India Luxury Train Journeys: Maharajas' Express vs Palace on Wheels
By Elegant Journeys · September 18 2026 · Travel Tips
There are few ways to see India that combine movement, heritage and indulgence quite like a luxury train journey. Instead of changing hotels every night and arranging a new transfer at every destination, your suite travels with you.
For travellers considering a luxury train in India, two names naturally stand out: Maharajas' Express and Palace on Wheels. Both deliver a premium rail experience, but their itineraries, design language, cabin options and destination mix create different journeys.
01 · Start with the route
What is the difference between Maharajas' Express and Palace on Wheels?
The simplest distinction is geographical and experiential. Palace on Wheels is strongly centred on Rajasthan and follows a classic 7-night/8-day circuit from New Delhi through Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra before returning to Delhi.
Maharajas' Express offers several itineraries rather than one single circuit. Depending on the journey selected, travellers can combine Rajasthan with Agra and other heritage destinations, with selected routes also reaching Varanasi.
02 · The modern expression of royal travel
Maharajas' Express: refined luxury with a wider choice of itineraries
Maharajas' Express was launched in 2010 and is designed around the idea of experiencing India's heritage from a moving luxury hotel.
Routes that go beyond Rajasthan
One of the strongest features of Maharajas' Express is itinerary variety. Published journeys include routes connecting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and other heritage destinations, with selected journeys extending towards Varanasi.
A polished onboard experience
Warm woods, rich textiles, polished details and large windows keep the changing Indian landscape part of the experience.
03 · Rajasthan in royal style
Palace on Wheels: a classic Rajasthan luxury train journey
The Palace on Wheels has a long association with luxury rail travel in Rajasthan. The train was launched in 1982 and its royal concept was inspired by coaches associated with the princely states of the region.
A route built around Rajasthan's icons
The journey includes Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
Heritage is part of the design
Palace on Wheels leans strongly into the visual vocabulary of Rajasthan, with palace-inspired accommodation, dining spaces and common areas.
04 · Compare the journey
Maharajas' Express vs Palace on Wheels: at a glance
| Feature | Maharajas' Express | Palace on Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Journey style | Multiple curated luxury itineraries across North and Central India. | Classic Rajasthan-focused royal circuit. |
| Typical journey | Several 3–7 night options. | 7 nights / 8 days. |
| Key destinations | Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambore and selected journeys to Varanasi. | Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. |
| Accommodation | Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite, Suite and Presidential Suite. | Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Suite and Presidential accommodation. |
| Design | Contemporary luxury with Indian royal motifs. | Rajasthan-inspired palace aesthetic. |
| Dining | Two restaurants plus lounge and bar spaces. | Royal-themed dining spaces. |
05 · Beyond the cabin
What does a luxury train journey in India actually feel like?
The greatest advantage of travelling by luxury train is not simply the decoration. It is the rhythm. Instead of repeatedly checking into a new hotel, you wake up in a different part of India while your room remains your room.
Dining as part of the journey
Meals become a social and visual experience rather than simply a stop between sightseeing.
Your hotel moves with you
Large windows turn rail travel into part of the sightseeing. The landscape changes continuously while your suite and service remain consistent.
06 · Build your own India story
Why combine a luxury train with a private India itinerary?
The train does not necessarily have to be the entire holiday. Many memorable journeys are built around it. Start with two or three nights in Delhi, add a private Golden Triangle experience, board the train and then continue to another luxury destination.
Golden Triangle + Luxury Train
Begin in Delhi, explore Agra and Jaipur privately, then continue into Rajasthan aboard your chosen luxury train.
Rajasthan + Luxury Train
Combine private stays in Udaipur, Jodhpur or Jaipur with a rail itinerary for a deeper Rajasthan experience.
Luxury Train + Varanasi
Choose a Maharajas' Express itinerary that includes Varanasi, or add a private Varanasi extension where appropriate.
Elegant Journeys can design the land arrangements around your rail journey so that the entire holiday feels connected rather than like a collection of separate bookings.
07 · Frequently asked questions
Luxury train journeys in India: Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before planning a luxury train journey through India.
Which train is suitable for a Rajasthan-focused luxury holiday?
Palace on Wheels has a particularly Rajasthan-focused 7-night/8-day circuit covering Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
Does Maharajas' Express include Varanasi?
Selected Maharajas' Express journeys include Varanasi. The Indian Panorama itinerary connects Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore/Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha/Khajuraho and Varanasi.
How long is the Palace on Wheels journey?
The principal Palace on Wheels route is 7 nights and 8 days, starting and ending in New Delhi.
Can I combine a luxury train with private hotels and sightseeing?
Yes. Luxury train holidays can be combined with private airport transfers, luxury and heritage hotels, private guides and tailor-made touring before or after the train.
How far in advance should I plan a luxury train journey?
Luxury train journeys are best planned around availability, preferred cabin category and the wider India itinerary. Planning the complete journey together also allows hotels, guides, transfers and excursions to be coordinated.
Which train should I choose?
Compare the destinations, journey length, cabin categories, onboard atmosphere and excursion style against your own holiday priorities, then build the wider itinerary around those choices.
Your India, your pace
Plan Your Private Luxury India Journey
Tell us your preferred travel dates, destinations, cabin style and interests. We can shape a tailor-made journey around Maharajas' Express, Palace on Wheels and India's finest private travel experiences.
