11 Luxury Train Journeys in India Worth Experiencing in 2025

Luxury train travel in India blends history, hospitality, and sightseeing into a single package that many first-time visitors find irresistible. These journeys pair comfortable cabins and formal dining with carefully timed off-train excursions to forts, temples, and wildlife reserves so you can unpack once while seeing many of India's highlights. For North American travelers, a luxury train can be a time-efficient way to navigate long distances between iconic sites while enjoying consistent service and local expertise. Booking early is essential because capacity is limited and popular itineraries fill up months ahead. Many flagship operators now publish 2025 itineraries and classes; checking operator sites or trusted travel specialists will give you up-to-date schedules and price ranges. Weather matters: most northern and western routes run at their best during the cooler months, while southern circuits are comfortable across a wider part of the year. Think about what matters most—palatial palaces, coastal forts, temple architecture, or spiritual sites—and choose a route that focuses on those experiences. Below are 11 well-regarded journeys and themed routes that show the range of luxury rail travel in India, with practical notes on what each offers and how to plan. Each pick highlights why the experience stands apart and how it fits into a longer India trip.

1. Maharajas' Express — India’s Flagship Luxury Train

The Maharajas' Express is widely described as India's flagship luxury train, and for good reason. Built with a long set of carriages, it carries fewer than a hundred guests and offers cabin categories that range from well-appointed suites to deluxe cabins. Elegant dining cars pair local recipes with continental service, and on most itineraries, you’ll disembark for guided visits to UNESCO sites, heritage palaces, and curated cultural shows. The onboard staff provide attentive service while local guides handle the shore excursions, which keeps the rhythm relaxed and efficient. Many of the Maharajas' Express itineraries run seven to eight days and are ideal for travelers who want a structured, high-service way to see the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan. Booking is recommended because of limited berths. If you value a polished experience with historical storytelling and refined onboard amenities, this train consistently ranks near the top of luxury options in India.