The rich cultural ethnicity of India is not only echoed amidst the magnificent forts and swaying havelis but is also reflected amidst the splendour of the luxury trains. Whether to feel the regal lifestyle of the Indian rulers or to experience the sighs of history or just to feel the oriental charm of India, the luxury train trips are indeed indispensable. These luxury trains offer a wide array of opulence, like exquisite bedrooms, dimly-lighted antechamber, crystalised bathrooms, orientally designed dining rooms, richly carved drawing rooms-each and every item looked into meticulously, to provide ultimate satisfaction to the travellers. A journey by these trains, bathing in lavishness, is sure to stay as a lasting memory for years to come. The luxury trains like The Palace on Wheels, The Royal Orient, Shivalik Palace, The Shivalik Deluxe and the Fairy Queen cover many fascinating historical cities and quaint towns of India.

The Palace on Wheels
It is a train that offers a spectacular ambience of royal palace along with modern day amenities. This royal odyssey brings home the charm of staying in the midst of regality, reminiscing the days of Maharajas of Rajasthan.

Central air conditioning, interconnected telephone system inside the train, individual pantry and lounge in every coach, cozy coupes with attached bathrooms in addition to two special bathrooms are the specialities offered to the passengers. Maharaja and Maharani are the two restaurants that serve exotic Indian, continental and Rajasthani cuisine. Also a well furnished bar, and a special coach exclusively for reading and relaxation makes the stay memorable. The smiling attendants who are at service round the clock make them feel at home away from home.

Starting from New Delhi, it travels to places like Rajasthan, with special halts in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. Ranthambhore National Park, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), the Jag Mandir (City Palace), Keoladeo National Park, and the Taj Mahal also are incorporated in the weeklong tour. In the initial days of its inception only foreigners could take the joy ride. However in the present times, Indians can also afford this outstanding train journey.

The Shivalik Deluxe
The Shivalik Deluxe has also earned repute of being one of the luxury trains of India. It has only one halt at Barog, lying midway between Delhi and Shimla. Covering the journey in approximately four hours and forty-five minutes, it provides all the amenities that are at par with modern day requirements. These include wall carpets, huge glass windows, reversible chairs with soft cushions, good toilet facilities, special cabins for couple, music systems, micro phones for talking and many more. It has a sitting capacity of approximately one hundred and twenty.

Shivalik Palace
Shivalik Palace is ideal for people who want to experience the charm and excitement to their fullest without thinking much about the expenses involved. It falls in the category of the heritage trains of India. To make the journey even more exciting arrangements of kitchenware for cooking sumptuous meals are included. Special features include well-decorated lighting system, cordless bell music system, nicely furnished bathrooms, artificial decorative plants, large dinning tables with beautiful cushioned chairs, folding beds and many more. Reading magazines and books at ease and also playing indoor games are possible during the train journey. The train is ideal for those who are travelling in a group of six people.

Fairy Queen
This is a prized possession of Indian Railways. It was built in 1855 and is the oldest working steam locomotive in the whole world. Interestingly it was made functional after being preserved at the National Rail Museum for a couple of years. Thus it began its journey for a second time. Now it runs from Delhi to Alwar on selected days. Only fifty passengers can go on a two-day trip in this train. The train consists of 1st Class chair cars and pantry cars, all magnificently carted by the Fairy Queen.

The Royal Orient
The Royal Orient is another name enlisted in the category of the luxury trains of India. The Indian Railways along with Tourist Corporation of Gujarat Limited had started this train. There are 13 coaches and saloons. Multi cuisine restaurant and a bar named "Watering Hole" promise to serve delicious food to the passengers. Exclusive services like 24hr facility of hot and cold water, airy bathrooms, well-furnished cabins cater well to the passengers` need.