The Ten Least Expensive Luxury Trains in India as of 2022

India is a stunning country with exotic beauty, and taking the train there is a wonderful experience. The top 15 opulent trains in India, ranked by price, are included in the list.

The guide below might help you choose the most costly to semi-luxury and least expensive luxurious train depending on your budget if you intend to travel by rail again. Enjoy the most stunning tune on your trip as a result.

1. The Deccan Odyssey: Super luxurious train in India

The Deccan Odyssey, which is based on the idea of Palace On Wheels, is the more recent equivalent of India’s opulent trains. This train, which displays Maharaja-style rail travel to tourists, is appropriately referred to as “luxury on wheels.”

There are 40 premium accommodations spread across 21 nicely appointed vehicles. Four presidential suites, a conference vehicle, restaurants, a well-stocked bar, a library, a spa and massage cabin, and a small gym are also included.

Six routes are served by this royal train in India. Visits to national parks, beaches, deserts, historical sites, etc. are available along the various routes. Famous attractions are included in each trip package along the way. The extra advantages include excursions to gorgeous places like Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Nasik, etc.

The Deccan Odyssey train is Operated by: Indian Railways.
The Deccan Odyssey train trip Duration: 7 nights 8 days (approx).

The Deccan Odyssey Package tour booking price

For Indian travelers: Rupees 5,12,400 for Single Occupancy and Double is 7,35,000. The Presidential Suite is 11,09,850 and twin sharing is 11,09,850 rupees.
For international travellers: USD 5,049.79 (approx) per person.

The Deccan Odyssey Features and Facilities

Beauty parlor
Restaurants, and bar
40 air-conditioned deluxe cabins
Two presidential suites
Gym
Conference
Internet connectivity
Spa
Butler services
Services also available for disabled guests
Television
Attached bathrooms
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days trip (approx)

The Deccan Odyssey train Routes

Maharashtra Splendor: Mumbai – Nashik – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
Indian Odyssey: Delhi- Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park– Agra- Jaipur- Udaipur- Vadodara- Aurangabad- Ellora Caves- Mumbai
Hidden Treasures of Gujarat: Mumbai – Vadodara – Palitana – Sasan Gir & Somnath – Little Rann of Kutch – Modhera & Patan – Nashik – Mumbai
Indian Sojourn: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi
Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai – Bijapur – Aihole – Pattadakal – Hampi – Hyderabad – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Mumbai
Maharashtra Wild Trail: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) – Pench (Ramtek) – Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik – Mumbai The Deccan Odyssey Routes

The Deccan Odyssey Awards & Recognition

In 2010, 2011, and 2012, as well as in 2014 and 2019, the World Travel Awards named the Deccan Odyssey “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train.”
The train was recognized as India’s top opulent train in 2015 by “North India Travel.”
In 2016, the “TTJ Jury Choice Award” was given for innovation and quality.
In 2017, Deccan Odyssey won the “Travel and Lifestyle Leadership Award” in the area of Best Traveler Experience.
The World Travel Awards named the train “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” in 2018.

2. The Maharaja Express: World’s Leading Luxury Train

A lavish tourist train named the Maharajas’ Express travels mainly through Rajasthan while traversing North-West and Central India. From 2012 to 2018, this opulent train earned “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” seven years in a row. IRCTC and Cox and Kings India Ltd. worked together to launch it in the year 2010.

The 43 guest rooms on the train are all lavishly decorated and equipped with a working wi-fi connection. In addition to the 14 carriages used as sleeping quarters, there are also additional dining cars, a Rajah Club lounge, a library, a gift shop, a generator, and store cars.

It has been running on four routes since 2012. Every path has its own beauty and history. The tour itinerary includes sightseeing at well-known locations along the way.

