There are various ways to travel through Rajasthan. You can drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur, check into a palace hotel in Udaipur or spend a night beneath the stars near Jaisalmer. But the best among all is that you can unpack once and let Rajasthan come to you.
That is the appeal of exploring the state aboard a luxury train. By day, you step off to see forts, palaces, wildlife reserves and historic cities. By evening, you return to your cabin, sit down for dinner and continue towards the next destination while you sleep.
For travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the places themselves, Rajasthan’s luxury trains offer a very different way to experience the Land of Kings. Here’s what you should know before choosing one.
Quick Facts
- Who it’s for: Luxury travellers, couples, heritage lovers, international tourists
- Best time to go: October to March
- Trip duration: 7 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary
- Top highlights: Heritage destinations, royal hospitality, fine dining, onboard experiences
Which Luxury Trains Can You Take Through Rajasthan?
Travelling by train in Rajasthan isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s about the journey itself. These luxury trains redefine rail travel, blending modern comforts with a touch of royal charm. Here’s a look at some of the finest options:
1. Palace on Wheels
Ideal for: History buffs and first-time luxury train travellers seeking the classic royal experience
Known as one of the world’s most iconic luxury trains, the Palace on Wheels captures the essence of Rajasthan’s royal history. Its regal décor, featuring silk drapes and vintage furniture, sets the tone for a royal adventure.
Route Highlights: Delhi → Jaipur → Jodhpur → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Bharatpur → Agra.
Experiential Highlight: The onboard dining car serves exquisite Rajasthani cuisine. I still remember the melt-in-your-mouth dal baati churma; it felt like eating in a royal palace.
Local Tip: Book a Deluxe Cabin for authentic vintage interiors with hand-painted ceilings.
Booking Insight: “IndianHoliday helped us secure Super Deluxe Cabins during peak season when the official site showed a waitlist; they have priority allocation that saved our anniversary trip!” ~ Yuvraj Sharma, Delhi
What Makes the Palace on Wheels Different?
Rajasthan is central to this luxurious train journey, which passes through its length and breadth and gives you glimpses of its rich heritage.
One day may begin with a game drive around Ranthambore. Another puts you inside the walls of Chittorgarh Fort. Udaipur changes the pace with lakes and palaces, Jaisalmer brings the desert into the journey, and Bharatpur introduces another side of Rajasthan through Keoladeo National Park. Then comes Agra and the Taj Mahal before the journey concludes in Delhi.
The train’s interiors draw heavily from Rajasthan’s royal heritage, while current accommodation ranges from Deluxe Cabins to larger suites and a Presidential Suite. After spending much of the day sightseeing, there is something satisfying about returning to the same cabin rather than packing for another hotel. Dinner is served onboard, the train moves overnight, and you wake up somewhere entirely different.
2. The Maharajas’ Express
Ideal for: Discerning travellers who want ultra-luxury with modern amenities.
Often called the “Orient Express of India,” this train offers unparalleled luxury with themed itineraries such as Heritage of India and Treasures of India.
Route Highlights: Jaipur → Ranthambore → Agra → Udaipur.
Special Touch: Each stop comes with exclusive experiences, like a private tour of Mehrangarh Fort or a champagne breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal.
Highlight: Features the largest cabins among Indian luxury trains, with panoramic windows and en-suite bathrooms that rival those of 5-star hotels.
Booking Insight: “We saved ₹40,000 per couple by booking through IndianHoliday’s early bird offers.” ~ Kabir Thappar, Mumbai
What Makes the Journey Different?
The train places strong emphasis on high-comfort accommodation and curated off-train experiences. Depending on the itinerary, days can include experiences around the Taj Mahal, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort, Udaipur and Bikaner’s desert landscape.
Who Will Prefer Maharajas’ Express?
Choose Maharajas’ Express when the quality of the train and onboard experience is as important to you as experiencing Rajasthan itself.
Accommodation options range from Deluxe Cabins to larger suites, with 2 onboard dining restaurants, lounge spaces, and en-suite accommodation.
Your choice of itineraries makes it easier to match the rail journey with the rest of your India holiday.
For instance, if you are travelling to Delhi, you can opt for a route that finishes in Mumbai and continue to other parts of India rather than returning to the same starting point.
Planning Insight: Do not choose the Maharajas’ Express simply because it is perceived as the more luxurious option.
Compare the actual routes first, then decide. If Jaisalmer is important to you, for instance, the main Maharajas’ Express Rajasthan itineraries may not match your priorities as closely as Palace on Wheels or a suitable Deccan Odyssey journey.
3. Deccan Odyssey
Ideal for: International tourists wanting comprehensive regional coverage
While its focus extends beyond Rajasthan, the Deccan Odyssey offers Rajasthan-centric itineraries that include stops in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur.
Why Choose It: Perfect for those who want to combine Rajasthan with other regions of India.
Highlight: Their Hidden Treasures of Gujarat & Rajasthan journey combines two states in one luxurious expedition
Distinctive Touch: Features India’s only presidential suite on rails with a private lounge and a dedicated butler.
Booking Advantage: “IndianHoliday arranged our Deccan Odyssey journey with a 3-night Udaipur extension at their partner heritage hotels; this combination isn’t available through direct bookings.” ~ Sarah D’souza, London
When should you pick Deccan Odyssey?
Consider the Deccan Odyssey when your Rajasthan trip is part of a wider Indian itinerary, rather than the sole focus.
It works well for repeat visitors who have already explored some of Rajasthan independently and now want to experience familiar destinations differently.
Onboard Experience & Amenities
The onboard experience on Luxury trains is a destination in itself. From the moment you step aboard, you’re treated like royalty.
Plush Cabins: Think vintage charm meets modern comfort—spacious suites, silk linens, and even personal butlers.
Gourmet Dining: The chefs onboard craft culinary masterpieces. One evening, I indulged in laal maas, a traditional Rajasthani lamb curry, paired with wine.
Cultural Immersion: Live folk music and dance performances during the journey added a magical touch.
Local Travel Tip: Opt for a train journey that coincides with a regional festival.
What Is It Actually Like to Travel on a Luxury Train?
When you picture a “luxury train”, you might imagine spending an entire week in an elegant royal carriage watching Rajasthan landscapes pass by you. However, these journeys are more active.
In fact, the train is your travelling hotel. You generally spend nights onboard, while days combine meals, transfers, and organised sightseeing.
Depending on the selected journey, this can include forts and palaces, wildlife excursions, city tours, and selected cultural experiences.
Cabins are compact compared with luxury hotel rooms because they still operate within the dimensions of a railway carriage. What you gain instead is continuity: your luggage stays in the same place while the destination changes outside.
For many travellers, this is the real luxury.
You spend far less time packing, checking out, driving several hours, and checking into another hotel.
Choosing Your Perfect Train Match
First-time visitors: The Palace on Wheels for its iconic status and comprehensive coverage of Rajasthan.
Luxury seekers: Maharajas’ Express for unmatched opulence and service.
Extended explorers: Deccan Odyssey to combine Rajasthan with Gujarat.
Top Destinations Covered by Rajasthan Luxury Trains
- Jodhpur: The Blue City & Mehrangarh Fort
- Jaisalmer: Golden Fort & Desert Safaris
- Udaipur: City of Lakes & Royal Residences
- Sawai Madhopur: Ranthambore National Park safaris
- Agra: Taj Mahal & Mughal grandeur (on select routes)
Luxury Train or Private Rajasthan Tour: Which Is Better?
Neither is automatically better, as each solves different problems.
A luxury train works particularly well when you appreciate structure. Sightseeing, transfers, accommodation and much of the dining are organised around a fixed schedule, making it easy to cover several destinations without managing each component separately.
A private Rajasthan journey gives you considerably more control.
You can stay three nights in Udaipur instead of one day, begin sightseeing later, choose smaller heritage hotels, add craft workshops or spend an extra night near Ranthambore.
The choices are simple:
- Luxury train: less flexibility, but exceptionally easy logistics.
- Private journey: more flexibility and depth, but more movement between hotels.
For many travellers, the perfect solution is actually a combination of both.
Consider Adding Time Before or After the Train
One of the biggest mistakes when planning a Rajasthan luxury train holiday is assuming the rail itinerary must be the entire trip.
For international travellers coming to India for ten days or longer, adding several nights before or after the train can make the journey feel much less compressed.
If your rail itinerary touches Udaipur for only part of a day but the city is important to you, consider returning for a longer stay.
Likewise, you can explore Delhi before embarkation rather than squeezing it into arrival day, while a journey ending in Mumbai can lead naturally into another part of India.
This is particularly useful for first-time visitors who have travelled a long distance to reach India and do not want the entire holiday governed by one fixed timetable.
Ready to embark on your royal rail journey?
Ready to embark on your royal rail journey? Explore IndianHoliday’s curated luxury train packages, which combine the best of Rajasthan’s trains with exclusive palace experiences, creating timeless memories just like the maharajas and their legends!
FAQs
Q: Are luxury trains in Rajasthan worth the price?
Absolutely. Beyond transportation, you’re investing in curated experiences impossible to arrange independently. The all-inclusive pricing (meals, sightseeing, and entertainment) often provides better value than booking luxury hotels and experiences separately.
Q: Which is the most luxurious train in Rajasthan?
Maharajas’ Express stands as India’s most luxurious train, featuring the largest cabins, panoramic windows, and two fine-dining restaurants. Its Presidential Suite spans an entire carriage with private lounge and dining areas.
Q: Can children travel on Rajasthan’s luxury trains?
Yes, all luxury trains welcome children, with Palace on Wheels offering special children’s menus and activity programs.
Q: What’s included in luxury train packages?
Packages typically include accommodation, all meals, guided sightseeing, cultural performances, and monument entry fees.
Q: How far in advance should I book a luxury train journey?
Book 6-8 months ahead for peak season (December-January) and 3-4 months for shoulder seasons. Early bookings through specialised partners, such as IndianHoliday, often secure better cabins and exclusive add-ons.
