15 Cheapest Luxury Trains in India with price 2022

India is a country of exotic beauty, and travelling by train offers a fantastic experience. The list is a compilation of the top 15 luxury trains in India with the price.

If you plan to take a trip by train next time, This guide helps you select the most expensive to semi-luxury and cheapest luxurious train on your budget. So, Enjoy the most beautiful track on your trip.

List of 15 Cheapest Luxury Trains in India near me

• 1. The Deccan Odyssey: Super luxurious train in India
• 2. The Maharaja Express: World’s Leading Luxury Train
• 3. The Golden Chariot Train: Best Luxurious Train ride
• 4. Palace on Wheels: Asia’s Leading Luxury Train
• 5. Desert Queen: Culture and essence of Gujarat and Rajasthan
• 6. Fairy Queen Express: Cheapest luxury train in India
• 7. Royal Orient Train: World’s most luxurious train
• 8. Heritage On Wheels: Experience Indian heritage
• 9. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: World’s most Exciting Luxury Rail Journey
• 10. Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train: Footsteps of Lord Buddha
• 11. Majestic Tourist Train
• 12. Ramayana Express
• 13. Lifeline Express: World’s first hospital train in India (semi-luxury)
• 14. Maitree Express: India and Bangladesh Friendship train (semi-luxury)
• 15. Rajdhani Express (semi-luxury)
• History of luxury trains in India

1. The Deccan Odyssey: Super luxurious train in India

Based on the concept of Palace On Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey is the newer counterpart of luxurious trains in India. This train is rightly termed “luxury on wheels” because it showcases the Maharaja-style train travelling to tourists. 

It has 21 luxuriously furnished coaches with 40 deluxe cabins for accommodation. It also has four presidential suites, one Conference car, restaurants, a well-stocked bar, a library, spa and massage cabin, and a mini gym.

This royal train in India runs on six routes. The various routes offer visits to national parks, beaches, deserts, historical sites, etc. Each tour package includes famous sites on the way. The tours of beautiful cities like Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Nasik, etc., are additional benefits.

• 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 parlour
• 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 Awards & Recognition

1. The Deccan Odyssey won the “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” award from World Travel Awards in 2010 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2019.
2. The train received the “North India Travel” award for being the best luxurious train in India in 2015.
3.  “TTJ Jury Choice Award” was received for innovation & excellence in 2016.
4. Deccan Odyssey received the “Travel and Lifestyle Leadership Award” for Best Traveler Experience category in 2017.
5. The train got the title of “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” from the World Travel Awards in 2018.

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

The Maharajas’ Express is an extravagant tourist train that moves across North-West and Central India, primarily in Rajasthan. This luxury train won the title of “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” consecutively seven times from 2012 to 2018. Its inception was in the year 2010 through joint efforts of IRCTC and Cox and Kings India Ltd.

The entire train is furnished luxuriously with a ready wi-fi connection across all the 43 guest chambers. Apart from the 14 carriages for accommodation, additional dining cars, a Rajah Club lounge, a library, a souvenir shop, a generator, and store cars.

Since 2012, it has run on four routes. Each route has its charm and heritage. The tour package includes sightseeing of famous places on the route.

• 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
• Centralised air conditioning
• Interiors fusing the 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

1. In 2010, Maharajas Express was awarded the “Best Luxury Train” award from CNBC Awaaz Travel Award. 
2. In 2011, the train was the first runner-up for “Specialist Train Operators” by Conde Nast Traveler Readers. 
3. In 2013, Royal India awarded Maharajas’ Express with the “Excellence in Luxury Award.”
4. The train received “Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards” from Seven Stars for two consecutive years in 2015 and 2016.
5. From 2012 to 2018, Maharaja Express was awarded the “World Travel Award.”

3. The Golden Chariot Train: Best Luxurious Train ride

The Golden Chariot is a luxury train launched by Indian Railways for touring the state of Karnataka. It’s built on the model of Palace on Wheels from Rajasthan. It mainly represents the historical influences of the Vijaynagara Kings of South India.

It comprises 11 coaches labelled after the ruling dynasties of southern India viz Kadamba, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Ganga, Chalukya, Bahamani, Adil Shahi, Sangama, Satavahana, Yadukula, and Vijayanagar.

There are 44 fully air-conditioned cabins for accommodation within these coaches. It operates two restaurants inside named Nala and Ruchi. The interiors of these are decorated in ancient temple style.

