rail tours of india

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Train & Rail Tours in India

Relax and admire breathtaking views in India only accessible by train journey. With 31 India train tours lasting from 1 days up to 34 days, you're sure to find a railway carriage with your name on it on a route that will leave you speechless.

31 Train tour packages in India with 102 reviews

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Golden Triangle on Wheels Indian Railways

Overall a great tour. Highlights were the train rides, the guides, and the monuments. Hotels could have been better, I wish all of them were as good as the hotel in Jaipur. Amit was excellent and accommodating in every aspect of the tour. Best guide was Mr. Kashana in Jaipur.

Golden Triangle Tour By Train/Rail - Taj Mahal and Train Ride 5 days

Rajasthan Wildlife Tour: Ranthambore National Park by Train - 5 Days

Awesome Ranthambore Jungle Safari, an experience to remember for a lifetime !

Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour for 2 Days by Express Train

We are back home now after a brilliant time in Delhi and Agra last week. I want to say thank you to the Delhi driver Riyaz and the Agra driver Sonu for their service. Also a special thanks to Aayush the guide as he was very knowledgeable and attentive. Everyone made our Agra trip very special and we have fantastic memories to come again one day. Please can you extend our thanks to them when you next speak to them. Finally I want to thank you and Raj Tours as the way we were able to organise the trip was seamless and easy. We will use you again and recommend to others. Unfortunately I cannot make a TripAdvisor review as I explained to Aayush, I do not have or want to have a TripAdvisor account.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Amritsar Tour From Delhi By Shatabdi Train

Much Popular Amritsar Tour from Delhi by Shatabdi Train and I must say, it was truly a memorable experience. The convenience of traveling by train offered a comfortable and efficient way to reach Amritsar, allowing me to relax and enjoy the scenic journey.Upon arriving in Amritsar, I was immediately captivated by the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. From the majestic Golden Temple to the historic Jallianwala Bagh memorial, every stop on the tour provided a fascinating insight into the past and present of this incredible place.The tour was well organized, with knowledgeable guides leading us through each attraction and sharing insightful stories and information along the way. The delicious local cuisine we got to sample was an added bonus, giving us a true taste of Punjab's culinary delights.Amritsar Tour from Delhi by Shatabdi Train was a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the beauty and charm of this enchanting city. I returned home with a newfound appreciation for Amritsar and its many treasures, thanks to this well-organized and memorable tour.

Journey Through Time: Exploring India's Heritage by Satabdi Train

Taj to Varanasi

Train Tour: 5 Days Golden Triangle Tour with 4 Nights Accomodation

Amar was our tour guide for the 6 days Amritsar plus Golden Triangle tour. This is an amazing tour. This itineray is packed with amazing tours sightseeing and activities Lots to see and cover in 6 days. I know a tour guide can either make or break your vacation, let me assue you we had the best in Amar . He goes above and beyond to ensure satisfaction. He is attentive, patient , understanding, and thrives to please his clients. If you are planning to take this trip I highly recommend Amarjeet. Nothing is too much to ask. There is no question his priority is customer satisfaction. We were completely blown away by Amar's kindness and I know you will too.

Incredible Golden Triangle Rail Tour

Tour Guide Hilal was Guide for Agra and the Taj Mahal. Hall was Incredible Historian and a Great Photoghapher. Jugal Kishore was my Guide in Jaipur to view the Amber Fort and by my request Jugal obtain permission for me to climb the Great Wall surrounding the city and Fort. Jugal climbed the wall with me. Not an easy thing to do. Well done Jugal Kishore.

Delhi to Rajasthan with Goa by Rail

We took the Travel and Tours India "Delhi to Rajasthan with Goa by Rail" tour. We selected this because the travel was done all by train and because the trip can be taken on almost any day of the week, which allowed the trip to fit in with our other trip plans. The trip was very well planned, with all the destinations and trains we took booked and specified before we left. The choice of destinations was very good. We were met outside our train car at every station and taken to our hotel or tour. This is a very good feature of the tour, as Indian train stations are large and have lots of exits. Particularly for visitors, they can be a bit confusing, so the guidance is very useful. For all the local tours, a driver was supplied and sometimes a guide as well. The drivers were very helpful and would cheerfully accomodate special stops for shopping or to take photographs. The hotels were all really good and comfortable and many had good views, like the Udaipur hotel, with a great view of the lake. Our tour organizer, Ashu was available by 'phone or text message at any time. If we went to India again, we would take one of the Travel and Tours tours.

• €126 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

14 Days Rajasthan Tour By Local Trains

From Delhi: Taj Mahal Private Tour By Gatiman Express Train

It was a great experience and the tour operator was very good and accommodating

All Inclusive - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort by Superfast Train: Private Day Tour from Delhi

Rafeeq was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable about Agra, The Taj Mahal, Baby Taj and Agra fort. Took lots of amazing photos too. Thanks for a great day in Agra!

Explore Varanasi Overnight Tour By High Speed Train From Delhi

Haridwar & Rishikesh Reverie: A Sacred Train Tour from Delhi

What people love about train & rail tours in india.

The idea of travelling by train to different cities and getting picked up by different tour guides was a great idea. Tour guides had different strengths and weaknesses. Overall good experience although a little on the pricy side.

So, I kind started the tour with a bit of a rough start. My Delhi driver didn't seem to know how to get to the train station, then I felt pressed to take a tuk-tuk that I couldn't afford, to get dropped off. Then was pressed by him to get money from the ATM, which none of the three at the station worked for me. I was feeling pretty skeptical about the tour I had purchased and that I had been thrown out there on my own,but my tour guide in Agra, Faz, quickly decreased my worries and immediately brighted my mood for the rest of the time I spent with him on the tour. He pleasantly welcomed me to Agra with a beautiful flower garland and was very professional and polite. He spoke perfectly clear English and was easy to understand. He clearly has a lot of knowledge, passion and pride in the historical, religious and artistic beauty of the cities sites. He had a lot of special insights and knew best how to plan things. He was great at both offering to take pictures and at taking them, some unique and fun. Additionally, he was very considerate and carried my bag and sweatshirt for me so I could enjoy taking my own pictures and not have to deal with them, such a gentleman. He was very easy to talk to and open to questions. As mentioned earlier, I had cash/ATM issues and he stepped right up until we were able to resolve this, paying for entry fees. Then he was more than patient when this unfortunately took several stops to successfully resolve. I really felt he went above and beyond. He was very kind and understanding, despite my embarrassment that this couldn't get easily resolved. He had an engaging, fun, but very professional quality. I was highly impressed. He's the most delightful and professional guide and I highly recommend him. I was very saddened that I would be getting a new tour guide as he was wonderful. He always wanted to make sure I was enjoying the sites and was feeling good with how things were going. Definitely a top notch professional, highly knowledgeable and great character. I absolutely loved my tour with Faz. I'd give him over 5☆☆☆☆ My guide in Fatehpur sikri, was also quite pleasant. I was only with him for a few hours in the city, but he guided me through things well and was helpful. He had a great knowledge of the area and seemed to enjoy the history. He even helped me get rid of an obnoxious peddler, which was appreciated. I did however feel that he was a bit pushy in a shop we went into and I spent more money than planned/could afford. My driver, Chetan, was always punctual and I had no complaints. Although, he didn't speak much he was always polite and professional when he did. I really appreciated him expertly maunvering through all the crazy traffic. He did amazing. ☆☆☆☆☆ The hotel was fabulous and had a beautiful rooftop pool and spa. You could even see the Taj Mahal from there (just barely through the smoke). The restaurant and breakfast were both good. No complaints at all. The train was fine, not luxury or similar to US. Food was not bad considering it was train food, which I compared to being similar to plane food. Everything was great really, except my drop off in Delhi and my pickup in Delhi were I never connected with the driver and ended having to pay to take a chilly ride in a tuk-tuk. They did try and contact me when I arrived in Delhi (my service is inconsistent),but it would have been better to have this information before Ieft Agra. I believe this would have negated the problem as could directly go where I needed to go. This was done before I left for Agra, why not Delhi. So, the guides, hotel, driver in Agra and train I had no issues. Just a bit with the drop off driver in Delhi and confusion over pickup, but overall good tour.

