Imperial Voyages Pvt LtdIndia's most extraordinary journeys are not always about where the train takes you. Sometimes,
the train itself becomes part of the story. There is a particular kind of luxury that only becomes possible when the journey itself is part of the destination.
A palace moves through the desert.
A dining room glides past the Aravallis.
A private cabin becomes your hotel for the night.
And by morning, another chapter of India is waiting outside the window.
India's luxury trains offer precisely this kind of travel.
But they are not interchangeable.
The Maharajas' Express is about modern opulence and broad geographical reach.
The Palace on Wheels is the classic Rajasthan experience.
The Deccan Odyssey is strongest when you want Maharashtra, western India and routes extending beyond the conventional Rajasthan circuit.
And the Golden Chariot opens a completely different chapter: South India.
So the question isn't simply:
Which is the best luxury train in India?
It is:
Which luxury train tells the India story you actually want to experience?
Which Is the Best Luxury Train in India?
For a first-time luxury traveller seeking India's classic royal experience, Palace on Wheels is difficult to beat because its 7-night itinerary combines Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
For the highest level of onboard luxury and a broader choice of itineraries, Maharajas' Express offers 3-night and 6-night journeys linking destinations such as Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Varanasi and Mumbai depending on the itinerary. For travellers interested in western India, Deccan Odyssey operates six itineraries in the 2026–27 season, including Indian Sojourn, Indian Odyssey, Maharashtra Splendour, Heritage Odyssey, Cultural Odyssey and Maharashtra Wild Trail.
For South India, Golden Chariot offers 3-night and 5-night journeys covering Karnataka and depending on itinerary, destinations across southern India.
The best train is therefore determined less by ranking and more by route, pace, cabin, season and the India you want to remember.
Why "Best Luxury Train" Rankings Miss the Point
Most articles simply create a ranking:
- Maharajas' Express
- Palace on Wheels
- Deccan Odyssey
- Golden Chariot
But that isn't particularly useful.
Imagine a traveller who wants:
Rajasthan + Taj Mahal + tiger safari.
Another wants:
South India + temples + Hampi + Kerala.
Another wants:
Maharashtra + Ajanta & Ellora + Mumbai.
Another wants:
the most luxurious possible rail experience.
They shouldn't receive the same recommendation.
At Imperial Voyages, we look at luxury trains differently:
A train is not a hotel that happens to move. It is a way of seeing India.
And each one sees a different India.
The Four Luxury Trains Worth Knowing
| Train | Best for | Signature geography | Typical journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharajas' Express | Maximum luxury + broad India | Rajasthan, Agra, Ranthambore, Varanasi, Mumbai | 3N/4D or 6N/7D |
| Palace on Wheels | Classic Rajasthan | Rajasthan + Agra | 7N/8D |
| Deccan Odyssey | Western India + varied routes | Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and beyond depending on route | Around 7N/8D |
| Golden Chariot | South India | Karnataka + southern India | 3N/4D or 5N/6D |
The important distinction is not simply price.
It is personality.
1. Maharajas' Express
The Train for Travellers Who Want India at Its Most Opulent
If the phrase luxury train in India immediately conjures up polished cabins, butler service, fine dining and elaborate excursions, you are probably thinking of the Maharajas' Express.
And for good reason.
Its current programme includes four principal journeys:
- The Treasures of India
- The Indian Panorama
- The Indian Splendour
- The Heritage of India
The 2026–27 season includes 3-night/4-day and 6-night/7-day departures, while the published 2027–28 programme continues the same four-journey structure.
The Treasures of India
3 Nights / 4 Days
Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Delhi
This is the shortest way to experience the Maharajas' Express.
It includes the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Ranthambore National Park and Jaipur, with experiences including a private-style dinner at Rambagh Palace on the Jaipur programme.
Best for:
First-time India visitors with limited time.
The Indian Splendour
6 Nights / 7 Days
Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Bikaner → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Mumbai
This is the journey for travellers who want the greatest geographical sweep.