They offer a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food from Indian cuisine. The train also has a lounge and spa cars for customer service. The tour arranges sightseeing of the lesser-explored historical destinations of South India, such as the world heritage site of Hampi and 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

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
• Centralised air conditioning
• Interiors depicting ancient temple style
• LCD television with satellite connection
• Writing Desk
• Eleven coaches 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

1. The Golden Chariot Train was entitled with the “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” award by World Travel Awards.
2. Vanity Fair Magazine 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 a luxurious tourist train for people to experience the royal lifestyle. It started in 1982 as a private train for the important figures of British India.

Primarily it was used by the rulers of the princely states and the Viceroy of India. In August of 2009, Rajasthan Tourism joined hands with Indian Railways to re-launch this train for tourists.

The train follows a week-long journey from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra, and then back to New Delhi. With 23 coaches, it can accommodate 104 passengers at once.

Each coach has four Saloons (chambers) lined with luxurious and aesthetic decorations setting the royal mood appropriately. Multi-Cuisine food items are available for the guests from the two restaurants, Maharaja and The Maharani.

The train also has a lounge bar and spa facilities. The train is fully air-conditioned and offers wi-fi connectivity as well.

Palace on Wheels is the most luxurious and best tourist train in India. Explore India’s heritage sites in Style with luxury.

• 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

1. World Travel Award (WTA) appreciated the brilliant and royal accommodation facility provided by Palace on Wheels.
2. Palace on Wheels was awarded the “PATA Gold Awards” by the Pacific Asia Travel association in 1987.
3. In the survey by Conde Nast (a popular traveller magazine), Palace on Wheels was given the fourth position among the best luxury trains worldwide.
4. The train was recognised as “Best in Asia” in 2009.
5. Palace on Wheels was entitled with the” Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA)” award for being “Tourist Train of the year” in 2018.

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

The Desert Queen train running through the deserts of Rajasthan provides a unique topography for visitors. It’s different from the excessive greenery found in other states. You can experience a desert safari by train.

Travellers can see several xerophytic vegetation such as cactus. Dunes adorn the route throughout, and you can also spot camels there. Settlements are scarce all over this extended area due to extreme weather conditions. The drastic difference between the general natural habitat of India makes this track the most fantastic rail route in the country.

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 travellers: USD 598.89 (approx) per person

In AC Two Tier: 

• For Indian travellers: INR 36,600 (approx) per person
• For international travellers: 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

Fairy Queen is a steam locomotive that runs from Delhi to Alwar periodically. It was built in the year 1855. Guinness Book of World Record announced it as the oldest steam locomotive in the world, built by British manufacturers Kitson and Company during the British era. 

It was first used for transport purposes in West Bengal and is today identified as a National Treasure of India. The Fairy Queen Express won a National Tourism Award in 1999. It’s the cheapest luxury train in India.

The train hoists two coaches with a generator and pantry car and operates only from October to March. It starts from the national capital Delhi and moves towards Rajasthan. The train mainly tours the district of Alwar and Sariska city and ends the journey at Delhi. The Sariska National Park is the main attraction of the tour.

• 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 organisation of many cultural programs at Sariska Palace Hotel
• Fairy Queen Express is in operation only from October to March

Fairy Queen Express Awards & Recognition

1. In 1998, the Guinness Book of Records recognised Fairy Queen Express as the oldest and regularly operating steam locomotive. 
2. In 1999, the train was awarded the “National Tourism Award” for its unique and innovative tourism initiative by Atal Bihari Vajpayee (the then prime minister).

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

This royal express starts and ends in Delhi. It’s responsible for giving its passengers a royal-like tour of the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It starts from Delhi and travels through Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Junagarh, Veraval, Sasan Gir, Mandvi, Palitana, and Sarkhej.

The train has 13 coaches, all named after former Rajput clans. The cabins of these coaches are furnished like a royal palace room and provide five-star facilities to guests. 

There are two restaurants present on the train. They provide traditional Indian foods as well as Continental foods. It also has a well-equipped bar named the “Watering Hole”. It operates weekly from September to 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 colour 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 luxury train from Rajasthan follows the lesser-known track of the state. Heritage on Wheels starts from Jaipur, tours Shekhawati and Bikaner, and ends at Jaipur again. The trip offers a relaxing view of desert sand and dunes extending over significant areas.

The itinerary allows travellers to experience the authentic culture of Rajasthan. This tour shows places that tourists do not very commonly visit. Camel safari includes in the tour package.