Regions in India

• Northern India (16)
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India train tours - 10 best railway journeys

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Get ready for an extraordinary journey by exploring the top 10 best India train tours. These exciting routes combine history and breathtaking scenery seamlessly, promising unforgettable adventures that will leave you in awe of the subcontinent's beauty and heritage.

How to plan a train tour of India

1. darjeeling himalayan railway (jalpaiguri to darjeeling), 2. mandovi express (madgaon to mumbai), 3. himalayan queen (kalka to shimla), 4. the golden chariot (bangalore to goa), 5. dooars voyage (siliguri- newmal – hasimara- alipurduar), 6. maharaja deccan odyssey (mumbai to delhi), 7. jammu mail (jammu to udhampur), 8. matheran hill railway, 9. island express (kanyakumari to trivandrum), 10. mandapam – pamban – rameswaram, best tips for india train tour, planning your india train tour, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Planning an India train tour is a fascinating journey through a country with diverse cultures and landscapes. Start by deciding on an itinerary by choosing one of India 's many charming cities. Explore the railway routes connecting your chosen cities and look out for popular routes such as the Golden Triangle or the scenic Konkan Railway. 

As you embark on this adventure, immerse yourself in local customs, sample regional cuisine and experience the rich culture of each place. Be flexible and open to the unexpected, as India's true charm often lies in the unplanned moments.

Want to save yourself the trouble of planning? Contact our India travel experts and embark on your journey hassle-free.

Sunrise over Darjeeling, India @ Shutterstock

Completed in 1881, the small-gauge (610mm) Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (commonly known as the Toy Train) was designed as an extension of the North Bengal State Railway, climbing from New Jalpaiguri, via Siliguri, for a tortuous 88km up to Darjeeling . 

Given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, the Toy Train follows the Hill Cart Road, crossing it at regular intervals and even sharing it with traffic. Although no longer an essential mode of transport, the train is certainly a tourist attraction, and currently runs daily from New Jalpaiguri at 8.30am, reaching Darjeeling at 3.35pm. 

Diesel engines are now de rigueur on the long route. Weather permitting, coaches with large viewing windows provide magnificent vistas as the journey progresses and the scenery gradually unfolds; the second class can be fun but crowded. 

Some travellers may find the entire route from Siliguri painfully slow. The section from Kurseong is well worth the time, however; alternatively, you could take the short (“Joy”) ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom.

Ready for your adventure? Don't forget to check our fully customisable India itineraries .

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India © Shutterstock

Mandovi Express is a popular train running between Madgaon (Goa) and Mumbai (Maharashtra). Travelling on this train is a delightful transition through the mesmerising landscapes of the Konkan region and the Western Ghats .

One of the main highlights of the Mandovi Express is the stunning view of the Sahyadri range with its mist-covered peaks and dense forests. As the train passes through the Western Ghats, passengers can see waterfalls cascading down the hillsides.

The train is equipped with comfortable seats, making the journey enjoyable for both tourists and regular passengers. What makes the journey even more attractive is that passengers can savour the taste of local cuisine offered by the vendors on board. It is not for nothing that the train is named "The Food Queen of Konkan Railways".

Mumbai train station, India

The Himalayan Queen is an iconic train that runs on a historic railway line connecting the town of Kalka in the lower reaches of the Himalayas to the charming hill station of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh . This railway journey is renowned for its scenic beauty, unique charm and historical significance.

Ascending to Shimla , the "Queen of the Himalayas" gracefully traverses about a hundred tunnels, passes over numerous arched bridges and makes spectacular loops. Along the way, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of lush green valleys, dense pine forests and quaint hilltop villages. 

The journey includes stops at picturesque stations such as Barog, known for its beautiful gardens, and the legendary Sonwara Bridge, an engineering marvel.

The train itself is a delightful fusion of tradition and modern comfort. It exudes old-world charm, yet provides a comfortable and enjoyable journey with modern conveniences.

Convinced to go? Book this North India train tour: from Delhi to Shimla .

Shimla, India © Shutterstock

If you are in search of a luxury India train tour then Golden Chariot will impress you. It is a luxury train journey from Bangalore , the bustling capital of Karnataka state , to the tropical paradise of Goa on the west coast of India.

Boarding the Golden Chariot, you might think you are entering a palace on wheels. It is a showcase of Indian craftsmanship, adorned with intricate carvings and colourful decor inspired by the rich history and culture of the state of Karnataka.

Passengers are treated royally. There are all the comforts one can dream of on a train: spacious cabins, luxurious dining cars and courteous staff to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

The journey itself encompasses the beauty of South India, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hampi, the historic temples at Badami and the serene beaches of Goa.

The train will take you through lush landscapes, quaint villages and bustling markets, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local flavour and traditions of the region.

Dudhsagar Goa Waterfall train, India @ Shutterstock

Voyage of the Dooars is an exciting train journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Dooars region of West Bengal .

Starting from Siliguri, which is the gateway to the northeastern states, the train passes through Newmal, Hasimara and Alipurduar, offering a unique experience in the heart of the eastern Himalayas.

As the train departs from Siliguri, passengers are greeted by the lush tea gardens and dense forests characteristic of the Dooars.

The journey is a visual treat with panoramic views of the rolling hills, wildlife sanctuaries and meandering rivers that dot the region. This route is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, making it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.

But travelling through the Dooars is not just about the scenery, it is also about experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the locals. Along the way, you can savour the flavours of the local cuisine and see the daily life of the people of the Dooars.

Evening view of Mumbai from Chowpatty Beach, India © Shutterstock

Another luxury India train tour on our list is the Maharaja Deccan Odyssey. This is an upscale rail journey that begins in Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital and proceeds to Delhi , the vibrant heart of the country.

