential Suite passengers can also avail of an exclusive regional language speaking guide and a luxury car during off-board excursions.
Tuck into a variety of fine dining meals at the two themed restaurants, the Rang Mahal and the Mayur Mahal. Post-dinner, passengers can relax in the Safari Bar or Raja Club, with complimentary spirits, house wines and beers.
Several off-board excursions and experiences are included too- the most special of these perhaps being a visit to the Taj Mahal and a champagne breakfast at Taj Khema.
In Udaipur, passengers can enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the Crystal Gallery and City Palace. In Jodhpur, guests can choose a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market, followed by a tuk-tuk ride and a cocktail dinner at Khaas Bagh or Hanwant Mahal.
They can also visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar) in Jaipur or participate in an elephant polo match. Animal lovers will also love exploring the Ranthambore National Park, complete with a wildlife safari.
Prices start at $8,200 (€7,076) per person for the Deluxe Cabin.
Cultural Odyssey: Vineyards, coastal cities and heritage in style
For a rich and memorable taste of North and Central India, there’s The Cultural Odyssey itinerary, operated by Deccan Odyssey.
Take an eight-day, seven-night luxury journey to visit some of the region’s most prominent spiritual and historical landmarks, offering a mix of wildlife, unique architecture and cultural immersion. This is a round-trip journey, starting from Delhi, with stops at Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Orchha and Varanasi, before returning to Delhi.
Passengers can choose from spacious cabins such as the deluxe cabins and presidential suite, offering single and double accommodation and en-suite bathroom options. Other facilities include a 24/7 personal attendant service, an on-board spa, wi-fi, air-conditioning, a conference car and concierge attendance.
Guests can enjoy gourmet dining in two multi-cuisine restaurants, Utsav and Waavar, offering Oriental, Indian and Continental options prepared by master chefs. A bar car and lounge is also available, along with a range of drinks.
Alongside the on-board spa, the train also has a mini-gym, a library, and indoor games, as well as cultural performances and talks.
Off-board activities include tours of monuments like the India Gate, Jama Masjid and Red Fort in Delhi. Morning and afternoon game drives in Ranthambore National Park are specially focused on the Bengal tiger, leopards and sambar deer.
In Jaipur, travellers can explore the Amer Fort and numerous bazaars, whereas Gwalior offers deserted palaces. Wander around hidden temples in Orchha, an underrated gem by the Betwa River.
Travellers can also discover Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its stunning medieval Jain and Hindu temples, renowned for their detailed sculptures.
Similarly, Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, offers a uniquely spiritual essence, where travellers can enjoy peaceful boat rides, lively bazaars and ancient ghats.
Cultural Odyssey fares start at $9,330 (€8,044.8) per person for a single occupancy Deluxe Cabin.
Indian Odyssey: Scenic diversity and vibrant Western India
For a glimpse into India’s thriving Western destinations, pick the Indian Odyssey itinerary. Another popular route run by Deccan Odyssey, this is an eight-day, seven-night journey from Delhi to Mumbai.
While the first few stops like Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore, Agra and Jaipur are the same as the Cultural Odyssey route, this itinerary also includes Udaipur, Vadodara and Aurangabad.
The cabin options and other facilities offered on this route are the same as the Cultural Odyssey. In Udaipur, dubbed “The City of Lakes”, travellers can tour Rajasthan’s largest palace complex, the City Palace. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, taking you to Jagmandir Palace for lunch. In the afternoon, a walking tour guides visitors through the winding streets of the Old City.
In Vadodara, visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the iconic Jama Masjid. High tea and a cultural performance at Laxmi Vilas Palace top off a memorable evening.
In Maharashtra’s Aurangabad, a scenic drive takes travellers to Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rock-cut shrines highlighting Buddhist, Jain and Hindu arka.
Like the Cultural Odyssey, prices for the Indian Odyssey also start at $9,330 (€8,044.8) per person for a single occupancy Deluxe Cabin.