The train has 14 carriages that have been furnished according to the taste of royalty and heritage. It can accommodate 104 people on each trip. The restaurants, Maharaja and Maharani, serve Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The lounge has a bar and a small library for guests to relax and converse while enjoying the journey.

• 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 travellers: USD 88.47 to 170.13 (approx) per person

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

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is another luxury train of Rajasthan modelled on Palace on Wheels, started by Indian Railways in January 2009. It comes with 14 luxurious cabins. These are named after the ancient royal palaces of Rajasthan, such as Hawa Mahal, Phool Mahal, etc. 

Each comes furnished with a wi-fi connection, Satellite TV, music system, and Individual temperature control and is decorated with a particular colour theme. Some themes are ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc.

The two dining cars in Royal Rajasthan on Wheels are named Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Their names decorate both cars. Here highly efficient staff serves Indian cuisine to the guests. Along with this, a spa and souvenir shop is also 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

IRCTC launched the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train in October of 2019. Buddhist Circuit Train, also known as Mahaparinirvan Express. The route starts at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. From there, it takes you to all the notable Buddhism-related places in India. It ends its route at the same point it began.

It passes through Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar. Accommodation is provided in two classes, AC1 and AC2. Both the interior and exterior are nicely decorated to give a luxury vibe. There are two dining cars with a kitchen car, one separate staff car, and two power cars on board. The train is fully air-conditioned.

For the train to start its journey, a minimum of 175 passengers is required. The ticket includes hotel fares, monument entry fares, and guides and meals. Children below the age of five get a free ride.

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

In AC First Class: 

• For Indian travellers: INR 84,100 (approx) per person
• For international travelers: USD 1,144.54 (approx) per person

In AC-2 Tier: 

• For Indian travellers: INR 69,537 (approx) per person
• For international travellers: USD 946.26 (approx) per person

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Features and Facilities

• Air conditioning
• Two dining cars
• A kitchen car in both the dining cars
• A separate vehicle for staff
• Two power cars
• Touchless taps
• Sofas
• Bio-vacuum toilets and adjustable reading lights
• Leather interiors
• Packaged drinking water
• Tea and coffee
• Luggage assistance

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Awards & Recognition

In 2009, Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train was entitled with the “National Tourism Award” from the Ministry of Tourism. 

11. Majestic Tourist Train

IRCTC launched the majestic Tourist Train a few years back. The train comes with all the facilities a passenger can desire. Two packages are provided by Majestic Tourist Train- Majestic Rajasthan and Majestic Rajasthan with Taj Mahal. It includes many destinations in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mandawa, Jaisalmer, etc.

The first class AC coach has four compartments with sliding doors for security and the second class AC coach has a sitting area but no sliding doors. Both coaches have berths with bed bunks.

Majestic Tourist Train has two restaurants with a seating capacity of 64 guests each. The restaurants serve Indian and international food.
The train provides many luxury facilities such as safety lockers, shower cubicles, a mini library, foot massage, etc.

Majestic Rajasthan

As the name suggests, the train will take its passengers through different destinations in Rajasthan. The journey starts and ends in Delhi. The first stop for Majestic Rajasthan is in Mandawa, where you can enjoy ancient Havelis and forts.

Majestic Rajasthan with Taj Mahal

Majestic Rajasthan with Taj provides an extension for Golden Triangle Tour India. The journey starts from Delhi and covers Agra. So Guests enjoy the grandeur and charm of the Taj Mahal in Agra. They explore the streets of Agra and savour local sweets and delicacies.

• Majestic Tourist Train Operated by: IRCTC
• Majestic Tourist Train Trip Duration: 5 days and 4 nights

Majestic Tourist Train Package Tour Price

Train Class	Capacity	Per person/night	Full Tour
First-class AC	96 guests	USD 240	USD 960
Second class AC	60 guests	USD 210	USD 840

Majestic Tourist Train Features and Facilities

1. Private security guard in each coach
2. CCTV cameras
3. Packaged drinking water
4. Tea and coffee
5. Hot and cold water shower
6. Medical support
7. Shower cubicles
8. Safety locker
9. Separate sitting area
10. Mini library
11. Foot massagers
12. International and Indian meal

Majestic Tourist Train Routes

Majestic Rajasthan: Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Delhi

Majestic Rajasthan with Taj Mahal: Delhi-Mandawa-Jaisalmer- Jodhpur-Jaipur-Delhi

12. Ramayana Express

Ramayana Express is a special train for tourists run by the railways. Tourists who want a pilgrimage destination associated with Lord Ram board the train. The train has ten coaches- 5 non-AC sleeper classes and five three-tier AC coaches. Passengers board Ramayana Express from Ghaziabad, Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, and Bareilly.