The Maharajas’ Express trains Operated by: IRCTC
The Maharajas’ Express train tour Duration: Depends upon the tour package

The Maharajas’ Express Package Tour price

For Indian travelers: INR 5,56,000 to 10,10,900 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 7,571.19 to 13,767.96 (approx) per person

The Maharaja Express Features and Facilities

Private Bath
Centralized air conditioning
Interiors fusing classical Indian royalty and modern sophistication
additional dining cars
Rajah Club lounge
Library
Souvenir shop
Generator
Store cars
Padded beds
Direct-dial phones
Electronic safe
LCD television with satellite connection
Writing Desk

The Maharaja Express train Routes

The Heritage of India: Mumbai – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra and Delhi
Gems of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi
The Indian Panorama: Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore and Fatehpur Sikri – Agra – Orchha, and Khajuraho – Varanasi – Delhi
Indian Splendour: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Treasures of India: Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Delhi

The Maharajas’ Express Awards & Recognition

Maharajas Express won CNBC’s Awaaz Travel Award’s “Best Luxury Train” honor in 2010.
The train came in the top place for “Specialist Train Operators” in 2011 according to Conde Nast Traveler readers.
The “Excellence in Luxury Award” was given to Maharajas Express by Royal India in 2013.
Two years in a row, in 2015 and 2016, the train was given “The premium Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards” by Seven Stars.
Maharaja Express received the “World Travel Award” from 2012 to 2018.

3. The Golden Chariot Train: Best Luxurious Train ride

Indian Railways launched the opulent Golden Chariot to travel throughout the state of Karnataka. It was constructed using the Rajasthani Palace on Wheels paradigm. It mostly depicts the historical legacies of South Indian Vijaynagara Kings.

It has 11 coaches with names corresponding to the governing dynasties of southern India: Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula, and Vijayanagar.

Within these coaches, there are 44 fully air-conditioned cabins for passengers to stay in. It has two eateries inside called Ruchi and Nala. These have old temple-style interior decorations.

They provide a vast range of Indian cuisine that is both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In addition, the train contains a lounge and spa cars for passengers’ convenience. The tour arranges to tour at lesser-known South Indian historical sites like the Hampi World Heritage Site and the Badami Ruins.

The Golden Chariot Trains Operated by: Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
The Golden Chariot Train trip Duration: Depends on the tour plan

Golden Chariot Indian Rail Luxury Train Restaurant and Bedroom

The Golden Chariot Train Package tour cost

For Indian travelers: INR 3,03,525 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 4,133.04 (approx) per person

The Golden Chariot Train Features and Facilities

Private Bath
Padded beds
Centralized air conditioning
Interiors depicting ancient temple style
LCD television with satellite connection
Writing Desk
Eleven coaches were named after the South Indian ruling dynasties
Two restaurants (Nala and Ruchi)
Lounge
Spa cars

The Golden Chariot Train Routes and Itinerary

Pride of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Halebidu – Chikamgaluru – Hampi – Pattadakal & Aihole – Goa – Bengaluru
Jewels of South: Bengaluru – Mysore – Hampi – Mahabalipuram – Thanjavur, and Chettinad – Cochin – Kumarakom -Bengaluru
Glimpses of Karnataka: Bengaluru – Bandipur – Mysore – Hampi – Bengaluru

The Golden Chariot Train Awards & Recognition

The Golden Chariot Train was entitled to the “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” award by World Travel Awards.
Vanity Fair Magazine was awarded the “One of the Seven Beast Luxury Rail Journeys in the World” award. Golden Chariot received this award four years of its commencement.

4. Palace on Wheels: Asia’s Leading Luxury Train

The Palace on Wheels is an opulent tourist train designed to let passengers experience living as a monarch. It began operations in 1982 as a private train for prominent British Indians.

It was mostly used by the Viceroy of India and the kings of the princely kingdoms. In order to relaunch this train for tourists in August 2009, Rajasthan Tourism collaborated with Indian Railways.

The train travels for a week, leaving from New Delhi and stopping in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra before returning to New Delhi. It can hold 104 passengers at once and has a total of 23 carriages.

Each coach contains four saloons, or chambers, that are adorned with opulent and beautiful furnishings to create a properly regal atmosphere. The two eateries Maharaja and The Maharani provide their customers a variety of cuisines.

Additionally, the train offers a lounge bar and spa services. The train has wi-fi connectivity and is completely air-conditioned.

The best and most opulent tourist train in India is Palace on Wheels. Discover the historical sights of India in style and comfort.

