Luxury Train or 5-Star Hotel: Which One Would You Choose?

What are the first things that come to your mind when planning a holiday or taking a break from everyday life to enjoy yourself? You would say a lovely holiday destination that includes some adventure, learning a thing or two about the culture, people, and society of that place, or a comfortable place to relax after sightseeing and exploring the city; a place where you can get the best food and services to recharge yourself for the next day. 

Under such circumstances, a 5-star hotel seems a good option as a beacon of luxury and opulence. A 5-star hotel is often seen as the pinnacle of hospitality, offering guests a taste of royalty and extraordinary service. From unparalleled buildings to interiors, a 5-star hotel represents a lifestyle that many dream of. It represents the essence of royalty and luxury. These places are defined by the minute details of their guest’s needs and superior quality that translates into sophistication and a blend of comfort. They plan everything according to the needs of their guests, from rooms to dining areas, lounges, and sitting spaces. There is no compromise in their service and quality to go beyond the expectations of their guests. 

If you are traveling to India, a 5-star hotel can be located at a distance from the monuments. So, traveling from your hotel to all the sightseeing places in Delhi to go back to your hotel room and the traffic on the roads will make you even more tired. Then you may ask what the alternatives are. Well, the answer is the Maharajas Express. It is a luxury train managed by IRCTC (Indian Railways). Different Maharajas Express trains travel through different and popular cities of India.  

These trains run on predetermined routes and join cities that are tourist attractions for their architecture, monuments, history, culture, and hospitality. These Indian luxury trains are designed to give you an essence of Indian culture from centuries ago. The interior of the train is inspired by the Mughal and pre-Mughal era of the Maharajas. It does not compromise the comfort of its guests. From bedrooms and bathrooms to lounge areas and elegant dining spaces, these trains have it all.  

A luxury train is a cruise trip on roads that takes you to different cities through breathtaking scenic views of mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests, allowing you to soak in all the natural beauty of that region. Traveling by these luxury trains allows one to witness wholesome landscapes that may be inaccessible by road trips. Life on this train is all about refinement, elegance, and relaxation.

In contrast, life off the train is designed to encourage cultural interaction, guided tours to world heritage sites, and enjoying rare and diverse Indian wildlife in national parks and wildlife centuries. A luxury train gives the opportunity to experience the royal life from centuries ago with the modern comfort of a 5-star hotel. You can say a luxury train is a combination of a 5-star hotel and a cruise trip. 

Why consider a luxury train?

Whenever we plan to travel across the globe, we face difficulties in selecting a nice place of accommodation. We always want to make the best of the trip by planning in such a manner to explore a maximum number of places, getting a chance to explore the local places without getting stuck in traffic. We want our journey to be a smooth ride.  When exploring India, traffic and crowds can be a challenge. To counter this problem, one of the best available options is the luxury trains of India.   

Luxury trains are gaining popularity among travelers due to their exceptional comfort and top-tier services. It gives you the refinement and relaxation of a 5-star hotel and saves you from the hustle of a third party in an unknown place or country. From choosing suitable accommodation and planning your itinerary to arranging transportation and dealing with unfamiliar guides or locals, if any of these things go south, it will hamper your experience and ruin your journey

These luxury trains save you from all the unnecessary, time-consuming, and mind-boggling planning. These trains take the duty of guide and reliable partner throughout your journey. It takes you to the best and well-known places in Indian cities like Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai, Agra, Lucknow, and Varanasi, which are tourist hubs. These cities are renowned for their rich culture, diverse cuisine, historic monuments, natural beauty, and wildlife. These luxury trains connect to the core of these Indian cities, giving an unheard and unknown side of India.  

The unparalleled comfort on wheels:

the luxury trains have different suites. As you walk in, you’ll find spacious rooms with cozy sitting areas and comfortable chairs placed beside large windows where you can sit or read any book while enjoying the view. A big comfortable bed next to another window to enjoy the view while resting along cupboards with basic amenities, a television, and a mini fridge with some soda, in addition, guests get a personal butler to assist 24*7. 

Scenic View vs. Static Luxury:

A luxury hotel only offers a static view from your window. If you are planning a trip for a week, it is the same view for the entirety of your journey while a luxury train travels through diverse terrains. Each city offers a unique view, keeping the excitement alive without compromising comfort.  

Curated cultural experience:

The whole trip on a luxury train such as the Maharajas Express is designed to introduce the Indian culture and tradition. At the boarding, musicians play traditional Indian instruments and welcome you with a tilak and an aarti ceremony. The train interior is inspired by the Indian royal era of kings and queens. You will notice the minute detailing of Indian culture and history on the walls of the Maharaja Express. Along with continental dishes, the dining also offers a variety of local cuisines from different parts of the country. 

Let’s compare the facilities of a 5-star hotel and a luxury train: