Top Tourist Trains in India & Around the World: Luxury Journeys & Scenic Routes

TOURIST TRAINS OF INDIA AND ABROAD: EXPERIENCING THE WORLD ONE TRACK AT A TIME

Top Tourist Trains in India & Around the World: Luxury Journeys & Scenic Routes In a world obsessed with speed, tourist trains invite you to slow down, sit back, and enjoy the journey. From the royal luxury coaches of India to the scenic wonders of Switzerland and the wild outback of Australia, tourist trains are not just a mode of transport—they are destinations in themselves. Let's embark on a grand tour of some of the most iconic and experience-rich tourist trains in India and abroad.

Incredible India on Rails:

India is a country of stories, and tourist trains are the best way to experience its vibrant cultures, majestic forts, spiritual centers, and natural beauty

1. Palace on Wheels – A Royal Rajasthan Sojourn

• Launched in 1982 by Indian Railways along with Rajasthan Tourism.

• Duration: This journey lasts for 7 nights/ 8 days.

• Route Highlights: Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) - Chittorgarh – Udaipur - Jaisalmer – Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi

Features of Palace on Wheels:

• Heritage-style saloons with royal decor.

• Two restaurants serving Rajasthani, Indian, and international cuisine.

• Lounge bar, spa, and personal attendants known as Khidmatgars.

2. Maharajas' Express – India’s Pride on Rails

• This train is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)

• Awards: It has won “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” multiple times at the World Travel Awards.

• Luxury Packages: This train offers 4 major itineraries like "Heritage of India", "Treasures of India", "Indian Panorama", and "Indian Splendour"

• Destinations Covered: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Mumbai

  
  

Features of the Maharajas' Express:

• Presidential Suites spanning an entire carriage.

• Fine dining with silver service.

• Cultural performances, curated excursions, and onboard commentary.

3. The Deccan Odyssey – A Luxurious Dive into the Western Ghats and Beyond

• This tourist train is operated by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

• Popular Routes: "Indian Sojourn", "Maharashtra Splendor", "Jewels of the Deccan"

• Destinations Covered: Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ellora Caves, Goa, Nashik, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi.

Unique Experiences on The Deccan Odyssey:

• Wine-tasting in Nasik vineyards.

• Fort explorations and coastal heritage tours.

• UNESCO heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora.

• Onboard Luxury: Sauna, spa, plush cabins, conference car for business travelers.

4. Bharat Gaurav Trains – Cultural Pilgrimage for the Masses

This are themed based trains mainly to showcase the India’s spiritual and cultural circuits. South Star Rail is the India’s First Private Tourist Train under this scheme. These Bharat Gaurav trains are ideal for Pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and for group tours.

Popular Circuits of Bharat Gaurav Trains: Ramayana Yatra, Dakshin Bharat Darshan (South India temples), Jyotirlinga and Char Dham Yatra, Sampoorna Yatra, and many more.

Facilities in Bharat Gaurav Trains:

• Vegetarian meals,

• Tour Managers,

• Security Personnel’s

• Accommodation and Transfers.

5. Mountain Marvels: India’s Famous Toy Trains (Narrow-Gauge Railways)

These are UNESCO heritage trains which combine nostalgia with unforgettable views. The following are the Toy Trains in India:

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

• Route: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling (88 km)

• Highlights: Batasia Loop, Ghum station, tea gardens, panoramic Himalayan views.

• Nilgiri Mountain Railway

• Route: Mettupalayam to Ooty (46 km)

• Claim to Fame: Only rack-and-pinion railway in India, traverses dense forests, tunnels, and waterfalls.

• Kalka-Shimla Railway

• Route: Kalka to Shimla (96 km)

• Features: 102 tunnels, 800+ bridges, spiral tracks through pine forests.

Across the Globe: Iconic Tourist Trains Around the Globe:

Following are the other Tourists Trains around the World:

1. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – A Living Legend of European Glamour

• Route: London → Paris → Venice → (seasonal: Istanbul)

• Ambience: 1920s art deco carriages, formal dinners, and evening jazz.

• Special Experiences: Michelin-inspired dining, vintage stewards, exclusive cabins.

• Cost: One of the most premium train experiences in the world (starting ~€3,000+ per person).

2. The Glacier Express – Switzerland’s Scenic Wonder

• Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa)

• Duration: 7.5 hours

• Scenic Highlights: Oberalp Pass (2,033m altitude), Landwasser Viaduct (65m high),291 bridges and 91 tunnels

• Features of Glacier Express:

• Panoramic carriages with glass ceilings

• Onboard commentary synced with GPS

• Gourmet meals served at your seat

  
  

3. The Rocky Mountaineer

• Routes: Vancouver → Banff, Jasper, or Lake Louise

• Type of services:

• GoldLeaf: Glass-domed car, private dining, outdoor viewing platforms

• SilverLeaf: Single-level glass dome coach

• Things experienced:

• Spotting bears, Moose, and Eagles

• Crossing Spiral Tunnels and Fraser River

• Overnight hotel stays (no night travel)

4. The Ghan – Australia’s Legendary Outback Train

• Route: Adelaide → Alice Springs → Darwin

• Distance: Nearly 3,000 km in 3 nights

Highlights of the Train:

• Desert landscapes, gorges, Aboriginal cultural experiences

• Excursions to Katherine Gorge, Coober Pedy

5. The Blue Train – South Africa’s Jewel on Rails

• Route: Pretoria → Cape Town (or reverse)

• Duration: 27 hours

Luxury Touches on the Train:

• Butler service, opulent lounges, cigar bar

• Off-train excursions to diamond mines and vineyards

Views: Vast African plains, mountain ranges, and historical towns

Travel Seasons:

The best season to hop on these trains is as follows:

• Indian luxury trains: Oct–March (best weather)

• European trains: Spring and Autumn

• Rocky Mountaineer: April–October

Tourist trains are about savoring the landscapes, heritage, cuisine, and connections along the way. So next time you're planning a trip, let the train take you there, in style.