The Heritage of India
6 Nights / 7 Days
Mumbai → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Bikaner → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Delhi
The reverse direction gives the journey a different rhythm.
The Indian Panorama
6 Nights / 7 Days
Delhi → Agra → Ranthambore → Jaipur → Gwalior/Orchha/Khajuraho → Varanasi → Delhi, depending on the published seasonal routing.
This is the journey to consider when Varanasi and India's spiritual heritage matter as much as Rajasthan.
Maharajas' Express Cost
For 2026–27, published foreign-passport-holder fares start at:
| Journey | Deluxe | Junior Suite | Suite | Presidential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treasures of India | $5,300 | $5,700 | $8,600 | $14,600 |
| Indian Splendour | $8,400 | $10,700 | $15,600 | $26,800 |
| Indian Panorama | $8,400 | $10,700 | $15,600 | $26,800 |
| Heritage of India | $8,800 | $11,200 | $15,600 | $26,800 |
These are published 2026–27 fares and are subject to applicable taxes and operator terms.
For 2027–28, published fares rise to $8,400–$8,800 for Deluxe cabins on the 6-night journeys and $5,300 for Treasures of India, with higher categories reaching $26,800 for a Presidential Suite.
Imperial view
Choose Maharajas' Express when the train itself is meant to feel like the luxury experience.
It is particularly strong for:
- first-time luxury travellers
- couples
- milestone celebrations
- travellers wanting Varanasi
- travellers wanting a wide India itinerary in one journey
- guests who prioritise onboard service and cabin quality
2. Palace on Wheels
The Original Rajasthan Story
If Maharajas' Express feels like a contemporary interpretation of royal India, Palace on Wheels
feels like entering the story itself.
Its current official itinerary remains a 7-night / 8-day circuit:
New Delhi → Jaipur → Sawai Madhopur → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → New Delhi.
That is an extraordinary amount of Rajasthan in one week.
And it is precisely why Palace on Wheels remains so compelling.
What makes this journey different?
You wake up somewhere new.
Spend the day exploring.
Return to the train.
Dinner.
A few hours of movement.
And by morning, India has changed again.
The official itinerary includes:
- Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
- Ranthambore National Park
- Chittorgarh Fort
- Lake Pichola in Udaipur
- Camel safari in Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Keoladeo National Park
- Taj Mahal in Agra.
This is essentially a Rajasthan greatest-hits journey, but experienced from a moving royal residence.
Palace on Wheels 2026–27 Pricing
The official 2026–27 tariff currently lists:
| Cabin | Sep 2026 & Apr 2027 | Oct 2026–Mar 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe — double occupancy | $864 pp/night | $976 pp/night |
| Deluxe — single occupancy | $1,328 pp/night | $1,501 pp/night |
| Super Deluxe | $2,350/cabin/night | $2,500/cabin/night |
| Suite | $2,629/cabin/night | $2,748/cabin/night |
| Presidential Suite | $3,223/cabin/night | $3,510/cabin/night |
GST is additional. The operator also states that fares can be revised.
For a 7-night journey, the published double-occupancy Deluxe rate therefore translates to
approximately $6,048 per person in the September/April tariff period or $6,832 during
October–March, before GST.
Imperial view
Choose Palace on Wheels when Rajasthan is the reason you are coming to India.
It is particularly strong for:
- first-time India travellers
- Rajasthan enthusiasts
- heritage lovers
- couples
- travellers wanting the classic royal rail experience
- guests combining the train with a bespoke Rajasthan extension
3. Deccan Odyssey
The Train for Travellers Who Want More Than Rajasthan
The Deccan Odyssey changes the conversation.
Instead of beginning with Rajasthan, it opens the door to Maharashtra and western India.
The 2026–27 programme includes six itineraries:
- Indian Sojourn
- Indian Odyssey
- Maharashtra Splendour
- Heritage Odyssey
- Cultural Odyssey
- Maharashtra Wild Trail
The operator's current schedule runs from September 2026 through May 2027, with departures already published for the 2027–28 season as well.
