When you think of train travel, you might imagine cramped seats, dull food, and the occasional whiff of diesel. But then there’s the Maharajas’ Express, a luxury train that takes those ideas, tosses them out the window, and replaces them with marble floors, fine dining, and the kind of service that would make a five-star hotel blush. This is not just a train. It’s a palace on wheels, gliding through India’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Run by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the Maharajas’ Express has been winning awards since it first hit the tracks in 2010. It has been crowned the World’s Leading Luxury Train seven times in a row at the World Travel Awards, which is sort of like the Oscars of travel. Even the Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards gave it a nod, naming it runner-up in 2011.
Luxury Train Tour: A Journey Fit for Kings
The Maharajas’ Express isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about traveling like royalty. It runs on four different routes, each designed to showcase India’s rich history and culture. These trips, offered between October and April, cover 12 destinations across Rajasthan and other parts of India.
Here’s what you can expect:
Heritage of India: This week-long trip starts in Mumbai and takes you to places like the ancient Ajanta Caves, Rajasthan’s grand forts, and the iconic Taj Mahal. Along the way, you might sip drinks in the sand dunes or ride a decorated elephant.
Indian Panorama: Starting from Delhi this tour stops at spiritual places like Varanasi, (home to sacred riverside rituals) and the famous Khajuraho Temples (known for their intricate carvings). Of course, there’s also a visit to the Taj Mahal because no trip to India would be complete without it.
Treasures of India: This shorter trip route covers the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra in just three nights. It’s perfect for those who want a quick taste of luxury.
The Indian Splendour: An eight-day journey from Delhi to Mumbai, stopping at Rajasthan’s forts and palaces, with a tiger safari thrown in for good measure.
The Train Itself
The Maharajas’ Express is nothing like the trains most of us know. With 23 carriages, it’s practically a small city on wheels.
Accommodations: There are 14 guest carriages named after gemstones like Heera (Diamond) and Moti (Pearl). Inside, you’ll find four levels of luxury:
Deluxe Cabins: Perfectly nice, though "deluxe" might be selling them short.
Junior Suites: A bit more spacious and just as elegant.
Suites: The kind of place where you’d expect to find a Maharaja lounging.
Presidential Suite: This isn’t just a room—it’s an entire carriage. It has two bedrooms, a private living room, and bathrooms that are larger than some apartments.
Every cabin is decorated with rich fabrics, polished wood, and a touch of sparkle. And yes, there’s Wi-Fi and attached bathrooms because luxury doesn’t mean giving up convenience.
Dining Like Royalty
Now let’s talk about food. This luxury train has two restaurants, Mayur Mahal and Rang Mahal, where you can feast on everything from spicy Indian curries to creamy pasta dishes. The restaurants are beautifully decorated, with the Mayur Mahal inspired by the feathers of a peacock, India’s national bird.
Feeling thirsty? Head to the Rajah Club, a private bar lounge, or the Safari Bar, which also has board games and a small library. Drinks—including Indian-made wines and liquors—are included in the ticket price, so you can sip as much as you like while watching the countryside roll by.
Why It Stands Out
What makes the Maharajas’ Express special isn’t just the luxury train with plush interiors or the gourmet food. It’s the way it makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The train is modeled after the private carriages once used by India’s kings, back when train travel was something only the very rich could afford.
Every detail is designed to make you feel pampered, from the soft lighting in the cabins to the cheerful staff who seem to anticipate your every need. Even the stops along the way are carefully planned to give you a taste of India’s history and culture.
The Experience of a Lifetime
The Maharajas’ Express isn’t just a luxury train—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Whether you’re exploring the grand palaces of Rajasthan, sipping wine in a fancy dining car, or just relaxing in your cabin as the sun sets over the countryside, every moment feels magical.
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling like royalty, this is your chance. Just don’t be surprised if regular trains feel a bit dull after this.