Jewels of the South: South India’s temples and backwaters on the Golden Chariot
The Jewels of the South journey, operated by Golden Chariot, is another epic six-day, five-night route which travels across four states. The itinerary is a round trip from Bengaluru, Karnataka, with stops including Mysore, Kanchipuram, Mahabalipuram, Chertala, Thanjavur, Chettinad and Cochin.
Although the train has only one cabin option, the Deluxe Cabin, it features a wide range of facilities. This includes a choice of double and twin beds, a folding writing desk, a luggage hold, international calling options, a DVD player, LCD screen, complimentary snacks, air-conditioning and private butler service.
Step off the train to marvel at the stunning Mysore Palace, before being whisked away to Mahabalipuram’s Shore Temple and other architectural wonders created by the Pallava dynasty.
In Thanjavur, travellers can soak in rich culture and visit the Brihadeshwara Temple, while Chettinad offers unique cuisine and an array of silks. Unwind with a backwater cruise on the picturesque Vembanad Lake in Cochin or explore Fort Kochi.
Fares for The Jewel of the South start at $4,740 (€4,087.3) per person for a twin or double cabin.
Palace on Wheels: Rajasthan’s royal heritage train experience
The Palace on Wheels route is one of the most opulent Indian train itineraries and celebrates the best of Rajasthan’s rich royal tradition and customs. Often compared to other famous luxury experiences such as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer and Europe’s Orient Express, this train boasts stunningly intricate interiors and furnishings and a beautiful colour palette.
Embark upon an indulgent eight-day, seven-night tour, starting from Jaipur and ending at Agra, taking in a broad mix of history, culture, wildlife and architecture. Each of the Palace on Wheels’ coaches is named after Rajasthan’s princely cities- Bikaner, Bharatpur, Alwar, Bundi, Dholpur, Udaipur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kishangarh, Jodhpur, Sirohi and Kota.
Passengers can choose between a Deluxe Cabin, Harika Deluxe Cabin and Presidential Suite. While the Deluxe and Harika Deluxe Cabins have twin beds, the Presidential Suite offers a luxurious king bed.
Other facilities include daily housekeeping and turndown services, en-suite bathrooms, panoramic windows, complimentary beverages, air-conditioning, 24-hour butler service, fine loungewear, concierge service and more.
While all the coaches feature traditional Rajasthani decor, the Presidential Suite goes a step further with a ceiling adorned with handcrafted Thikri work- a traditional arka form with mirror pieces and intricate patterns.
The train also has a lounge car and a spa car offering Ayurveda treatments, along with two dining cars, the Maharaja and the Maharani, with a range of international, Rajasthani and Marwari cuisine. A bar car is also available.
Travellers can explore the grand fort in Chittorgarh, and learn more about local tales, while in Jaisalmer, camel rides on endless sand dunes and folk entertainment await.
Walk the blue streets of Jodhpur and visit the Mehrangarh Fort, before heading to Bharatpur and Agra for the Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary and the timeless Taj Mahal.
Fares for the Palace on Wheels start from $6,048 (€5,213.4) per person for double occupancy cabins during shoulder seasons.
Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey: Tigers, forests, and India’s wine region
Another memorable trip operated by Deccan Odyssey, the Maharashtra Wild Trail is a curated eight-day, seven-night saga taking travellers straight into the beating heart of Maharashtra’s protected tiger and forest sanctuaries. This route is one for wildlife and nature lovers, with a generous serving of heritage sites as well.
Starting and ending in Mumbai, stops include Aurangabad for its rich Islamic heritage and Mughal-era architecture, followed by Ramtek for Pench National Park. This is a renowned tiger reserve where visitors can enjoy safaris.
The journey then takes you to Tadoba Tiger Reserve, in Tadoba, dubbed the “Jewel of Vidarbha”, before whisking passengers off to Jalgaon for the Ajanta Caves’ Buddhist murals.
On the tail end of the trip, travellers visit the ancient city of Nashik, the wine capital of India, where they can participate in niche tastings and explore a range of cultural and spiritual sites.
Like the Cultural Odyssey and Indian Odyssey, prices for the Maharashtra Wild Trail train also start at $9,330 (€8,044.8) per person for a single occupancy Deluxe Cabin, with the same facilities.
Quoted from Euronews.