Step aboard the Maharaja Deccan Odyssey and you'll find yourself in a world of extravagance. This royal train is the epitome of luxury: elegantly decorated cabins, gourmet coaches and personalised service that is sure to delight.

During its journey, the train makes stops at some of India's most iconic destinations. You can see the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the magnificent palaces of Udaipur and the holy city of Varanasi. Each stop along the route is a unique insight into India's rich history and diverse culture. 

Qutub Minad in Delhi, India @ Shutterstock

Jammu Mail is a classic railway service with trains, among others, running between the city of Jammu, located in the picturesque state of Jammu and Kashmir , and Udhampur, another famous city in the region. Known for its simplicity and efficiency, this railway route serves as a crucial link between the two locations.

The Jammu Mail may not boast of luxurious cabins or extravagant amenities, but it is a convenient and comfortable mode of transport for passengers. During the journey, one can experience the scenic nature of the Jammu region as the train passes through green landscapes, quaint villages and picturesque countryside.

One of the notable features of this journey is the opportunity to see the enchanting natural beauty of the Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the Himalayas. The train journey offers views of lush forests, tranquil rivers and charming towns along the way.

River in the Mounrains in Jammu, India

The Matheran Hill Railway is a charming narrow gauge train running through the Sahyadri hill range in the state of Maharashtra . This historic railway offers a nostalgic journey from Neral to Matheran, a quaint and picturesque hill station.

Travelling on this route is a delightful way to escape from the bustling cities, embarking on a peaceful journey through dense forests, steep hills and picturesque landscapes. The train covers a distance of about 21 kilometres, passing through dense vegetation and offering spectacular views of the Western Ghats.

The Matheran Hill Railway is known for its heritage charm: vintage locomotives and carriages from a century ago evoke the feeling of a bygone era. The slow-moving train allows travellers to enjoy the ride, cool mountain air and serene surroundings.

One highlight of the journey is the famous One Kiss Tunnel, where the train briefly disappears into darkness and then reappears in the light.

View of Prabalgad Fort and Kalavantin Pinnacle from Matheran, India © Shutterstock

Island Express is a well-known train service between Kanyakumari , the southernmost tip of mainland India, and Trivandrum ( Thiruvananthapuram ), the capital of Kerala . This rail route offers travellers a scenic and convenient means of travel between two prominent points in the southern region of the country.

The Island Express is appreciated for its efficient and convenient connectivity. It offers passengers the opportunity to experience the mesmerising landscapes of southern India. The train route passes through scenic coastal areas, lush green fields and serene villages, allowing one to savour the natural beauty of Kerala and Tamil Nadu .

One of the highlights of the journey is the stunning view of the Arabian Sea as the train approaches Kanyakumari, revealing the merging point of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Row of elephants decorated for the Pooram Festival in Kerala, India @ Shutterstock

The Mandapam-Pamban-Rameswaram railway route is an amazing railway link that serves as a lifeline to the holy island town of Rameswaram, located in the southern part of the state of Tamil Nadu.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this railway route was the famous Pamban Bridge, the bridge that connects the mainland Mandapam to the island of Rameswaram. The bridge was opened in 1914, but due to wear and tear, the authorities decided to close the bridge and keep it as a historical monument.

The good news is that the authorities have also decided to build a new bridge parallel to the old bridge to connect Mandapam and Rameswaram. It is hoped that travellers and pilgrims will soon be able to enjoy this spectacular route again.

Pamban Bridge is a railway bridge which connects the town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island to mainland India © Shutterstock

To make the most of planning a train journey in India, we have prepared a list of important tips. From booking your tickets well in advance to understanding the different classes and local customs, these tips will help you navigate the rails with confidence and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of India.

Book your tickets in advance

Trains in India can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. To secure seats, book your train tickets well in advance through the official website of Indian Railways (IRCTC) or through authorised booking agents.

Choose your coach class wisely

The choice of class depends on your comfort and budget. For long journeys, AC classes are recommended for extra comfort. For short journeys or budget travellers, sleeper or shared classes are suitable.

Pack lightly and securely

Trains can be crowded and storage space is limited. Pack the essentials and keep valuables with you or under a secure lock.

Bring food and water with you

Trains have a food supply, but it's not unreasonable to bring snacks and bottled water, especially on long journeys.

Respect local customs and other passengers

Dress modestly, especially in conservative neighbourhoods. Respect cultural differences and maintain a friendly attitude towards fellow travellers.

Take safety precautions

Beware of pickpockets in crowded train stations. For added security, lock your compartment door at night.

Many railway tracks with trains in India @ Shutterstock

Allow our team of local India travel experts to curate your dream trip to India. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us , and we'll craft a personalised itinerary just for you.

 Feel free to browse our pre-designed India itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in India , and start planning your trip with The Rough Guide to India . 

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India by rail

Fascination at every station

How do you move the world’s second-largest populace around its seventh-largest landmass? Lay down 60,000km (over 37,000 mi) of track. India’s sprawling rail system is the connective tissue that holds this land together, opening up its distant cities and remote corners to curious travellers eager to soak it all in. India by rail is an experience in itself; the busy trains of the urban centres put the bustle of daily life right in your face, while the toy trains of the Himalaya region wind their way through some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see. Hop aboard and be profoundly moved by a nation moved by rail.

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THE DECCAN ODYSSEY | LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL

Welcome to luxury train travel in India! Embark on a voyage across the magnificent landscapes and territories of India. Sail into an age of romance and royalty, discover the soul of this incredible country. From world heritage sites, forts and palaces to an array of cultural experiences crafted exclusively for you. Select from 6 great rail journeys in India on board the Deccan Odyssey and rediscover the art of elegant train traveling.

DECCAN ODYSSEY LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEYS

India’s very own Blue Train, the Deccan Odyssey luxury train in India, is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to offer a lavish and pampering ride to the guests.

Destinations

With 6 tastefully crafted journeys, the Deccan Odyssey travels to some of the most prominent destinations across India in Maharashtra, Rajasthan & Gujarat.

Heritage, spirituality, golden triangle, forts & palaces, sand dunes, wildlife and an array of world heritage sites; the Deccan Odyssey journey is truly enlightening.

The Deccan Odyssey luxury train tours are packages without baggage. All 6 journeys come inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing and more.

Get ready for an experience of a lifetime, planning a journey into the world of luxury train travel with Deccan Odyssey.

Deccan Odyssey - Luxury Train in India

Introduced in 2005 with the aim of promoting tourism in Maharashtra, Deccan Odyssey is a collaboration between the Indian Railway and the State Government of Maharashtra. This luxurious train covers the tourist spots of Maharashtra and lets travelers get a glimpse of the state’s rich cultural heritage. There are 6 journeys of the Deccan Odyssey train; each with a unique name.