This is important because the Deccan Odyssey isn't one single journey.
It is a collection of journeys.
Indian Odyssey
One of the most interesting routes for international travellers combines:
Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Udaipur → Vadodara → Ellora → Mumbai
The journey includes major heritage sites such as Champaner-Pavagadh and Ellora, while the train itself becomes the base between destinations.
This is an excellent option for someone who has already done the classic Rajasthan route.
Indian Sojourn
The Indian Sojourn offers another broad western-India story between Mumbai and Delhi, with destinations and experiences extending through Rajasthan and Gujarat depending on the current itinerary.
Maharashtra Splendour
This is the more regionally focused choice. If you want:
Mumbai + Maharashtra + heritage + caves + regional culture
this is the route worth investigating.
Maharashtra Wild Trail
For wildlife travellers, the Maharashtra-focused wildlife itinerary deserves special attention.
This is where luxury rail travel and wildlife travel intersect, a particularly interesting combination for travellers already considering India Wildlife & Tiger Safaris.
Deccan Odyssey Cost
Published 2026–27 fares list approximately:
- Deluxe twin: $6,650 per person
- Deluxe single: $9,330
- Presidential Suite: $20,000
for the standard 7-night journey pricing, before applicable taxes.
For 2027–28, published fares increase to approximately $7,300 per person on twin sharing for Deluxe and $22,000 for the Presidential Suite.
Imperial view
Choose Deccan Odyssey when you want a different India story.
It is especially interesting for:
- repeat India travellers
- travellers interested in Maharashtra
- heritage enthusiasts
- Ajanta and Ellora
- western India
- travellers combining Mumbai with Rajasthan
- travellers wanting a more varied rail itinerary
4. Golden Chariot
South India, Seen From a Royal Train
And then there is the train that changes the geography completely.
The Golden Chariot.
If your India dream includes:
Hampi.
Mysore.
Bandipur.
South Indian temples.
Karnataka.
Kerala.
Tamil Nadu.
Goa.
then this is the train to investigate.
The current programme has three principal journeys:
Glimpses of Karnataka
3 Nights / 4 Days
A shorter introduction to Karnataka.
Pride of Karnataka
5 Nights / 6 Days
The deeper Karnataka experience. The published itinerary includes destinations such as Bandipur, Mysore, Halebidu, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Pattadakal, Aihole and Goa depending on the current routing.
Jewels of South
5 Nights / 6 Days
A wider South India journey combining destinations such as Mysore, Hampi, Mahabalipuram, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Cochin and Kumarakom according to the published itinerary.
Golden Chariot 2026–28 Pricing
The published tariff for both 2026–27 and 2027–28 currently lists:
| Journey | Duration | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Glimpses of Karnataka | 3N/4D | $3,400 |
| Pride of Karnataka | 5N/6D | $5,000 |
| Jewels of South | 5N/6D | $5,000 |
Single supplements are currently listed at $2,600 for Glimpses and $3,800 for the two 5-night journeys. GST is additional.
Imperial view
Choose Golden Chariot when South India is the story you want to tell.
It is particularly suited to:
- repeat India travellers
- South India enthusiasts
- heritage lovers
- architecture and temple travellers
- travellers combining Karnataka with Kerala
- couples seeking something different from Rajasthan
Which Luxury Train Should You Choose?
