14 Cheapest Luxury Trains in India with Price 2025

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

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

Explore India’s luxury train options, including Maharajas Express, Deccan Odyssey, and Palace on Wheels. Prices vary based on route, cabin type, and travel duration, with deluxe cabins and presidential suites available.

1. The Deccan Odyssey: A 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 a Maharaja-style train for tourists. 

It has 21 luxuriously furnished coaches with 40 deluxe cabins for accommodation. It also features four presidential suites, a conference car, restaurants, a well-stocked bar, a library, a 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, and historical sites etc. Each tour package includes famous sites along the way. Tours of beautiful cities like Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Nashik 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 travellers: ₹5,12,400 for Single Occupancy and ₹ 7,35,000 for double. The Presidential Suite is 11,09,850 rupees, and the twin-sharing rate is also 11,09,850 rupees.
• For international travellers: USD 5,049.79 (approx) per person.

The Deccan Odyssey Features and Facilities

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

The Deccan Odyssey train Routes

• Maharashtra Splendour: 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 the World Travel Awards from 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 the Best Traveller 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 2010 through the joint efforts of IRCTC and Cox and Kings India Ltd.

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

Since 2012, it has run on four routes. Each route has its charm and heritage. The tour package includes sightseeing at famous places along 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 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, the Maharajas Express was awarded the “Best Luxury Train” award by CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards. 
2. In 2011, the train was a runner-up for “Specialist Train Operators” in the Conde Nast Traveller readers’ poll. 
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 to tour the state of Karnataka. It’s built on the Palace on Wheels model from Rajasthan. It mainly represents the historical influences of the Vijayanagara 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, named Nala and Ruchi, inside. The interiors of these are decorated in the 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 lesser-explored historical destinations in South India, such as the World Heritage Site of Hampi 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

The Golden Chariot Train Package tour cost

• For Indian travellers: INR 3,03,525 (approx) per person
• For international travellers: 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 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

1. The Golden Chariot Train was awarded the “Asia’s Leading Luxury Train” award by the World Travel Awards.
2. Vanity Fair Magazine awarded the “One of the Seven Best Luxury Rail Journeys in the World” award. The Golden Chariot received this award four years after it started.

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

The Palace on Wheels is a luxurious tourist train that allows people to experience the royal lifestyle. It started in 1982 as a private train for essential figures in British India.

It was primarily used by the rulers of the princely states and the viceroy of India. In August 2009, Rajasthan Tourism partnered with Indian Railways to relaunch the train for tourists.

The train takes a week-long journey from New Delhi to 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.

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)

The 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 a survey by Conde Nast (a popular travel 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 to 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 Rajasthan’s deserts, offers visitors a unique experience. 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 throughout this extensive 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 offers two types of travel classes: Air-Conditioned First Class and Air-Conditioned Two-Tier Sleeper.

• The Desert Queen rail Route length: 921 km
• The Desert Queen trip Duration: 4 nights 5 days (approx) (Delhi – Jaisalmer)
• The Desert Queen train is operated by: IRCTC

The Desert Queen train Package Tour price

In AC First Class: 

• For Indian travellers: 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 Rajasthan’s royal and ancient forts 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 periodically from Delhi to Alwar. It was built in the year 1855. The Guinness Book of World Records 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 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 carries two coaches, a generator, and a 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 districts of Alwar and Sariska and ends the journey in Delhi. The Sariska National Park is the main attraction of the tour.

• Fairy Queen Express tour Duration: 1 night 2 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

The Fairy Queen train ticket price for a one-way trip between Delhi and Alwar, including stay in Sariska and sightseeing, is 5500 rupees. The price 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 in the chair car
• Beautiful lounge
• On-board catering
• Overnight stay at Sariska Palace
• The organisation of many cultural programs at the 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 the Fairy Queen Express as the oldest and regularly operating steam locomotive. 
2. In 1999, the train was awarded the “National Tourism Award” by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then the Prime Minister, for its unique and innovative tourism initiative.

7. Royal Orient Train: The 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 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 rooms in a royal palace and provide five-star facilities to guests. 

There are two restaurants 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
• A 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 in Jaipur, tours Shekhawati and Bikaner, and ends back in Jaipur. The trip offers a relaxing view of desert sand and dunes that stretch over large areas.

The itinerary allows travellers to experience the authentic culture of Rajasthan. This tour shows places that tourists don’t visit very often. Camel safari is included 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 features a bar and a small library, where guests can 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 travellers: 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 in the Rajasthan model, similar to Palace on Wheels, which was 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 and Phool Mahal. 

Each one comes furnished with a Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV, a music system, and individual temperature control, and is decorated with a specific colour theme. Some themes are ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc.