Deccan Odyssey offers all the luxuries to the passengers in the centrally air-conditioned train. The well-furnished Deluxe Cabins and Suite Cabins with attached bathrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and provide lavish rides to the passengers. Other onboard facilities include Dining Car, Saloon, Bar Lounge, Mini Gymnasium, Conference Hall, and Ayurvedic Spa. This royal ride is like a five-star hotel with all the comforts of the wheel. Some striking features of the Deccan Odyssey include 21 coaches containing 12 passenger cars, one conference car, 2 dining cars, 2 generators, luggage cars, 2 staff cars, 1 spa car, and 1 bar car.

All 6 journeys come inclusive of luxury accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and more. It is a perfect way to rediscover the art of elegant train traveling.

Destinations Covered By Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train

During the Deccan Odyssey train journey you will get the opportunity to explore the popular tourist attractions of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka. You will get glimpses of lush paddy fields, quaint villages, beautiful countryside, and breathtaking landscapes during the train travel. The 6 distinct journeys offered by Deccan Odyssey Train are namely –

• Indian Odyssey
• Indian Sojourn
• Maharashtra Splendor
• Cultural Odyssey
• Heritage Odyssey
• Maharashtra Wild Trail

This luxury train is a pride of the Central Indian Railway and takes its guests to Jaipur, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Nasik, Ajanta Caves, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Kutch. During the train journey, delight in the mystic beauty of these tourist destinations. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Goa, and Pune. Other popular places to explore during the Deccan Odyssey train journey include Mumbai, Agra, Sawai Madhopur, Delhi, Badami, Shirdi, Vadodara, Bijapur, and Ahmedabad.

Travel through the majestic and lustrous Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and Konkan region. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, historical monuments, and national parks. Enjoy the exhilarating wildlife safari at Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park, and Gir Forest. Marvel at the Ajanta Ellora caves and ruins of Hampi. Savor the lip-smacking cuisines of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and the best seafood in Goa. The journey becomes even more enthralling as the Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train journey is a perfect amalgamation of the cultural heritage and luxuries of travel.

How to Book Deccan Odyssey Luxury Trains?

You can book a Deccan Odyssey Train with us at Indian Luxury Trains without hassle. Our tariff includes onboard accommodation, sightseeing tours, scrumptious meals, and entry fees for monuments or palaces. You can check the booking policies that can assist you in planning your journey onboard the Deccan Odyssey. Discover India’s best popular states while enjoying all the comforts and luxuries with our Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train journey.

Let your true self emerge as you discover the best of Southern splendor with our amazing deals and offers on Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train. Get the opportunity to meet new people and gain life experiences. Also, experience the culture, beauty, and history of Central India in its purest form. We provide an easy-to-quick approach to reserve your seats on the Deccan Odyssey train.

Finalize your departure dates and proceed with booking on our website. Keep in mind that the train is operational from September to May only. So plan accordingly. Deccan Odyssey train has 6 meticulously crafted journeys of 7 nights and 8 days. All the journeys start from Mumbai except Indian Odyssey, which starts from Delhi and ends in Mumbai.

Choose the journey from the list of Deccan Odyssey Luxury trains and then fill out the inquiry form available on our website. Complete the information about the passenger name, journey date, and number of cabins. Once you fill in your details, you will soon receive a call from our train travel expert, who will guide you with all the information and assist you with completing the booking.

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India's best train trips are a journey to the soul of the subcontinent

Mar 11, 2022 • 8 min read

Traveling by train in India is an intense, exhilarating experience © Tuul & Bruno Morandi / Getty Images

No trip to India would be complete without a ride on one of the country's 13,000 daily passenger trains. India's railways are the lifeblood of the nation – the veins and arteries that keep the country’s heart beating, snaking into nooks and crannies that no plane could ever reach, and keeping 1.38 billion people connected with friends and family.

From 10-minute commuter hops to epic four-day journeys across the subcontinent, there’s a train ride to suit every travel need and every budget. Penny-priced local trains transport millions across big cities such as Delhi , Kolkata and Mumbai , while lavish luxury locos offer the chance to roll around the country in style.

With the windows down and doors flung open, India's trains offer a peek into the everyday workings of Indian life, crawling through dusty villages, winding up the lush slopes of forest-clad mountains and skimming beautiful coasts, bringing visitors within touching distance of drying laundry and coconut groves.

Onboard, you’ll find a microcosm of Indian society spread across eight different classes, from politicians and businessmen living it up in air-conditioned compartments to laborers sitting cross-legged on simple wooden benches. Affordable and relatively easy to book online, trains are also the most atmospheric way to explore India . Traveling by train is also a smart way to save money on hotels, with comfortable sleeper services connecting major cities nightly and meals often included in the ticket price.

Whether you're a committed rail enthusiast, or just dipping in a toe for the experience, here are the best train journeys in India.

The Deccan Odyssey 

Best luxury journey.

Start – New Delhi; End – Mumbai; Distance – 1524km (947 miles); Duration – 7 nights 8 days

Standing out amongst the thousands of passenger trains that traverse the country every day, India's luxury trains roll languorously between major cities, their polished engines and gleaming livery glinting in the sun. For those who can afford it, it's the only way to travel.

Rail aficionados sing the praises of the extravagant Maharajas’ Express , which comes with personal butlers, bejeweled dinner plates and onboard bathtubs, but a more affordable option is the Deccan Odyssey . This luxe service runs from the Indian capital to Ranthambore National Park , the Taj Mahal in Agra and Jaipur and Udaipur , continuing to Vadodara and the World Heritage Sites of Ellora and Ajanta before arriving in Mumbai eight days later.

Less a train ride, more a cruise on wheels, this elegant train rumbles through the night, with passengers waking in a brand new city every day, to be met by coaches offering local tours. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to sit out the organized excursions and explore by yourself on foot or by taxi, or just pull out a paperback and enjoy the peace and quiet on board.

Mandovi Express

Best all-round rail experience.

Start – Mumbai CST; End – Madgaon Junction; Distance – 581km (361 miles); Duration – 11hrs 50mins

With the Sahyadri Hills rising on the left and the Arabian Sea sparkling on the right, the Konkan Railway is a textbook example of Indian railway engineering excellence. Flash floods, landslides and collapsed tunnels all failed to hinder the construction of this trunk line from Mumbai's famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj station (CST) to the beaches of Goa .

While numerous trains weave along this coastal route, the Mandovi Express stands out as a national treasure thanks to its scenic views and the legions of hawkers who wander the aisles vending freshly fried pakoras (vegetable fritters), hot samosas (fried savory pastries) and biryani in clay pots.

Eschew the air-conditioned carriages with tinted windows that obscure the views, and opt for a seat in third or general class, where a warm salty breeze wafts through the bars of open windows. With no glass between you and the scenery, you’ll get the best out of the experience, as the train navigates more than 2000 bridges and 92 tunnels, with coconut trees bending in the foreground and rivers gushing beneath the sleepers.

Darjeeling Toy Train

Best for families and steam enthusiasts.

Start – New Jalpaiguri; End – Darjeeling; Distance – 84km (52 miles); Duration – 7hrs 20mins

Since the late 19th century, this dainty little "toy train" has been trundling slowly uphill to the Bengali hill station of Darjeeling . Seven hours after leaving the base of the hills, this pint-sized loco wails arrives in a cloud of steam and dark smoke, offering a trip back to an earlier century. Trucks and carts creep to a halt to allow the train to wind across Hill Cart Road, where the carriages glide so close to shop fronts that you can almost reach out and touch the piles of apples.

Built by the British colonial government, the railway was originally used to transport tea and rice down to the plains, but it’s now Unesco World Heritage listed and more commonly packed with holidaying families singing Hindi movie songs and cheering at particularly thrilling sections of track such as the Batasia Loop.

Every day, the train zig-zags uphill from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) through thick groves of bamboo and pine, working its way around rich green tea plantations before hooting into Darjeeling. The main service is usually pulled by a diesel engine, but two-hour joy rides chug from Darjeeling to Ghum and back tugged by steam locos. On a clear day, you may even spot the sun-kissed summit of  8586m (28,169 ft) Mt Khangchendzonga hovering on the horizon. 

The Dibrugarh–Kanyakumari Vivek Express

Best train ride for serious rail enthusiasts.

Start – Dibrugarh; End – Kanniyakumari; Distance – 4154km (2581 miles); Duration: 74hrs 35mins

Leaving once a week on Saturdays, this is one epic train ride, taking passengers from Upper Assam in the northeast corner of the country all the way to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu , at the southernmost tip of India – the point where the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean meet. Making 57 stops in eight different states, this multi-day odyssey is a deep immersion into the verve and spirit of India's railways.

For the perfect combination of charm and comfort, book into a 2AC sleeper carriage – with open, four-berth compartments – and lie between clean white sheets watching students playing cards, mothers rocking babies in cradles tied from saris, and friends chatting over hot vadas (lentil-flour fritters) and endless cups of chai (sweet Indian tea). Take the opportunity to stroll up and down the 16 carriages to experience a microcosm of Indian society, and keep plenty of small denomination notes to hand for snacks, as hawkers rarely have change for big bills.

Island Express

Best for a quick taste of the indian rail experience.

Start – Thiruvananthapuram; End – Kanniyakumari; Distance – 87km/54 miles; Duration – 3hrs 20mins

By Indian standards, the Island Express is barely a local hop, but it’s a magical trip that takes passengers into the dewy depths of Kerala . For less than a dollar, passengers can stake out a window seat on this quiet country service that squeezes through the backwaters between Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, passing villages of sugar-pink houses and tiny whitewashed churches.

Waterlogged paddy fields roll by, skinny palms bend as if bowing, and the steam from the kitchens of trackside houses drifts through the open doors. You’ll want to sit right up against the windows (or in the open doorways) to snap photos of children playing street cricket, elderly men in dhotis (white sarongs) smoking rolled-leaf cigarettes and bullock carts rumbling alongside the rail tracks. Just watch out for the stray branches that thwack against the sides of the train, leaving broken twigs scattered up the aisles and tiny flowers scattered underfoot.

Pune–Hazrat Nizamuddin Duronto Express

Best train trip for a first-time overnight ride.

Start – Pune; End – New Delhi; Distance – 1515km (941 miles); Duration – 19hrs 35mins

India’s sleeper trains vary widely when it comes to levels of comfort, with many services creeping along at a snail's pace and stopping noisily at local stations through the night – a definite hindrance to sleep! However, Duronto Express trains only stop at a tiny number of stations en route, using some of the country’s fastest trains, and they offer excellent meals and high standards of onboard service.

Recognizable by their bright green and yellow color scheme, these sleek and modernized trains are perfect for first-time night-riders looking to sample the Indian railway experience without the rough edges. Departing Pune just after 11am every day, the train speeds past rushing rivers, stretches of deserts, small mountains and serene villages.

There's much excitement in the middle of the day as lunch arrives on red plastic trays. Expect tomato soup with a breadstick and butter followed by foil-wrapped chapatis, steamed rice, dal, chicken curry, yogurt and pickles – and a small tub of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The meals loaded in Pune are the tastiest of the ride, but you'll also get a satisfying dinner and breakfast before rolling into Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station, close to Humayun's Tomb .

You may also like: How to get around in India, from Goa’s beaches to the high Himalayas Visiting the Taj Mahal: plan the perfect trip to India's iconic monument When to go to India: the best times to visit for amazing experiences

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The Ultimate Guide to Train Tours in India

Go on a Train Tour to Some of India's Most Popular Destinations

Going on one of the many train tours in India removes the hassle from sightseeing. You'll be taken to some of the country's most popular places and attractions. Better still, there are India train tours for every budget. Read on to find out what's on offer.

Luxury Trains in India

If you have some spare cash, explore India in style on a luxury train tour. It's an excellent way to see the country without having to compromise on comfort. These luxury tourist trains, which offer every indulgence imaginable right down to customized cutlery, inject glamor and romance into seeing some of India's best tourist attractions.

Toy Trains in India

India's toy trains are small trains that run on historic railway lines to various hill stations in India. Although these trains are slow and can take up to eight hours to reach their destinations, the mountain scenery is beautiful, making the journeys really worthwhile.

Desert Circuit Semi Luxury Tourist Train

This train is currently not running. The Desert Circuit tourist train is focused on heritage tourism, by providing an affordable and accessibly way of visiting the desert cities of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Jaipur in Rajasthan. This four night/five day all-inclusive train tour departs from Delhi and covers ancient forts, architecture, and desert culture.

Tiger Express with City of Lakes

This train is currently not running. This special new semi-luxury tourist train aims to create awareness about wildlife in India, particularly tigers. It's a four night/five day all-incusive train tour that visits Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, as well as Chittorgarh fort (widely regarded as the greatest fort in Rajasthan) and Udaipur, the stunning white city of lakes and palaces. It runs from October to March and departs once a month from Delhi.

Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train

The Mahaparinirvan Express is a special tourist train that takes passengers on a one week spiritual tour through Buddhist India, where Buddhism originated more than 2,500 years ago. The train's sacred journey includes visits all the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as well as a stop in Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri . It's a fabulous way of going on a pilgrimage without the hassle of organizing it yourself.

Bharat Darshan Tourist Train

The Bharat Darshan train provides an affordable option for people to see the country, as costs are kept as low as possible. There's a wide range of all-inclusive packages to choose from in north and south India. Most are targeted at domestic Indian tourists wishing to visit holy pilgrimage and spiritual sites. The tours on offer change every year and usually run for around 10 nights.

Historic Fairy Queen Steam Express

India's historic Steam Express train (previously the Fairy Queen) is pulled by the "oldest steam locomotive in regular operation in the world". The locomotive dates back to 1854, when it was commissioned by the East Indian Railway Company. The train takes passengers on day trips from Delhi to the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum in Haryana. It runs twice a month from October until April. Passengers get to spend a few hours at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum before being taken back to Delhi.

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Discover the charms of India. From kaleidoscopic Chandi Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest bazaars, to the lofty heights reached by the Himalayan Mountain Railway, the Indian subcontinent boasts a plethora of captivating experiences – and you can discover it for yourself with Great Rail Journeys.