Passengers will get pure vegetarian food on the train. SL class travellers will provide a facility to wash and change at Dharamshala or hotels. Non-Ac buses are arranged for transfers and sightseeing purposes. A tour manager from IRCTC will accompany the passengers during the complete tour.

During the days of Navratri, travellers will get food with no garlic or onion. Ramayana Express will provide food like fruits, potato chaat, sabudana khichdi, and curd during Navratri.

Places covered in this journey:

1. Ram Janmbhoomi and Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya
2. Bharat Mandir at Nandigram
3. Shringi Rishi Mandir at Shringverpur
4. Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Mandir at Chitrakoot
5. Hanuman Janm Sthal at Hampi
6. Sita Mata Mandir at Sitamarhi and Janakpur
7. Tulsi Manas Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir at Varanasi
8. Sita Samahit Sthal at Sitamarhi
9. Triveni Sangam
10. Hanuman Mandir and Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag
11. Panchvati at Nasik
12. Anjanadri Hill
13. Jyotirlinga Shiva Mandir at Rameshwaram

During the days of Navratri, travellers will get food with no garlic or onion. Ramayana Express will provide food like fruits, potato chaat, sabudana khichdi, and curd during Navratri.

• Ramayana Express Train Operated by: IRCTC
• Ramayana Express Train Trip Duration: 16 days and 17 nights 

Ramayana Express Train Package Tour cost

Class	Single	Twin	Triple	Child with bed	Child without bed
First Ac	INR 137,975	INR 121,735	INR 119,390	INR 112,550	INR 110,435
Second AC	INR 115,715	INR 99,475	INR 97,130	INR 90,290	INR 88,175

Ramayana Express Features and Facilities

1. Vegetarian meal 
2. Night accommodation and clean up facility at AC hotels and Dharamshalas
3. Transfer and sightseeing vehicles
4. A tour manager by IRCTC throughout the journey
5. Security guard
6. Tour escorts at every tourist destination
7. Travel insurance is included in the package
8. Necessary health facilities
9. Additional tour of Sri Lanka
10. AC class coaches

Ramayana Express Train Routes

Delhi – Ayodhya – Sitamarhi – Janakpur – Buxar – Varanasi – Prayagra – Chitrakoot – Nasik – Hampi – Rameshwaram – Kachipuram – Bhadrachalam – Delhi

13. Lifeline Express: World’s first hospital train in India (semi-luxury)

The Lifeline Express is the first hospital train globally, known as the Jeevan Rekha Express in India. On 16 July 1991, this train was launched as a collaborative project between the Impact India Foundation, Indian Railways, and India’s Health Ministry.

The train is fully air-conditioned and has complete hospital attire. It has two operation theatres, an ophthalmologic testing room, a dental unit, a laboratory, and an X-ray unit. There is also an auditorium room on board.

The main aim of this train was to provide healthcare services to rural areas. The train visits the parts of the country where healthcare and medical facilities are inferior. It stays in each place for more than 20 days and works as a temporary medical care facility. Patients here are treated for free by efficient doctors.

The train is also upgraded from time to time to install modern facilities and equipment. At present, the train is at Badarpur Station in Assam.

Operated by: Indian Railways

Lifeline Express Features and Facilities

• Two operation theatres 
• An ophthalmologic testing room 
• A dental unit 
• A laboratory
• An X-ray unit
• Air conditioning coaches
• Three operation tables
• Sterilising room
• Several patient wards 
• On-board generator
• A pantry car 
• Storage for supplies (medical)
• Accommodation for staff
• Kitchen unit 
• Water purifier, gas stove, electric oven, refrigerator, etc
• Auditorium with a large LCD 
• Public address system
• Closed-circuit TV
• Two additional coaches for Lifeline Express
• Anaesthetic equipment
• Shadow lights
• Boyles apparatus
• Carl Zeiss microscope
• Multi-purpose monitor
• Defibrillator
• Diathermy cautery machine
• Anaesthesia ventilator

Lifeline Express Awards & Recognition

1. Lifeline Express has received the “United Nations Grand Award” for its public service excellence.
2. The Government has recognised Lifeline Express by issuing a stamp with an image of the train.