Palace on Wheels Route length: 3000 km
Palace on Wheels train Operated by: Indian Railways
Palace on Wheels Train tour Duration: 7 days and 8 nights (approx) (New Delhi-New Delhi)

Palace on Wheels Package tour cost

For Indian travelers: INR 2,61,800 to 7,06,860 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 3,564.87 to 9,623.82 (approx) per person

Palace on Wheels Features and Facilities

Television sets
Individual pantry
Luxury Bathrooms
Rich fabric upholstery
Hospitable and traditionally clad staff
Personal attendants in all coaches
Lounge bar
Spa
Wi-Fi connectivity
Four saloons in each coach
Aesthetic and luxurious decoration
Multi-cuisine items (from Maharaja and The Maharani restaurant)

Palace on Wheels Train Route

Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittaurgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi

Palace on Wheels Awards & Recognition

Palace on Wheels’ excellent and opulent lodging facilities was recognized by the World Travel Award (WTA).
The Pacific Asia Travel Association presented the “PATA Gold Awards” to Palace on Wheels in 1987.
Palace on Wheels came in at number four in a study by Conde Nast, a well-known travel publication, among the world’s top luxury trains.
In 2009, the train was named “Best in Asia.”
The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) awarded Palace on Wheels the title of “Tourist Train of the Year” for the year 2018.

5. Desert Queen: Culture and essence of Gujarat and Rajasthan

Visitors can experience one of the most distinctive topographies when riding the Desert Queen train across the Rajasthani deserts. It differs from the overabundance of greenery present in other states in the nation. A train ride will take you on a desert adventure.

Travelers can witness a variety of xerophytic plants, including cacti. The entire path is decorated with dunes, and camels can be seen there. Due to the severe weather, there are few settlements throughout this vast area. This track is the most amazing rail route in the nation because of the stark contrast between the general natural environment of India.

The Desert Queen train is a tourist and “semi-luxury.” train in India. The train has two types of travel classes Air-Conditioned First Class and Air-Conditioned Two-Tier Sleeper Class.

The Desert Queen rail Route length: 921km
The Desert Queen trip Duration: 4 nights five days (approx) (Delhi – Jaisalmer)
The Desert Queen train Operated by: IRCTC

The Desert Queen train Package Tour price

In AC First Class:

For Indian travelers: INR 44,000.0 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 598.89 (approx) per person

In AC Two Tier:

For Indian travelers: INR 36,600 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 498.06 (approx) per person

Desert Queen Features and Facilities

A desert safari
Luxury wine
Fancy meal
Experience the look of royal and ancient forts of Rajasthan with well-furnished interiors
Air-Conditioned First Class travel
Two-Tier Air-Conditioned Sleeper Class travel

6. Fairy Queen Express: Cheapest luxury train in India

Periodically, the Fairy Queen steam locomotive travels between Delhi and Alwar. It was constructed in 1855. According to the Guinness Book of Globe Records, Kitson and Company, a British manufacturer, manufactured it during the British era, making it the oldest steam locomotive in the entire world.

It was initially utilized in West Bengal for transportation reasons and is now recognized as a National Treasure of India. In 1999, the Fairy Queen Express was honored with a national tourism award. It is India’s least expensive luxury train.

The train runs exclusively from October to March and has two coaches, a generator, and a pantry car. It begins in the nation’s capital Delhi and travels in the direction of Rajasthan.

Fairy Queen Express tour Duration: 1 night two days (Delhi – Alwar)
Fairy Queen Express rail Route length: 143 km
Fairy Queen Express train Operated by: Indian Railways

Fairy Queen Express booking Ticket price

Fairy queen train ticket price for one way between Delhi & Alwar with stay ( Sariska )and sightseeing is 5500 rupees without sightseeing and stay is 2200 rupees.

Fairy Queen Express Features and Facilities

Two coaches
Well-maintained pantry car
Generator facility
Enjoy the front view of the locomotive from a large glass window in the coach
Air conditioning chair car
Beautiful lounge
On-board catering
Overnight stay at Sariska Palace
The organization of many cultural programs at Sariska Palace Hotel
Fairy Queen Express is in operation only from October to March

Fairy Queen Express Awards & Recognition

7. Royal Orient Train: World’s most luxurious train

In Delhi, this royal express begins and finishes. It is in charge of delivering its visitors a tour of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat that is fit for a king or queen. In addition to Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Junagarh, Veraval, Sasan Gir, Mandvi, Palitana, and Sarkhej, it also passes via Chittorgarh and Chittorgarh.

