Some Common Destinations Travelled by Indian Luxury Trains

Maharajas Express Luxury Train in India

Indian luxury trains have made their mark in the global hemisphere with their unparallel opulence and refined luxury. Currently, there are six luxury trains running in India which include Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Indian Maharaja and Maharajas’ Express. While Indian Maharaja Train is owned and managed by Travel Corporation of India (TCI), luxury trains such as Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot and Palace on Wheels & Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are run by state tourism boards of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan respectively. The latest and most opulent among all Indian luxury trains is Maharajas’ Express owned and managed by IRCTC.

If you look at the itineraries of these luxury tourist trains, there are several common destinations that are quite hit with local and overseas travelers such as Agra, Goa, Jaipur, Varanasi, Khajuraho and Sawai Madhopur. Here, I have enlisted some common destinations that are covered by two or more luxury trains running in India.

Agra -

Taj Mahal, Agra

The erstwhile domain of Mughal rulers, Agra is globally famed for the monument of love - Taj Mahal. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonder of the World, Taj Mahal was the proud passion of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Other notable attractions are Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The weeklong tour itineraries of Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Indian Maharaja and Maharajas’ Express cover Agra.

Jaipur -

Amber fort, Jaipur

Built by Kacchawa Rajputs, Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan. Fondly known as ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is a visual delight owing to its terra-cotta pink colored edifices. Being a destination of Rajasthan and part of golden triangle tour, this pink city is covered by Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Indian Maharaja and Maharajas’ Express.

Ranthambore National Park -

Tigers at Ranthambore National Park

A trip to Ranthambore National Park has been included in the itineraries of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) owned luxury trains to bring a dash of thrill and excitement.

Varanasi -

Ganga Aarti - Varanasi

Also known as Kashi and Benares, the holy city of Varanasi is suffused with spirituality. 100 in number, the names of bathing Ghats lined on the bank of river Ganges have mythological and historical significance. Don’t miss to partake in evening Ganga aarti. Varanasi is the part of Indian Panorama journey offered by Maharajas’ Express and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels tour itinerary.

Khajuraho - 

Khajuraho Temple

Designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the temples of Khajuraho are famed for its outer wall carvings inspired from Kamasutra. This place is a sheer sight for practicing your photography skills. Just like Varanasi, Maharajas’ Express and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels includes Khajuraho in their tour itineraries.

Goa -

Goa Beach

Probably the most popular destination of India, Goa is included in the itinerary of Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot. The operators of both these trains emphasize on exploring the Portuguese heritage of Goa apparent in the churches, cathedrals and heritage houses sprinkled across this tiny Indian state.