Luxury Train Travel Trends: Why India Is Leading the Way

In an age of instant flights and fast travel, people are longing for slow travel, rooted in the principles of mindfulness immersion. The slow travel trend is again gaining momentum. The fast travel often overshadows the journey itself. It does not give sufficient time to devour the beauty of the sites to sink in the feeling, the feeling of gratitude, the gratefulness to learn something new, to interact with the locals and culture. 

Slow travel encourages travelers to savor the real experience of the journey as well as the destination. The slow travel resurges the demand for luxury trains globally. Luxury train is the best partner for tourists for slow travel, as it perfectly combines the grandeur and excitement of a journey with the luxurious service of the train. 

The demand for luxury train travel in India has grown significantly over the last decade. Several luxurious trains like the Maharajas’ Express and Palace on Wheels are leading the Indian luxury train services.

Why the World is Falling in Love with Train Travel Again?

Post-pandemic, people were hesitant to come out and explore any country. They wanted a safe mode of travel where they did not have to meet a lot of people, and wanted to travel in a secure environment. That’s where a luxury train supports your cause. The moment you board the train to complete your journey, these luxury trains have everything covered for you.

From personalized services to 24*7 butlers on duty, the luxury train keeps everything in check to meet all expectations of your safety and security. There are reports from the world’s leading tourism organizations, such as UNWTO and Conde Nast, that suggest tourists are choosing slow travel because it does not compromise their safety and keeps them safe from potential dangers they may encounter in an unfamiliar country.

Royal Roots: India’s Natural Affinity for Luxury Rail

Luxury trains in India are setting the new standard of comfort, commitment, and services in the world and are getting recognized for their work. The combo of slow travel and luxury trains has revived the nostalgic charm, offering modern travelers a chance to experience the royal treatment of the bygone era. These trains are meticulously designed with vintage décor, gourmet dining, and impeccable services, creating a timeless luxury atmosphere.

India has a handful of luxury trains, a statement of the royal legacy of India’s hospitality:

Palace on Wheels: it is considered to be the first luxury train in India, launched in 1982.  It is a combined initiative of the Rajasthan Tourism with the Indian Railways.

Maharajas’ Express: Maharajas’ Express is the leading luxury train in India. It is renowned for its opulent services, royal décor, luxurious cabins, gourmet dining, and a personal butler throughout the journey.

India’s Diversity makes the journey the Destination:

India’s diversity makes it a destination for many. It is the main reason that attracts around 10 million tourists each year.

Deserts: Unlike other countries, India has an unmatched diversity from plains to plateaus, hot and cold deserts, mountains, and hills. The luxury trains understand the variety of tourists’ expectations. That is the reason their routes include the maximum number of varieties, including a relaxing evening in the desert of Bikaner.

Jungles: These luxury trains understand that tourists might want to explore the Indian jungles and wildlife. Therefore, they often include stops like Ranthambore National Park to give an adventurous touch to their journey.

Temples: Your journey remains incomplete if you do not visit any temples. India is home to some of the most magnificent temples in the world. Therefore, luxury trains like the Maharajas’ Express have Khajuraho temples in their itineraries to give an essence of history and Indian culture.

Forts and cities: Every luxury train travel in India has forts and cities with historical significance to Indian culture. A slow travel in India must include the forts of Rajasthan and cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

Hospitality That Rivals a 5-star Hotel:

The hospitality and total commitment toward the guests make the luxury trains a preferable choice for the tourists. There are several features of luxury train travel in India that make it the first priority among foreign tourists.

If we look into the details of a standard luxury train and the facilities they offer onboard, we will notice something unique with every single train. So, we will look into the services of Maharajas’ Express:

• It provides a personal 24/7 butler service for the entirety of the journey.
• For multi-cuisine fine dining, it has two dining restaurants.
• To keep you entertained and recharged, the train has spas and bars.
• Maharajas’ Express also takes responsibility for smooth, hassle-free off-board excursions, for which it offers guided tours and multilingual guides. 

Responsible and Cultural Tourism: Travel That Gives Back

Luxury train travel in India supports its local artists and performers. The luxury train directly or indirectly supports and uplifts the small businesses on its routes, buying the ingredients from the stops to cater to their guests, and taking them to local markets.

The luxury trains have various stops, including the local markets, heritage crafts village, and cultural shows, which support small businessmen, artists, and their livelihoods.

International Fame: Why the World is Watching

Luxury trains like the Maharajas’ Express of India have received numerous recognitions on various platforms, received various awards like the World Leading Luxury Train Award, featured in Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler, etc. 

Several celebrities and travel bloggers like Ramnath Kovind, the former President of India and TV personality Trevor McDonald, have experienced the services of this luxurious train.

What’s next? The Future of Luxury Train Travel in India

With the growing demand for luxury train travel in India, we might see future innovations that may include themed tours – festival circuits, wildlife photography, or the addition of new routes to connect the northeastern part or coastal area of India.

Conclusion: India Sets the Standard

India’s unmatched diversity creates an opportunity for slow travel. Luxury trains are meeting the expectations of every tourist who wants to enjoy the journey, not just the destinations. India’s heritage, hospitality, and diversity set it apart from the rest. Luxury trains like the Maharajas’ Express are setting the new standard for luxury train travel in India. To get the real essence of India, book your ticket to experience this slow luxury for yourselves. To get your preferred cabin, you should book your ticket six months before your trip.