India truly captivates the senses; the hypnotic colours of a lively bazaar, the warming scent of chai as you pause at a hill station, the taste of flavoursome street food, the rhythmic sound of wheels on the track as you climb into the mountains on a nostalgic toy train. Sound tempting? why not experience it for yourself?

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Marvel at historic temples, spot an elusive tiger and visit beautiful palaces and gardens as we explore kaleidoscopic India, taking in the tranquillity of Shimla, enigmatic Delhi, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and Agra with its resplendent marble icon, the Taj Mahal.

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15 Days from £5,795PP

Magnificent palaces and forts are waiting to be discovered on this Indian rail adventure aboard the Palace on Wheels train. Experience the lifestyle of the Maharajahs as we visit walled cities, marvel at the astonishing Taj Mahal and enjoy tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park.

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11 Days from £1,395PP

Explore India's iconic landmarks and enchanting wildlife on this incredible tour. From bustling Delhi, discover ancient cities by modern rail, visit the incredible Taj Mahal, and take two game drives to spot the elusive tiger.

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Explore the glorious country of India on this tour, taking you to some of it's most beautiful cities, discovering the most exquisite historical sights, and perhaps seeing a tiger at Ranthambore National Park.

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Discover the exotic majesty of India's southern regions on a tour which ventures into jungles and along coastlines, uncovering colours, tastes and sights from some of India's least explored destinations.

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15 excursions and visits (including train journeys from Sawai Madhopur to Bharatpur and from Agra to Jhansi) • 26 meals • VIP door-to-door travel service

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10 excursions & visits (including train journey from Bharatpur to Sawai Madhopur) • 18 meals • VIP door-to-door travel service

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10 excursions and visits (including train journeys on the Himalayan ‘Toy Train’ and the Shatabdi Express) • 22 meals • VIP door-to-door travel service

Grand Tour of North India

Traverse mountainous terrains on the UNESCO recognised Toy Train as you delve into the heart of North India. Tour the magnificent Taj Mahal, enjoy a delightful sunrise boat trip along the Ganges and explore the Golden Temple. Tour the charming cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur and Amritsar. From £1,699pp | 17 days

A Royal Indian Odyssey Enjoy city tours of Delhi, Agra, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, Jodhpur & Mumbai, embark on four scenic train journeys through India's colourful landscapes, admire the magnificent Taj Mahal, the holy lake at Pushkar and more. From £1,699pp - 15 day Rail Tour

Your rail experience in India actually starts before you even step foot on the train. The platform is alive with activity and interest. I’ve seen people arriving with carts full of live fish and empty coffins –one man came balancing a double bed on his head and duly pushed it onto the roof of the train. Once on board the trains you’ll get vendors passing through selling different food and drink (and some stranger items!). I always say that the vendors on the train are like a live performance show – it’s so entertaining to see them at work. I love the different foods the vendors produce. Popped rice is amazing – they have an old tin can to which they add popped rice and an array of different spices, before shaking it like a bartender making a cocktail and pouring it into a newspaper cup. Fresh honeycomb is also really good, as is fresh coconut, grated in front of your eyes with spice and sauce added. Masala chai is something you get offered across the whole of India. It’s often served in small, disposable terracotta cups, which I always hate throwing away as they’re like little pieces of art.

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The best way to see India is at ground level on the incredible Indian railway system, not from 35,000 feet.  Experience the bustle of Indian railway stations and a comfortable journey on an Indian express train with the tea seller's cry of Chai, chai, garam chai wafting down the aisle.  Forget media images of crowded local trains with people sitting on the roof.  In an AC Chair Car or AC1 or AC2 sleeper on an express, all seats & berths are reserved and it’s safe, civilised, inexpensive & comfortable.  Even journeys such as Mumbai to Delhi or Delhi to Jaisalmer can be covered time-effectively by overnight sleeper, centre to centre, saving a hotel bill too.  Book Indian train tickets online at 12go.asia

Useful country information

Train routes & maps.

India's passenger rail network is the third biggest in the world after Russia and China, with 63,000 km of rail routes and 6,800 stations.  In terms of passenger kilometres, it's the biggest in the world.  Indian Railways are the world's biggest employer, with over 1.5 million staff.

The trains in India go almost everywhere, and it's generally safe to assume that you can travel between any two Indian cities or major towns by train, the length and breadth of the country.

Most of India's rail network is broad gauge with rails 5' 6" apart, wider than standard gauge (4' 8½") used in Europe, allowing Indian trains to be wider than European trains.  Parts of the country such as Rajasthan used to be served by an extensive metre-gauge network, but most metre-gauge routes have now been converted to broad gauge.  A few hill railway such as Kalka-Simla and New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling use narrow gauge, either 2' or 2' 6".

For an Indian railways route map see surveyofindia.gov.in/files/Railway map_Eng_C.jpg (please let me know if this stops working).

Also try www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/india-railway-map.htm , or indiarailinfo.com/atlas .

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How to check train times & fares

It can be easiest to check train schedules & fares for the main tourist routes at agency website 12go.asia , this can also sell you a ticket, hassle-free.

For train times & fares for any journey in India use www.indianrail.gov.in .

This is one of the various official Indian Railways websites, an amazing site but a little bewildering, not helped by there being another official site, www.indianrailways.gov.in .  It's a good training course for your travels in India.

To check train times, look for Reserved Train Between Stations at the top of their home page.

To check fares, first find a train and note the train number, then click Fare enquiry at the top of their home page.

To check availability over various dates, first find a train and note the train number, then click Seat availability at the top of their home page.

Or download an app for your phone.  There are many apps to choose from, the official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India so try these 3rd-party apps for checking Indian train times on the go.  They're ad-heavy, but they work, I find Ixigo the best.

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Indian Rail IRCTC for Android .

Ixigo for iPhone or Ixigo for Android .

You can also buy the famous Trains at a Glance timetable booklet for 100 rupees at any station bookstall (it makes a great souvenir), or click here to download the pages you need for free .  This shows times in printed form for most major stations on all the main routes.

Tips for checking Indian train times

Which station in which city .

Kashmir originally had no rail connection, but a line to Srinagar and beyond has now been completed with more under construction.  The line heads through tough terrain, and features the highest railway bridge in the world.  Srinagar's station code is SINA (not to be confused with another smaller Srinagar in Rajasthan with station code SNAR).

Khajuraho (a much-visited temple complex) now has a station, station code KURJ.  There's a daily overnight train called the Kurukshetra-Khajuraho Express leaving New Delhi station at 18:20, picking up at Agra Cantonment around 21:35 and arriving in Khajuraho at 08:00 next morning.  It  returns from Khajuraho at 18:35 arriving New Delhi at 08:45.

Example train times

Example fares from delhi.

£1 = 105 Rupees, €1 = 90 Rupees, $1 = 82 Rupees.

Shatabdi Express = Premier daytime train, special fare payable, meals included.

