What to Wear on Indian Train Journey: Complete Style Guide

The unwavering charm of India, its historical importance, and its breathtaking architecture and monuments attract millions of tourists across the globe.

To enhance their journey, tourists prefer something to add an element of adventure and surprise to their journey while experiencing the authentic essence of this wonderful land; for which they often choose a train journey to visit the architectural marvel of Indian craftsmanship. One such train that stands out from the long list of luxury trains in India is The Maharajas’ Express. Luxury trains are inventive, and adventurous, and offer an unseen side of India to their guests. These luxury trains run on predetermined routes, and visit some of the most iconic cities and sites.

One common question that tourists look for is – What to wear on an Indian train journey. People often search for it because of climatic reasons, societal acceptance, and what type of clothing will be suitable for their comfort. In this article, we will help you learn what to wear for both standard and luxury train travel in India, along with packing tips and seasonal advice.

General Train Travel Attire Tips in India:

The answer to the obvious question of what to wear on an Indian train journey should be based after considering the following:

• Comfort is the key: India is a country located near the equator. Hence, receive sunlight almost 300 days a year. Most of the time, it is hot and humid, unless you are going to hill stations. Therefore, you should pack loose-fitting and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. You should avoid tight synthetic clothing if you are traveling to hot and humid states or cities in India.
• Footwear matters: Footwear is as important as your clothing. You should have comfy shoes for outdoor activities and breathable sandals to wear inside trains or hotels which are part of outdoor excursions. You should also pack flip-flops for bathroom use and sturdy shoes for railway stations and platforms.
• Climate consideration: Considering the climate of the places you are visiting is essential before packing. During the daytime cities of Rajasthan are most likely to be hot and humid, but if you are visiting the dunes in Bikaner, at night desert can be a little cold; so pack a light jacket or shawl. Also, the shawl comes in handy if the AC in the train is strong for you.

Cultural Sensitivity & Etiquette:

Before packing your bags for India, you should consider the cultural sensitivity and etiquette of the country.

• Modest dress norm: If the question of what to wear on an Indian train journey crosses your mind, you should consider the local beliefs and sensitivity before packing your clothes. Cultural beliefs and sensitivity are still strong in India, especially in rural India or religious places. Try to avoid catching unnecessary eyeballs. Women should avoid short skirts and strapless tops. Men should avoid going topless even in hot weather.
• Public vs Private Spaces: Guests inside Maharajas’ Express can wear clothes they want in their cabins and suites. It just varies the comfort of fellow passengers in public areas like dining cabins, sitting areas, and bars. What you wear inside a private train cabin can differ from attire in shared areas or during excursions.

What to wear on the Maharajas’ Express?

To answer this question, we will look into different aspects and occasions briefly for a well-described answer.

• Daytime excursion: If your trip to India by train, primarily focuses on the northern part of the country on hot-humid days. The answer to what to wear on an Indian train journey is – you should pack light, loose-fit, breathable clothes like cotton pants, flowy tops, and collared shirts. For city tours and palace visits, pack a pair of comfortable shoes in addition to a scarf or shawl for a temple visit.
• Onboard Lounging: For onboard lounging on a train journey to India, you should go for classic elegance and comfortable, and light-print clothes. We think resort wear options will work fine. Men should go for slacks or chinos with linen shirts and women should opt for a maxi dress, or palazzos with simple jewelry. Ideally, one should cover themselves appropriately to avoid the unwanted gaze of others. Men should also avoid getting shirtless even in hot weather.
• Fine Dining and Cultural Nights: Evening and cultural nights should be semi-formal to formal. It offers an opportunity to try Indian traditional attire to embrace the culture and emerge into the local customs and traditions. If you are comfortable in traditional dress, you can try Indian-western dresses which are easier to carry.
• What Not To Wear: Dressing appropriately on Maharajas’ Express enhances the experience of its cultural events, fine dining, and royal luxury. Avoid packing overly gym clothes, short skirts, and ripped jeans, which may feel out of place in a royal setting. If you are sorted on your packing, the next step is understanding the Maharajas Express booking process to change your imagination into reality.

Seasonal Dressing Guide:

• Summer (April-June): April to June are hot summer months in India, prefer loose, light color, breathable fabric to allow your skin to breathe and relax. Other accessories like sunglasses, suncream, hats, and scarves can come in handy to avoid sunburn.
• Monsoon (July-September): Exploring India by Maharajas’ Express itineraries in monsoon, pack quick-dry fabrics, waterproof shoes and sandals. You should also carry a light raincoat and umbrella.
• Winter (October-February): India is a tropical country but winters are equally harsh in the Northern region. So, if you are traveling to India in winter, bring layered woolen clothes. December and January are tougher than October and November in northern India, especially in Delhi.

Packing Tips for Indian Train Travel:

• Shawl and scarf can be used for multiple purposes, from head cover for temple visits to a cover for sun protection.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats will be useful during city tours.
• Slippers and sandals will be useful inside the train.
• One or two elegant outfits for cultural evenings or dinner in Palaces in Rajasthan.
• Portable laundry bag or organizer.
• Do not pack mindlessly because luggage is stored in the suite in Maharajas Express.
• Carry a stylish bag for outdoor excursions.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Maharajas’ Express adds a royal touch to your normal travel. It offers the royal life of Maharajas on wheels. This royal luxury often confuses people about what to wear on an Indian train journey. In simple terms, one should pack carefully, keeping the weather, and societal sensitivity in mind. Smart train travel should be a perfect blend of comfort, culture, and style. If you are planning to explore India by train – Maharajas’ Express is the leading luxury train in India, but the seats and trains are in limited numbers. Therefore, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred suite.