The two dining cars on wheels in Royal Rajasthan are named Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Their names decorate both cars. Here, the highly efficient staff serves Indian cuisine to the guests. Along with this, a spa and souvenir shop are 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 travellers: INR 2,82,852 (approx) per person
• For international travellers: 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
• Attendees are 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 2019. Buddhist Circuit Train, also known as the Mahaparinirvan Express. The route starts at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. From there, you will go to all the notable Buddhist-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, giving a luxurious vibe. There are two dining cars, a kitchen car, a 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 fees, monument admission fees, guides, and meals. Children below the age of five get a free ride.

• Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train tour Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
• Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Operated by: IRCTC

Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train Tour package price

 In the AC First Coupe: 

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

In AC First Class: 

• For Indian travellers: INR 84,100 (approx) per person
• For international travellers: 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 is 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, the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train was awarded the National Tourism Award by the Ministry of Tourism. 

11. Majestic Tourist Train

IRCTC launched the Mahatma Gandhi Setu Express 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, such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mandawa, and Jaisalmer, among others.

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.

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

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 the Taj Mahal

Majestic Rajasthan with the Taj provides an extension for the Golden Triangle Tour in India. The journey starts from Delhi and covers Agra. So guests can 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. A 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 the Ramayana Express from Ghaziabad, Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, and Bareilly.

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

During Navratri, travellers can get food without garlic or onion. Ramayana Express will provide 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 Navratri, travellers can get food without garlic or onion. Ramayana Express will provide 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	A child without a 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 guides 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. Cheapest Luxury Trains in India – Vande Bharat Express

The Vande Bharat Express is India’s fastest train to date. This semi-luxury train can reach a speed of 183 km/h or 114 mph. However, its service speed is restricted to 160 km/hr or 99 mph. 

Along with its high speed, this train is also known for its luxurious services at a reasonable price. There are two coach types: Executive Class and Chair Car. The entire train is air-conditioned and connected with fast Wi-Fi service for passengers to use.

Unlike regular Indian trains, the Vande Bharat Express has automatic sliding doors and bio-vacuum toilets. The seats are manufactured for utmost comfort. The headrests can be adjusted according to the customer’s preference.

There are also armrests and footrests for added comfort and ease of travel. The onboard catering service offers a variety of delicious meals, snacks and beverages. Passengers can choose between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

The Vande Bharat Express began operations in 2019 on the Delhi-Varanasi route. Currently, it runs on 15 routes, with new routes in development.

• Vande Bharat Express Trains Operated By: IRCTC
• Vande Bharat Express Trains tour duration: Depends upon the route
• Vande Bharat Express Train Fair: The cost varies between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000, depending on the distance travelled and coach type.

Vande Bharat Express Trains Features and Facilities

• Centralised air conditioning
• Automatic sliding doors
• GPS-based passenger information system
• Bio-vacuum toilets
• Comfortable seats
• On-board catering
• Reading lights on each seat

Vande Bharat Express Train Routes and Itinerary

• New Delhi – Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
• New Delhi – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) Vande Bharat Express
• Mumbai Central – Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express
• New Delhi – Amb Andaura (Himachal Pradesh) Vande Bharat Express
• MGR Chennai Central – Mysuru Vande Bharat Express
• Bilaspur – Nagpur Vande Bharat Express
• Howrah – New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express
• Visakhapatnam – Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express
• Mumbai CSMT – Solapur Vande Bharat Express
• Mumbai CSMT – Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express
• Rani Kamalapati (Habibganj, Bhopal) – Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) Vande Bharat Express
• Secunderabad – Tirupati Vande Bharat Express
• MGR Chennai Central – Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express
• Delhi Cantonment – Ajmer Vande Bharat Express
• Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod Vande Bharat Express

Vande Bharat Express Train Awards and Recognition

• Vande Bharat Express received the Golden Peacock Innovative Product / Service Award in 2019.
• It was awarded the ‘Most Innovative and Unique Tourism Product’ at the National Tourism Awards in 2019.
• TIME Magazine featured the Vande Bharat Express on its 100 Greatest Places of 2019.
• Vande Bharat Express received the Asia’s Greatest Brands and Leaders Award in 2019.

14. Rajdhani Express (semi-luxury)

The Rajdhani Express is a train service by Indian Railways that connects major cities of different states to Delhi, the capital of India. 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, and it completed its 1,450 km journey in 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 the duration of their journey. 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 on some trains
• Power ports for laptops and mobile phones
• Baggage facility

History of Luxury Trains in India

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

The British built railway tracks in India. Post-independence, the Indian government wanted to incorporate a touch of Indian culture into its railways. Thus, 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 northern India. The Bharat Darshan Tourist Train will start from Rewa (MP) and travel 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