Rajdhani Express = Premier overnight train, special fare payable, meals included.

Child fares on Indian trains since April 2016:   Children aged 0 to 4 inclusive travel free.  Children aged 5 to 11 inclusive travel at half fare if they do not take up a reserved seat or berth, but as from April 2016 they must pay the adult fare if they travel with their own reserved seat or berth.  I do not recommend that any child aged 5 to 11 travels without their own seat or berth in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair car or Sleeper Class, so this effectively means you must now pay the adult fare for children aged 5 and over.  Children aged 12 and over pay the adult fare in all cases.

Classes explained

Which class to choose.

Above, a typical long-distance express or mail train with older carriages (not a premier Rajdhani or Duronto express).  You can just make out 3 cars in the centre of the train with different windows.  These are the AC cars, perhaps one AC1, one AC2 & one AC3 car.  The rest of the train is Sleeper class.  Courtesy of Albert Höchst.

Types of train

Which train to choose.

Executive Chair (EC) class on a Vande Bharat Express.  These are India's most modern trains, capable of 160 km/h (100 mph) & used at up to 130 km/h (80 mph).  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vande_Bharat_Express .  Photos courtesy of Nonstop Eurotrip , see video of Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Express .

AVL, CNF, RAC & Waitlist

You need a reservation to travel on Indian long-distance trains, you can't just turn up and hop on.  Reservations are fully computerised using the world's largest computer reservation system.  Trains get fully-booked weeks in advance, so buy tickets as far ahead as possible.

When do bookings open?

Bookings for most Indian long-distance trains currently open 120 days before departure.

It was 60 days until 2008, when it was experimentally extended to 90 days, then it was experimentally extended even further to 120 days in 2012, reduced again to 60 days in 2013 to make ticket 'scalping' by agencies harder, but restored to 120 days as from 1 April 2015. 

Some short-distance inter-city trains may open for bookings less than this, for example Delhi-Kalka & Kalka-Simla may open only 30 days or in some cases just 15 days ahead.

The remarkable Indian Railways system

Indian Railways have a unique system with 4 possible statuses for seats/berths/bookings:

AVL = Available , these are seats or berths that are unsold and available for booking.

CNF = Confirmed .  When you book an available seat or berth, your PNR status (Personal Name Record) becomes CNF, confirmed.  You're safely booked on the train with a specific seat or berth.

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation .  When all the seats or berths on a train in a given class have been sold, a certain number of tickets in that class are sold as Reservation Against Cancellation, or RAC.

WL = Waitlist .  When all the RAC places have been sold, further prospective passengers can buy Waitlist (WL) tickets.

If you go to www.indianrail.gov.in & click Seat availability you can see how many seats remain available in each class on a given train.

For example, today is 26 January, let's say I want to go from Delhi to Kolkata on the best train, the overnight Howrah Rajdhani in AC 2-tier. Tomorrow's train is fully-booked in AC2 and shown as NOT AVAILABLE.  I can buy Waitlisted tickets for this train on 28 and 29 January.  I can buy RAC tickets on any day between 30 January & 5 February and if I buy those I can definitely board the train and travel with (in practice) maybe a 90% chance of ending up with a berth to myself.  The first day on which AC 2-tier is shown as AVL so I can buy a ticket and instantly get a confirmed berth is 6 February.  The Foreign Tourist quota would help me here, there are 7 or 8 FT quota places shown as AVL every day from 27 January onwards, but I'll explain that in the quotas section .

Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)

With an RAC ticket, you're allowed to board the train and travel.  Whatever happens, you know you're safely booked on that train.  So if you're offered an RAC ticket you should take it, even though you won't have a specific seat or berth number at this stage.

In the vast majority of cases, one of the confirmed passengers will cancel or unsold tickets will be left in one of the more obscure quotas on departure day and you'll be promoted from RAC to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth on the train.

Your name will then be shown against a specific seat or berth number on the reservation list pinned on the notice board at the boarding station on the day of travel when the train is charted , or you can check your PNR (Personal Name Record) status online .  A waitlisted passenger will be promoted from WL to RAC in your place.

In the unlikely event that nobody cancels, you'll be given a place to sit (but not a berth) in a carriage of the class you've booked.  For example, two RAC passengers might be given seats on a bunk that would normally be for one person.  In most cases, at least one of the confirmed passengers will fail to show up for the train and the on-board staff will allocate their berth to the passenger holding ticket RAC1.  The passenger holding ticket RAC2 will then be left with a berth to themselves, solving two RAC passengers' problems!  In the worst case scenario, if there were no no-shows the RAC passengers would have to sit up all night or take turns using the berth to snooze, but in practice this seldom happens.  Like I said, if an RAC place is available, you should take it.

A downside of buying RAC tickets as a couple, family or small group is that you might be split up, because you get the places freed up when people cancel or which are left when tickets remain unsold in special quotas.  But there's usually only one or two AC2 or AC3 cars on a given train, so in those classes you probably won't be far apart.

Incidentally, RAC tickets exist in AC2, AC3 & SL, but not in AC1, EC, CC or FC.  In AC1, EC, CC & FC, passengers are always CNF or WL.

Waitlist (WL)

With a WL ticket you cannot travel, unless you are promoted to RAC or CNF before departure.

Each WL ticket has two numbers at any given moment in time, for example WL10/WL3.

The first number is the ticket's original Waitlist number.  In this example, WL10 means you bought the Number 10 Waitlist ticket allocated to this train, 10th in the queue when the train opened for booking.  This number won't change, even if you are promoted to a confirmed place (CNF), your ticket will always be WL10 and shown as such on the reservation list.

The second number is your current position in the queue, this number will reduce as people cancel.  On websites & apps that show only one WL number rather than two, this is the number it shows.  In this example WL10/WL3 means that 7 people have already cancelled and you are now 3rd in line for promotion to RAC.  If 3 more people cancel, you'll be promoted to RAC and can travel.

If more people cancel you may even be promoted to CNF with a confirmed seat or berth.  With a low-numbered WL ticket you've a good chance of this happening.  For example, one traveller reports having Waitlisted places between WL1 and WL10 on numerous trips, and always successfully got promoted to CNF with a confirmed place on the train, usually in the 24 hours before departure as that's when all the movement takes place from tickets in unsold quotas being used to reduce the number of WL & RAC passengers.

Keep checking your PNR status online .  Even if you're only promoted to RAC, you can at least travel.  If the train is charted and you're still only Waitlisted, then you can't travel and your fare will automatically be refunded, less a minor clerkage fee.

How likely is a given WL ticket to be confirmed?

There are now several websites that claim to predict how likely it is that a given WL ticket will be confirmed and allow you on the train, based on historical data.  Try entering your PNR into trainman.in , or use it to see what the current availability of a given train is, and how likely it is that if you bought WL tickets they'd be confirmed by departure.

The Vikalp scheme (ATAS)

There's yet another process to help Waitlisted passengers.  When you buy a WL ticket, you may be asked if you want to opt in to the Vikalp scheme, also known as Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme or ATAS.  Vikalp is Hindi for option .

