Best Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi

A 2026 guide to India’s finest royal rail journeys, for travelers who want Rajasthan, the Deccan and the South seen the unhurried way

There is a particular kind of traveler who has already done the five-star hotels, the private guides and the chauffeur-driven sedans, and is now looking for something that a hotel simply cannot offer. A luxury train does exactly that. It turns the journey itself into the destination, moving you between palaces and forts while you sleep, dine and relax in a cabin that feels more like a boutique suite than a train compartment. For high-income travelers and NRIs planning a trip to India in 2026, a luxury train tour from Delhi is one of the most memorable ways to experience the country’s royal heritage.

This guide walks through the best Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi departing from or accessible via Delhi, what each one costs, what is included, and how to decide which journey suits your travel style. We have also added a pros and cons breakdown and a price comparison chart so you can plan with clear numbers in front of you.

Why Choose a Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi

Delhi is the natural starting point for India’s most celebrated luxury train, Palace on Wheels, and it also connects easily to departures for Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey and the Golden Chariot. A luxury train tour bundles transport, five-star accommodation, all meals, guided excursions and monument entry fees into a single fare, which removes the daily logistics that usually eat into a vacation. For NRIs visiting family and wanting to show them a curated slice of India, or for first-time visitors who want maximum experience with minimum planning effort, this format works particularly well.

Beyond convenience, there is a genuine sense of occasion. Onboard staff address you as a guest of honor, cabins are styled after royal suites, and the dining cars serve regional Indian and continental cuisine prepared fresh at each halt. Excursions are timed so you wake up in a new city almost every morning, with the train doing its travelling overnight.

Top Luxury Trains You Can Book From Delhi

1. Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels is the original Indian luxury train and still the most iconic. It departs every Wednesday from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station between October and March, running a 7 night, 8 day circuit through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra before returning to Delhi. The itinerary is built entirely around Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and wildlife, with a rickshaw safari at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and an early morning excursion to the Taj Mahal among the highlights.

Cabins come in Deluxe and Super Deluxe categories, each with an attached bathroom, and the fare covers all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, sightseeing, monument entry fees, a camel ride in Jaisalmer, a shared jeep safari at Ranthambore, a boat ride in Udaipur and the Bharatpur rickshaw ride.

2. Maharajas’ Express

Run in partnership with IRCTC, Maharajas’ Express is India’s flagship luxury train and the most flexible in terms of itinerary length. It operates four signature journeys ranging from the 3 night Treasures of India route to the 6 to 7 night Indian Panorama and Heritage of India routes, covering North and Central India including the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan’s desert cities, Varanasi and Khajuraho depending on the route chosen. Cabin categories range from Deluxe Cabins to Junior Suites, Suites and a Presidential Suite, so the level of luxury can be dialed up considerably for special occasions such as anniversaries or milestone birthdays.

Because the shorter Treasures of India route can be completed in under a week, it is a popular choice for NRIs visiting on a limited schedule who still want the full luxury train experience.

3. Golden Chariot

The Golden Chariot is the only luxury train focused on South India, running through Karnataka and neighboring regions on itineraries such as Pride of Karnataka and Jewels of South. While it does not depart directly from Delhi, it connects well with a Delhi stopover and appeals to travelers who want to pair North Indian heritage with South Indian temples, wildlife parks and coastal stretches in a single trip. Itineraries typically run from 3 night short breaks up to a 6 night, 7 day season itinerary, all in Deluxe Cabins with attached bathrooms.

4. Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey covers Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan on a 7 night, 8 day journey through Aurangabad, Nashik, Bijapur, Goa, Agra, Sawai Madhopur, Sasan Gir and Hyderabad depending on the itinerary selected. It is positioned as a premier product with Deluxe Cabins and a Presidential Suite, and it suits travelers who have already done Rajasthan and want to explore the Deccan plateau, wildlife sanctuaries and coastal Goa on the same trip.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi

With four strong options on the table, the decision usually comes down to how much time you have, which region you want to focus on, and what kind of experience matters most to you. Here is a quick way to think about it.

• If this is your first trip to India and you want the classic Rajasthan experience: Palace on Wheels is the obvious choice. It has the strongest brand recognition, the most tightly curated Rajasthan itinerary, and a fixed weekly departure that is easy to plan flights around.
• If you are short on time or want to test the experience before committing to a full week: Maharajas’ Express offers a 3 night option that still delivers the full luxury train experience without requiring a full week off work.
• If you have already covered North India and want to explore the South: Golden Chariot is the only option that focuses on Karnataka and the southern heritage circuit, pairing well with a Kerala or Tamil Nadu extension.
• If you want a mix of forts, wildlife and coastline in one trip: Deccan Odyssey covers the widest geographic spread, from Maharashtra’s caves to Gujarat’s Rann and Rajasthan’s forts, with Goa’s beaches worked into the same itinerary.
• If budget flexibility matters and you want to upgrade for a special occasion: Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey both offer Suite and Presidential Suite categories that turn the trip into a true milestone celebration, at a proportionally higher fare.