14. Maitree Express: India and Bangladesh Friendship train (semi-luxury)

The Maitree Express travels between India and Bangladesh five times a week. It’s the first train between the two neighbouring countries in 43 years. The train starts from Kolkata and travels to Dhaka.

It’s operated on the Barisal track route.
It was launched in August 2018 to improve the foreign relations between India and Bangladesh. Hence the train was named Maitree, which means “Friendship” in Bengali.

It’s a fully air-conditioned express train running on diesel locomotives, an AC 1st class and an AC chair car coach. The ticket booking process is not a usual one.

The tickets for Maitree Express are not available on the website of IRCTC. Tickets are available only at the booking counters of Chitpur Station in Kolkata on showing a valid Bangladeshi visa and passport. Due to high demand, book the tickets at least a week before the journey.

• Operated by: Eastern Railways & Bangladesh Railway
• Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes

With the rapid development of Indian Railways, many more special trains might be available in upcoming years. These trains add to your travelling experience. A trip with these trains will make the journey more memorable than the destination. Keep a look for the next time you are travelling.

Maitree Express Features and Facilities

• First-class AC coach
• AC chair car coach

15. Rajdhani Express (semi-luxury)

Rajdhani Express is a train service by Indian Railways that connects major cities of different states to the “Rajdhani” or capital of India, Delhi. It’s a semi- luxurious superfast passenger train and India’s most famous train. Its maiden journey was from Delhi NCR to Howrah Junction on March 3, 1969, completed its journey of 1450 km at a record time of 17 hours.

The train is fully air-conditioned and divided into three coaches: AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. Passengers are served high-quality breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on their journey duration. The cost of all these facilities is included in the ticket. The train currently runs on 24 different routes.

• Rajdhani Express train Operated by: Indian Railways
• Rajdhani Express train trip Duration: Depends on the destination

Rajdhani Express train ticket price

• Fair for Ac 3-Tier: Rs 2080 – Rs 2778
• Fair for Ac 2-Tier: Rs 2885 – Rs 4153
• Fair for Ac first class: Rs 4825

Rajdhani Express train routes:

1. Dibrugarh Town Rajdhani Express: New Delhi – Assam
2. Bilaspur Rajdhani: New Delhi – Chhattisgarh
3. Madgaon Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Goa
4. Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani: New Delhi – Gujarat
5. Jammu Tawi Rajdhani: New Delhi – Jammu and Kashmir
6. Ranchi Rajdhani: New Delhi – Jharkhand 
7. Bengaluru Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Karnataka 
8. Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Kerala
9. August Kranti Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Maharashtra 
10. Mumbai CSMT Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Maharashtra 
11. Bhubaneswar Rajdhani: New Delhi – Odisha
12. Chennai Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Tamil Nadu
13. Secunderabad Rajdhani: Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) – Telangana
14. Howrah Rajdhani: New Delhi – West Bengal 
15. Sealdah Rajdhani: New Delhi – West Bengal 

Rajdhani Express Features and Facilities

• Air conditioning
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner facilities
• Free Wi-Fi in some trains
• Power ports for laptops and mobile phones
• Baggage facility

History of luxury trains in India

In 1982 The journey of luxury trains began in India with Palace On Wheels. The train was introduced to promote Rajasthan tourism among foreign tourists. The original idea of a luxury train came from the concept of George Mortimer Pullman’s Pullman Sleeping Car in 1864.

Railway tracks in India were built by the British. Post-independence, the Indian government wanted a touch of Indian culture for its railways. Thus, the luxury trains were introduced to showcase the extravaganza of Indian royalties – the Rajputs.

Indian Railways IRCTC to start a special Bharat Darshan Tourist train

IRCTC launched a special Bharat Darshan Tourist train on 8th October 2021. The train will explore the beauty of historical and religious sites in the Northern part of India. Bharat Darshan Tourist Train will start its journey from Rewa (MP) to Mathura, Agra, Haridwar, Amritsar, Vaishno Devi, and Rishikesh.

10 Most luxurious trains in the world

The top 10 luxurious trains in the world are

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
2. Blue Train
3. Golden Eagle
4. Rovos Rail
5. The Ghan
6. The Rocky Mountaineer
7. The Canadian
8. Belmond Royal Scotsman
9. The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
10. Maharajas’ Express