9 Heritage Train Journeys That Are Better Than Flying

9. Maharajas' Express (India) — Palatial carriages, regional heritage, and an Indian-style tiffin of experiences

India’s Maharajas' Express channels the subcontinent’s regal railway history with ornate cabins, curated cultural tours, and a pace suited to discovery. The route circuits often include palaces, forts, and local performances arranged as part of the itinerary, so travel becomes a sequence of heritage encounters rather than a transit. Compared with flying between major Indian cities, the Maharajas' Express adds time and cost, but it packages cultural access that flights don’t offer: think evening performances, guided walks from the station, and meals that celebrate regional recipes much like a tiffin-sized celebration. If you want an immersive heritage itinerary and can accept slower travel, this train transforms moving between destinations into the highlight. Book well ahead, and check whether specific circuits match the festivals or seasonal events you hope to see.