Enquire
Call us
Train Travel in India
3rd November 2025
An introduction to luxury, modern and heritage rail journeys
Rail travel remains one of the most atmospheric and authentic ways to explore India. Whether aboard a luxury train in India, a modern express service or a charming mountain “toy train,” the country’s rail network offers variety, scenery and a distinctive perspective on everyday life.
This guide introduces the main types of rail experiences in India worth considering as part of a tailor-made itinerary. These are not fixed routes — our specialists advise on the most suitable rail sectors based on your interests and travel plans.
Luxury Train Journey – Maharajas’ Express
The Maharajas’ Express is India’s most prestigious luxury train journey, offering a refined and indulgent way to travel between key destinations while enjoying classic style and attentive service. Private en-suite cabins, elegant dining cars and hosted excursions create a comfortable and memorable experience reminiscent of India’s royal past.
Typical itineraries link cities such as Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Ranthambore, with select departures including Udaipur or Varanasi. Days combine guided visits to cultural landmarks, palaces and markets with relaxed time onboard, passing rural landscapes at an unhurried pace.
Travelling by the Maharajas’ Express luxury train appeals to those who appreciate heritage detail, curated sightseeing and the convenience of unpacking once. It is often chosen as a highlight within a wider itinerary of private touring and boutique stays, and remains a leading choice for travellers researching Indian luxury trains.
Typical duration: 4–7 nights
Who it suits: Couples, heritage-focused travellers, rail enthusiasts, relaxed-pace explorers
Modern Scenic & Fast-Train Services – Vande Bharat Express and Konkan Railway
For shorter journeys between major cities, India’s Vande Bharat Express services offer a clean, comfortable and efficient option for modern rail travel in India. With assigned seating, air-conditioning and onboard catering, they are a practical alternative to road travel – particularly on popular routes such as Delhi–Agra, Delhi–Jaipur and services linked to Varanasi.
For travellers seeking scenic train routes in India, the Konkan Railway is among the country’s most impressive coastal lines. Running from Mumbai south toward Goa and Kerala, it passes through lush hills, tunnels, river bridges and occasional ocean views. This picturesque journey offers a relaxed, scenic alternative to flying when exploring India’s western and southern regions.
Both options pair well with private transfers at each end, allowing travellers to enjoy the convenience of rail without handling logistics. These modern and scenic train journeys in India add flexibility and local character to a bespoke itinerary.
Typical duration: 2–10 hours
Who it suits: Scenic-route travellers, culturally curious explorers, photographers
Heritage Mountain Railways – Kalka–Shimla & Nilgiri Mountain Railway
India’s UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge “toy trains” offer gentle, nostalgic journeys through spectacular mountain scenery, making them memorable additions to itineraries in hill regions.
The Kalka–Shimla Railway climbs steadily from the foothills into the Himalayas, passing forests, tunnels and hillside villages before reaching the former colonial hill station of Shimla. In southern India, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty through tea estates, waterfalls and thick forest using a historic rack-and-pinion system.
These heritage mountain railways in India operate at a leisurely pace and are typically paired with stays in atmospheric hill stations, offering a charming contrast to the bustle of India’s cities and plains. Travellers seeking authentic, heritage train experiences in India will find these routes both scenic and culturally rich.
Typical duration: 1–6 hours
Who it suits: Families, heritage enthusiasts, photographers, slow-travel fans
Planning Your Rail Journey in India
We assist with selecting suitable routes, booking preferred classes or cabins, arranging station transfers and integrating luxury train travel in India seamlessly into your itinerary. Whether you wish to experience the Maharajas’ Express, the Vande Bharat Express, or the heritage toy trains of India, our specialists will design a bespoke rail journey that fits perfectly within your wider travel plans.
Speak with our India specialists to explore luxury rail travel options in India and begin planning an unforgettable itinerary.
Itinerary Inspiration
Browse some of our suggested itineraries below, but there is little we cannot do, so to start planning your bespoke trip get in touch.
Travel more, Travel better.
Call us now on 020 8502 8300 and one of our team would be happy to help start planning your personalised family holiday itinerary.
Alternatively, click below to send us a message or request a call back.