Luxury trains accessible in India are the simplest choices for a luxurious trip like a Maharaja. Every train is equipped with all needs and necessaries to create a comfortable environment for the tourists. However, these luxurious trains made possible to travel with all facilities to different destinations in India.
But how they are started their journey and when they are got on tracks to serve? By this summary, you can aware of India’s luxury trains history in brief.
1. The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey is a dream project for Maharashtra Tourism Department as a deluxe train and proposed in the year 2001. And the project got a green signal by the Railway ministry in the year 2002. Deccan Odyssey is the first luxury train to cover the destinations of the southwestern part of India
In the year 2003, completion of the train has taken place and set to ready. Finally, this luxurious train came on to tracks on 16th January 2004. From the day to today it has been serving tourists with attractions and humble services.
2. Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels is India’s the first luxury train, started its service on January 26, 1982 by Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways. There is a great history behind the formation of this opulent and luxurious train. After the Independence, all the regal carriages used by Maharajas, Nizams, and Viceroys were ceased not to use. Because they are valuable and need high funds to upkeep.
In that way, they planned to design a luxurious train with beautiful itinerary to round up the Rajasthan famous tourist places. And then it came into force to serve the Tourism of Rajasthan.
Palace on Wheels is the best train to experience the regal lifestyle of Maharajas, Nizams, and Viceroys.
3. The Golden Chariot
Due to the huge success of Palace on Wheels, the Karnataka State Tourism introduced the Golden Chariot luxury train. It is the first luxury train in South India and proposed in the year 2002. This train was named after the famous stone chariot at Hampi.
From the day of propose it had been underwent many designs, layouts, and interior styles. But finally, on 23rd January 2008, everything was settled and set to ready to get on tracks. With a grand celebration on 2nd February 2008, it was inaugurated by the flag off President Pratibha Patil. And its maiden itinerary was laid from Banglore to Goa by crossing many attractions of South.
4. Maharaja’s Express
Maharaja’s Express was inaugurated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation to cover the most famous destinations in India. It is designed in a way, how our Maharajas used royal carriages of that time. This luxurious train mostly covers Rajasthan tourism places.
From the year 2010, it was started as a joint venture with IRCTC and Cox and Kings India Ltd. But from the year 2011, the joint venture was concluded and at present, it was under IRCTC. This luxurious train awarded as the “World’s Leading Luxury Train” five times.
5. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is another luxury train in Rajasthan by the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development. It is also said to be this train was modeled after Palace on Wheels. This train got on tracks from January 2009.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is the best train to experience the wonders of Rajasthan. It covers through many tourist, wildlife and heritage sites of Rajasthan. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is like another gem for Rajasthan Tourism.
In all these luxury trains, you will get onboard royal services or amenities like dining car, gym, spa, royal bar, luxury suites, etc.