This is the decision that matters.
| If you want… | Our first choice |
|---|---|
| The most opulent rail experience | Maharajas' Express |
| Classic Rajasthan | Palace on Wheels |
| Rajasthan + Agra + Ranthambore | Maharajas' Express / Palace on Wheels |
| South India | Golden Chariot |
| Maharashtra & western India | Deccan Odyssey |
| Varanasi by luxury train | Maharajas' Express |
| A first luxury train experience | Palace on Wheels |
| A shorter 3-night luxury train | Maharajas' Express – Treasures of India |
| Hampi + Karnataka | Golden Chariot |
| Repeat India traveller | Deccan Odyssey / Golden Chariot |
| Wildlife + luxury rail | Maharajas' Express / Deccan Odyssey, depending on route |
| Ultimate cabin experience | Maharajas' Express Presidential Suite |
Maharajas' Express vs Palace on Wheels
This is probably the comparison most first-time travellers will make.
| Maharajas' Express | Palace on Wheels | |
|---|---|---|
| Personality | Contemporary luxury | Heritage luxury |
| Core geography | India beyond Rajasthan | Rajasthan + Agra |
| Short option | 3N/4D | 7N/8D |
| Long option | 6N/7D | 7N/8D |
| Best for | Luxury + variety | Rajasthan immersion |
| Varanasi | Selected itinerary | No |
| Ranthambore | Yes | Yes |
| Taj Mahal | Yes | Yes |
| Udaipur | Selected itineraries | Yes |
| Jaisalmer | Selected itineraries | Yes |
| Cabin positioning | More contemporary | More heritage-led |
The decision
If you are asking:
Which train feels more luxurious?
I would lean toward Maharajas' Express.
If you are asking:
Which train gives me the classic Rajasthan journey?
I would choose Palace on Wheels.
How Much Does a Luxury Train Journey in India Cost?
There is no single "luxury train price in India."
For current published 2026–27 fares, a useful starting framework is:
| Train | Approx. starting published fare |
|---|---|
| Golden Chariot | $3,400 |
| Palace on Wheels | $864 pp/night |
| Maharajas' Express | $5,300 |
| Deccan Odyssey | $6,650 pp |
These figures are not directly comparable because the journeys have different durations, cabin categories, occupancy rules and inclusions.
They should be treated as indicative published fares, not an Imperial Voyages quotation. Taxes and supplements can apply and operators reserve the right to revise pricing.
When Should You Take a Luxury Train in India?
The primary luxury train season generally falls around the cooler months.
For example:
- Palace on Wheels currently publishes departures from September through April for its 2026–27 season.
- Maharajas' Express publishes departures primarily between September/October and April, depending on the itinerary.
- Deccan Odyssey's 2026–27 schedule runs from September through May.
- Golden Chariot's published 2026–27 departures run from October through March.
The sweet spot
For many international travellers, October to March offers the most attractive combination of comfortable sightseeing conditions and active luxury-train schedules.
But there is a trade-off.
December and January are extremely popular.
That means cabins, especially premium suites, can become scarce.
Should You Book a Luxury Train or a Private Journey?
This is an important question.
A luxury train gives you:
Structure. Consistency. A sense of occasion. A moving hotel. A social experience.
But a private journey gives you:
Flexibility. Longer stays. More local encounters. More control over pace.
More time in one place.
So we don't believe a luxury train should replace a bespoke India journey.
Often, the most interesting answer is:
Combine them.
For example:
Delhi → Agra → Maharajas' Express → Mumbai → Kerala
or
Delhi → Rajasthan → Palace on Wheels → Agra → Varanasi
or
Mumbai → Deccan Odyssey → Rajasthan → Udaipur → Kerala
The train becomes one chapter of the journey, rather than the entire journey.
The Imperial Way to Travel by Luxury Train
This is where the difference between booking a train and designing a journey becomes important.
The train company controls:
- departure dates
- cabin
- onboard service
- fixed rail itinerary
- scheduled excursions
But there is an entire journey before and after the train that can be designed around it.
For example:
Before the train
Private Delhi heritage experience. Old Delhi food walk. Humayun's Tomb at a quieter hour.
A carefully chosen luxury hotel.
During the train
Let the train become the experience.
After the train
Don't simply fly home. Extend the story.
Perhaps:
Kerala. Varanasi. Ranthambore. Udaipur.
The Himalayas.