There are 13 coaches on the railway, each with a former Rajput clan’s name. These coaches’ cabins offer five-star amenities and are decorated to look like a chamber in a royal palace.

On the train, there are two restaurants. They offer both conventionally prepared Indian fare and European fare. The “Watering Hole,” a well-equipped bar, is also located on board. It runs every week from September until April.

Royal Orient Train trip Duration: 7 nights 8 days (Delhi – Delhi)
Royal Orient Train Operated by: Indian Railways

Royal Orient Train package tour cost

For Indian travelers: INR 1,47,784 to 2,51,493 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 2,011.49 to 3,423.11 (approx) per person

Royal Orient Train Features and Facilities

13 blue coaches named after Rajput clans
Royal and furnished cabins
Five-star facilities
Well equipped bar
Two restaurants
Indian and continental cuisine
Attached are washrooms with hot and cold water
Two attendants in each saloon
Lounge with color TV and CD player
Music speaker in each cabin
Library
Royal Orient is in operation from September to April

8. Heritage On Wheels: Experience Indian heritage

Another opulent train from Rajasthan is traveling via the state’s less-used route. Heritage on Wheels begins in Jaipur, travels via Shekhawati and Bikaner, and then returns to Jaipur. The journey provides a tranquil view of desert sand and dunes covering significant expanses.

Travelers can enjoy Rajasthan’s genuine culture thanks to the itinerary. This tour takes you to sites that are not frequently visited by visitors. The tour package includes a camel safari.

The 14 cars of the train are outfitted with furniture that reflects regal and historical tastes. Each trip can hold up to 104 passengers. The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants offer Indian, Chinese, and continental food. Visitors can unwind and speak in the lounge’s bar and small library while taking in the

Heritage On Wheels Operated by: Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation& Indian Railways
Heritage On Wheels tour Duration: 3 nights 4 days (approx) (Jaipur – Jaipur)

Heritage On Wheels Tour Package price

For Indian travelers: INR 6,500 to 12,500 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 88.47 to 170.13 (approx) per person

9. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: World’s most Exciting Luxury Rail Journey

A similar luxury train to Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was launched by Indian Railways in January 2009. There are 14 opulent cabins on board. These are called Hawa Mahal, Phool Mahal, and other names for old royal palaces in Rajasthan.

Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a music system, and individual temperature controls are all included in each. Each cabin has a unique color scheme for decoration. Some themes include pearl, sapphire, and ruby.

Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are the names of the two dining carriages in Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Both cars have their names. Here, the customers are served Indian food by a highly efficient staff. Additionally, there is a spa and a gift shop on board.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels trip Duration: 8 days and seven nights (approx)
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels rail Operated by: Indian Railways

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train package Ticket price

For Indian travelers: INR 2,82,852 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 3,849.70 (approx) per person

The Train Route: New Delhi – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Chittaurgarh – Jaipur – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Sarnath – Agra – Delhi

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Features and Facilities

14 luxury cabins named after Rajasthani royal palaces
Deluxe cabins
Super deluxe suites
Satellite TV
Music system
Wi-Fi connectivity
Temperature control facility
Two dining cars (Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal)
Efficient staff
Souvenir shop
Spa
Attendants to carry luggage
Personal attendants in each coach
Rajasthani, Chinese and continental cuisine
Newspaper and Magazine
Bar and lounge
Books, board games, mailbox, safe, etc
Laundry service

10. Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train: Footsteps of Lord Buddha

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train was introduced by IRCTC in October 2019. Buddhist Circuit Train and Mahaparinirvan Express are also used. At Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, the journey begins. It then leads you to all the important Buddhist-related locations in India. It returns to the starting point of its journey.

It travels through Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar in between. Accommodations are offered in AC1 and AC2 classes. The façade and interior have been tastefully furnished to exude elegance. On board, there are two power cars, two dining cars with a separate staff vehicle, and one staff car. The train has a complete cooling system.

A minimum of 175 people must board the train for it to depart.

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train tour Duration: 8 days and seven nights
Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Operated by: IRCTC

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Tour package price

In AC First Coupe:

For Indian travelers: INR 95,022 (approx) per person
For international travelers: USD 1,293.04 (approx) per person