Luxury on wheels: Indian Railways' most extravagant rides

The best means to know India is to travel across the length and breadth of the country by Indian Railways. The Railways run an efficient system in relation to the massive size of its network.

India has many luxury train services for solo travellers and for those who wish to travel in the company of family or friends. These train services run in the most preferred sectors.

Maharaja's Express

The Maharajas' Express, with its five-star luxuries came into service in 2010. The opulent interiors of Maharajas' Express and the services offered could make you feel pampered like kings and queens of yore.

Commencing from Mumbai, the train covers Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore and Agra before reaching Delhi. The cost of ticket per person is something nearing Rs 2,75,000.

Palace on Wheels

Flagged off in 1982, Palace on Wheels is a luxury train service carrying the aura of our royal past. Palace on Wheels covers Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra starting from Delhi. The luxury cabins in this trains could cost up to Rs. 2,50,000.

Golden Chariot

Suvarna Rath (The Golden Chariot) is a luxury train service connecting some of the famous world heritage sites in south India. Commencing the journey from Bangalore, the train covers Mysore, Bandipore, Halebidu, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Badami and Goa. The décor of the train takes inspiration from the Mysore and Hoysala architecture. The ticket rate per head is Rs 25,000 upward.

Showcasing the historical and cultural pedigree of India and presenting the richness of its wildlife, the Deccan Odyssey is a luxury train service on a historical and spiritual trail.

The service starts and terminates in Mumbai. Aurangabad, Tadoba National Park, Ajanta Caves, Nasik, Kolhapur and Goa are the attractions along the way. The plush interiors reflect the royal era of the erstwhile kingdoms of Maharashtra. All inclusive rates per person is upward of Rs.4,80,000.

Mahaparinirvan Express

Mahaparinirvan Express, like the name suggests has Buddhism as a theme. Even as the train presents travellers with a deeper insight to Buddhism and the minimalist living it preaches, there is no dearth of luxury in it with swanky rooms and restaurants.

Starting from Bodhgaya, this luxury train covers Varanasi, Shravasti, Sarnath, Lumbini and Agra. Ticket rates starts from Rs 62,000 per person.