That is when a luxury train stops being a package and becomes part of a much larger Indian journey.
The Imperial Perspective
A luxury train should never be chosen simply because it is luxurious. Choose it because the places outside its window belong in the story you want to tell.
— Lalit Mishra, Founder, Imperial Voyages
That is perhaps the simplest way to understand India's luxury trains.
The train is only half the experience.
The other half is what happens when the doors open.
Luxury Train Journeys for Different Travellers
For First-Time India Travellers
Palace on Wheels or Maharajas' Express
Both introduce you to the architectural and cultural icons that define many first journeys to India.
For Couples & Honeymooners
Maharajas' Express
The combination of private cabin, fine dining, curated excursions and royal settings works particularly well for couples.
But we would often add a private extension.
Train + Udaipur + Kerala is far more compelling than a train alone.
For Families
A luxury train can remove much of the logistical friction of moving between destinations.
But families should consider the pace of excursions and the ages of children before choosing the itinerary.
For multigenerational travel, we often prefer a hybrid journey:
private India journey + luxury train chapter.
For Repeat India Travellers
Look beyond Rajasthan.
Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot become particularly interesting once you've already experienced the classic Golden Triangle and Rajasthan.
For Luxury Connoisseurs
Start with:
Maharajas' Express Presidential Suite.
Then build the rest of the journey around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best luxury train in India?
There is no single best luxury train for every traveller. Maharajas' Express is the strongest choice for maximum onboard luxury and broader geographical reach, Palace on Wheels is ideal for the classic Rajasthan experience, Deccan Odyssey is particularly interesting for western India, and Golden Chariot is the leading choice for a luxury rail journey through South India.
Which is better, Maharajas' Express or Palace on
Wheels?
Maharajas' Express generally offers a more contemporary luxury experience and more varied itinerary choices, while Palace on Wheels is the stronger choice if Rajasthan itself is the focus. Palace on Wheels currently operates a 7-night Rajasthan-and-Agra circuit, while Maharajas' Express offers 3-night and 6-night journeys with routes extending beyond Rajasthan.
How much does a luxury train journey in India cost?
Published 2026–27 fares vary considerably by train and cabin. Current starting points include about $3,400 for Golden Chariot's 3-night Glimpses of Karnataka, $5,300 for Maharajas' Express Treasures of India, $6,650 per person for a Deccan Odyssey Deluxe twin cabin, and $864 per person per night for Palace on Wheels Deluxe double occupancy in its lean season. Taxes and supplements may apply.
Which luxury train is best for Rajasthan?
Palace on Wheels is the classic choice for a dedicated Rajasthan luxury train journey because its 7-night itinerary includes Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, along with Bharatpur and Agra. Maharajas' Express is another excellent option if you want a more contemporary onboard experience or a different routing.
Which luxury train goes to South India?
The Golden Chariot is India's principal luxury train experience focused on South India. Its current itineraries include Glimpses of Karnataka, Pride of Karnataka and Jewels of South, with destinations including Karnataka and, on selected routes, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa.
Which luxury train is best for a first trip to India?
For a first-time visitor, Palace on Wheels and Maharajas' Express are usually the strongest choices because they combine several of India's most recognisable destinations with a highly organised luxury experience. The better option depends on whether the traveller wants a Rajasthan-focused journey or broader geographical coverage.
Can you combine a luxury train journey with a private India tour?
Yes—and in many cases this creates a stronger journey than taking the train alone. A private itinerary can be arranged before and after the train to add destinations, longer stays, private experiences and a more personalised pace.
How far in advance should I book an Indian luxury train?
Premium cabins should ideally be reserved well ahead of departure, particularly for popular winter dates and Christmas/New Year periods. Palace on Wheels currently publishes departures well into the 2027–28 season, while Maharajas' Express and Deccan Odyssey have also published future schedules, making advance planning possible.
Imperial Signature Journeys
Discover journeys where the train becomes part of a much larger Indian story.
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