Onboard Comfort, Safety and Accessibility

All four trains run on regular Indian Railways track, so the ride quality is similar to any long-distance Indian train, with the difference being entirely in the cabin fit-out, staffing and service standard. Cabins are climate controlled, doors are attended around the clock by a dedicated cabin steward, and security personnel travel with the train through the full journey. Medical support is typically available on call, and larger stations along the route have hospital access in case of an emergency.

Mobility can be a consideration on a multi-day rail itinerary. Corridors and cabin doorways are narrower than a hotel room, and boarding at some smaller stations involves a few steps up into the carriage. Guests traveling with limited mobility, or planning the trip for elderly parents, should flag this at the time of booking so the operator can advise on the most comfortable cabin location and station-by-station accessibility.

Dietary requirements are generally well accommodated. Vegetarian, Jain and other special meal requests are standard across Indian luxury trains, and the onboard kitchens are used to catering to a mixed group of Indian and international palates on the same menu.

Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi Price Comparison for 2026

Fares on all four trains are quoted per person on a twin sharing basis, in USD for international travelers and INR for Indian nationals including NRIs, with GST charged extra. Tariffs are typically revised every two months, so treat the numbers below as a starting benchmark rather than a final quote, and always confirm current rates before booking.

Approximate starting fares per person, twin sharing, for the shortest available itinerary on each train (2026 season)

A Closer Look: The Palace on Wheels Journey

Since Palace on Wheels is the flagship departure from Delhi, it is worth walking through a typical day onboard. After boarding at Safdarjung Railway Station in the evening, the train travels overnight and guests wake up in a new city almost every day. A representative day looks like this.

• Morning excursion: Guided sightseeing at forts, palaces or wildlife reserves with an English-speaking guide and private transport.
• Midday meal: Lunch is often served at a heritage property, such as Ajit Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, adding a second layer of royal ambience to the day.
• Free afternoon: Time back on the train to relax in the lounge car, enjoy the spa services or simply watch the countryside pass by.
• Evening departure: The train pulls out toward the next destination as dinner is served onboard, so no travel time is wasted.
• Overnight travel: You sleep as the train covers ground, arriving fresh at the next stop by early morning.

This rhythm repeats through Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra, ending with a final overnight run back to Delhi Safdarjung, where the tour concludes after breakfast on the eighth day.

What Is Included Onboard

Across all four trains, the core inclusions are broadly similar, though the finer details vary by operator and cabin category.

• Air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms, styled after royal suites with wood paneling and period-inspired decor
• All meals, including regional Indian, Mughlai and continental menus, plus non-alcoholic beverages
• A dedicated dining car and a bar or lounge car for evening entertainment and cultural performances
• Guided off-board excursions in air-conditioned coaches with entrance fees to monuments and parks included
• 24-hour cabin attendant or butler service depending on the train and cabin category
• Onboard spa services on select trains such as Palace on Wheels and Maharajas’ Express

Alcoholic beverages are usually available at an additional cost, since the base fare covers non-alcoholic drinks and, on some trains, a limited selection of house wines and spirits. Wi-Fi connectivity is patchy in remote stretches, which many guests actually treat as part of the appeal, a genuine break from constant connectivity while still being reachable at major stops.

Pros and Cons of a Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi

Pros

• Everything from stay to sightseeing to meals is bundled into one fare, so there is very little to plan or coordinate once you book
• You cover multiple cities without losing daytime hours to travel, since the train moves overnight
• The experience itself, from the decor to the staff service, is a highlight and not just a means of transport
• Fixed departure dates and set itineraries make it easy to plan flights and other travel around the tour
• Excellent for special occasions, honeymoons and multi-generational family trips where everyone wants a hassle-free experience

Cons

• Fares are significantly higher per day than a self-planned trip using hotels and private cars
• Itineraries are fixed, so there is limited flexibility to extend time at a destination you particularly enjoy
• Most trains operate seasonally, typically between October and March or April, so summer travel is not an option
• Cabin space is naturally more compact than a hotel room, which can matter on longer 7 night itineraries
• Popular departure dates, especially around festivals and the December to January peak season, sell out early and can carry a surcharge

Best Time to Book and Travel

The luxury train season runs from October through March, or into April in some cases, with no departures during the summer months. Peak season is October to March, and October, December and February dates tend to fill up quickest, especially around Christmas and New Year departures, which usually carry an additional surcharge of around 10 percent.

