An introduction to the Indian luxury trains

As opposed to meaning that it should be coveted, meaning of "time is precious" has come a long way. In the time of Concorde when the wealthy and the moguls used to zip by to USA from Europe in just a couple of hours to save time as it was considered a luxury. But as luck (time) would have it, luxury trains travel nowadays has become the latest fad and that too in a time of price war between different companies offering jet services. India certainly is no exception. She too has carved a niche for herself in the domain of luxury trains travel. Indian luxury trains have witnessed a significant increase in number of travelers looking for a tour across the country, aboard these royal cruisers. No wonder, luxury trains in India are becoming popular at the global level.

Recent times have seen a spurt in the luxury train tours. These days, the wealthy and prosperous prefer sightseeing on board a train rather than traveling from one destination to another staring monotonously at the blue stratosphere with occasional sight of clouds to break the monotony. There are a number of advantages that one could cite in favor of luxury rides onboard a train over traveling by air. They include ample space, restaurants and bars, spacious and comfortable sleeping and seating area and even en-suite bathroom for better privacy and luxury. Inarguably, the most significant distinction is that the tourists onboard the train get to savor the local landscapes spool by like the enlightening scroll offering the first hand experience.

Indian luxury trains offer rides that have come a long way since the introduction of the venerable Palace on Wheels, chugging along Rajasthan way back in 1982. In 1991 it was replaced by its air conditioned replica which included additional coaches for enhanced luxury. The royal journey aboard the Palace on Wheels, which was an effort on the part of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation attracted a lot of attention and gained trust and adoration of the foreign tourists and helped Rajasthan become one of the leading tourist destinations in India.

The success of the Palace on Wheels encouraged other states and corporations to replicate the same in other destinations across India. Recent times have witnessed a tangible growth in the number of luxury trains in India. These trains are designed to reflect and familiarize the guests with the rich heritage, historical importance and the culture and lifestyle of a bygone era of the particular region. Trains like Indian Maharaja, Deccan Odyssey, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and the latest among them the Maharajas' Express (only royal cruiser to cut across state borders) are a few of them to be named here. Each train offers a glimpse into the days of yore with itineraries traversing across historically and culturally as well as ecologically significant places.