Booking is generally confirmed with a 20 percent deposit at the time of reservation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. Passport copies are required for international bookings well in advance, so if you are traveling from overseas or coordinating a trip for NRI family members, it is worth locking in the departure date at least three to four months ahead. GST is charged on top of the published fare, and INR tariffs are revised every couple of months, so pricing confirmed early in the planning process may shift slightly by the time of travel.

Planning Your Luxury Train Tour Packages from Delhi With TravelsYatra

Choosing between four different trains, multiple cabin categories and a calendar of seasonal departures can be overwhelming when you are also managing flights, visas and the rest of an India itinerary. This is where a Delhi-based tour operator with on-ground expertise makes the difference.

The team at TravelsYatra helps travelers compare current fares across Palace on Wheels, Maharajas’ Express, Golden Chariot and Deccan Odyssey, secure cabins on the departure dates that fit your schedule, and build a complete Delhi-based itinerary around the train journey, including airport transfers, pre and post tour hotel stays, and add-on sightseeing. If a luxury train tour is part of your India plan for 2026, reaching out early gives you the best chance of a preferred cabin category on your chosen dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which luxury train departs directly from Delhi?

Palace on Wheels departs directly from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station every Wednesday during the season. Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey also offer departures that connect conveniently from Delhi, while Golden Chariot operates from South India and is best combined with a Delhi stopover.

What is the cheapest luxury train tour from Delhi?

Among the four trains covered here, Maharajas’ Express typically has the lowest entry fare through its shorter 3 night Treasures of India itinerary, making it a good option for travelers with a tighter budget or a shorter window of time.

Do luxury train fares include flights to India?

No. Train fares cover onboard accommodation, meals, excursions and entrance fees for the duration of the rail journey only. International and domestic flights, visas and any pre or post tour hotel stays are booked separately.

Are luxury trains suitable for senior citizens?

Yes, and they are in fact a popular choice for senior travelers and multi-generational families, since the fixed itinerary, onboard attendant service and minimal daily logistics reduce the physical effort involved compared to a fully independent trip.

How far in advance should NRIs book a luxury train tour?

Three to four months ahead is a safe window, particularly for December, January and festival period departures, since cabin inventory on these trains is limited and popular dates sell out early.

Can a luxury train tour be combined with the rest of a Delhi itinerary?

Yes. Most travelers pair the train journey with a few days in Delhi itself, covering Old Delhi, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar either before boarding or after the train returns, along with a short pre or post tour hotel stay near the departure station.

What should I pack for a luxury train journey?

Smart casual daywear for excursions, one or two slightly formal outfits for onboard dinners, comfortable walking shoes for fort and palace visits, and a light jacket for early morning starts in the desert cities, since temperatures can dip noticeably before sunrise even in the main October to March season.

Group, Family and Milestone Travel on Luxury Trains

Luxury trains work well beyond the classic couple’s getaway. Families traveling with three generations often book adjoining cabins so grandparents, parents and children each have their own space while sharing meals and excursions together. Because excursions are guided and paced for a broad range of fitness levels, they tend to be more comfortable for older travelers than a fully independent itinerary involving long car transfers.

The same format also suits milestone celebrations. Anniversaries, retirement trips and reunions of extended family, including NRIs returning for a family gathering, are common occasions for booking a Suite or Presidential Suite category, since the extra space and dedicated butler service make the celebration feel distinctly special without adding meaningfully to the planning workload.

For corporate or larger private groups, some operators offer full train charters or block bookings of multiple cabins, which can include customized excursions or private events at one of the halt cities. This is worth exploring directly with the operator if you are planning travel for more than 8 to 10 people.

Final Thoughts

A luxury train tour turns the logistics of an India trip into part of the experience itself. Whether you choose the classic Rajasthan sweep of Palace on Wheels, the flexible route options on Maharajas’ Express, the South Indian focus of Golden Chariot, or the Deccan and coastal circuit of Deccan Odyssey, each journey delivers a version of royal India that is genuinely hard to replicate on a self-planned trip. For travelers weighing their options, comparing fares, cabin categories and departure dates early is the best way to secure the exact experience you are picturing.

Written for TravelsYatra by Gagan Panwar, FounderGagan Panwar has spent over a decade planning heritage, pilgrimage and luxury travel itineraries across India, with a particular focus on Rajasthan and the Himalayan states