If you tick the Vikalp box, you're offered a selection of possible alternative trains and you can choose which of these you'd be willing to take if you can't get a berth on the train you've booked.  Then, if you are still Waitlisted (WL) when your original train is charted (so you can't travel on it), and if space is available in the same class on one of your chosen alternative trains, you'll be given a confirmed (CNF) berth on that instead.

An alternative train is one between the same or similar origin & destination leaving between 30 minutes & 72 hours after your original choice of train.  For example, a train leaving from Old Delhi or Delhi H.Nizamudin might be considered alternatives to a train from New Delhi.

If there are several of you on one PNR, either all of you will be given places on an alternative train or none of you will, so don't worry, you won't be split up.  However, once you opt in to Vikalp, you can't opt out again.  And if you are transferred to a CNF place on an alternative train and decide you don't want it, you can cancel but only in line with the terms & conditions of a CNF place, which means a partial refund less the CNF cancellation fees (as an unsuccessful Waitlisted passenger on your original train you'd normally have been refunded almost all of your money).

Charting is the process of drawing up the final passenger list for each carriage of a given train, allocating names to berths.  The list is posted on the reservations notice board at stations or you can check your PNR status online .

During this process, any unsold tickets in quotas such as handicapped, military or parliamentary are released, freeing up places so RAC passengers can be moved up to Confirmed (CNF) and WL passengers to RAC or CNF.  So if you have a WL ticket and haven't already been promoted to RAC or CNF as passengers cancel, this is when you discover whether or not you're on the train.

It's also at this point that specific berth numbers are allocated to AC1 sleeper passengers, which is why you can't choose between an AC1 2-berth coupé and an AC1 4-berth compartment when you book.

Charting for trains leaving their origin station between 12:00 & 23:00 takes place around 4 hours before departure from that station.

Charting for trains leaving their origin between 23:00 & 12:00 takes place 19:00-21:00 Monday-Saturday or 13:00-15:00 Sundays & holidays.

How to check your current status

You can confirm your current PNR (Personal Name Record) status as WL, RAC or CNF at www.indianrail.gov.in/pnr_Enq.html or using one of the apps suggested above , by entering the PNR number shown on your ticket.

Remember that things can change even on the day of departure, most movement happens shortly before departure, when the train is charted.

When you buy a ticket, it comes from a specific quota.  A quota is simply an allocation of tickets for a particular type of traveller such as  senior, handicapped, military or government, on each train in each class.  By default, tickets come from the General quota.

General (GN) quota

Remote location (rl) & pooled (pq) quotas, handicapped, senior & ladies quotas.

The Senior quota is only for Indian seniors so don't use this if you're not Indian.

The Ladies quota only exists in Sleeper class & AC3, it gets you berths in one small bay reserved for women, it's hardly worth bothering with.

The Lower Berth quota is for anyone with mobility issues who can't use the ladder to the upper berths, so absolutely needs a lower. 

When a train is charted and the final reservation list is compiled, any unsold seats or berths in these quotas will be freed up used to reduce the RAC/Waitlist, promoting RAC passengers to CNF and WL passengers to RAC and (once all RAC passengers are confirmed) CNF.

Foreign Tourist (FT) quota

Many important trains have a small Foreign Tourist (FT) quota of seats or berths available only to foreign tourists.  The purpose of the FT quota is to allow foreign tourists to book trains at short notice notice when the General quota is fully-booked.

It's not a foolproof way to travel around India without pre-booking:  There's an FT quota on only 200 trains a day out of some 9,000 trains, and the quota might be just 2 places, seldom more than 12, in one or two specific classes, typically AC1 & AC2 or CC.  So even using the FT quota, you may have to wait a day or so before there is a berth available to your chosen destination in your chosen class.

For example, today is 25 January, the earliest date for which AC2 tickets available from the General quota on the Delhi-Varanasi Swatantrtwa Express is 11 February. But if I look at the Foreign Tourist quota, although there are no tickets today, there are two tickets available in AC2 tomorrow, and on each of the following few days.

If you buy an FT quota ticket at a ticket office or tourist reservation centre, you must pay in US Dollars, pounds sterling, or rupees backed by an exchange certificate proving they've come from a bank or bureau de change in exchange for foreign currency.  Rupees backed by an ATM receipt and foreign bank card are usually sufficient.  You can now book tickets from the Foreign Tourist quota when booking online .

Let's be clear, as a foreign tourist, you don't have to book from the FT quota.  Anyone of any nationality can book from the General quota whenever it's available.  And FT tickets are a little more expensive than tickets from the General quota, too.

Indeed, if there are still seats available in the General quota when you book, you shouldn't use the FT quota .  Because later on when the train is fully-booked, some other overseas visitors may urgently need those precious few FT places, desperate to get a train back to Delhi for their flight home.  If you used up all the FT places weeks ahead when you didn't need to, those travellers may be stranded!

Tatkal (TQ & PT) quotas

To allow travel at short notice on trains that are often fully-booked weeks before departure, Indian Railways introduced a system called Tatkal (Hindi for immediate ).  A number of tickets on key trains are held back and released at 10:00 one day before departure (originally 72 hours before departure, reduced to 2 days back in 2009 and just 1 day in 2011).  They are sold with a Tatkal fee of 10% of the fare in 2nd class or 30% in all other classes.  There are in fact two Tatkal quotas, regular Tatkal (TQ quota) with fixed fares, and Premium Tatkal (PT quota) with variable fares that increase with demand.  Tatkal places can also be booked online .  If there are seats available in the Foreign Tourist quota then the Tatkal quota may be irrelevant for you, if not, the Tatkal system can be useful.

How to buy tickets online

Indian trains often get fully-booked weeks in advance as demand usually exceeds supply.  So if you have a fixed itinerary and limited time you should buy tickets in advance before you get to India.

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as option 1 for good reason:  It's hassle-free, even though it only does the principle trains on the routes usually requested by visitors.  It only sells confirmed tickets, it doesn't sell RAC or WL places.  It happily accepts overseas credit cards.

However, for complete access to all routes, trains, ticket types & quotas including Waitlisted & RAC , you must face the challenge of registering with the official Indian Railways booking website irctc.co.in, which is option 2.  I provide detailed instructions below.  Be warned, the process may drive you nuts.  Some people give up, others manage it in the end, but once registered you can book anything.

Option 1, buy at 12go.asia

I recommend ticketing agency 12go.asia as the quickest & easiest way to buy tickets for the principal trains and routes used by tourists, it makes booking trains as easy as booking flights.

You can check prices & availability online, pay with an international credit card and get the same e-ticket you'd get if you booked directly with irctc.co.in, but without the frustration of having to create an account and register with irctc.co.in.

Booking opens 120 days ahead , although some short-distance inter-city trains have a shorter booking horizon.  You can't buy tickets before reservations open.  Indian trains get fully booked weeks ahead, so book as far ahead as you can to be sure of a place.

How it works

12go.asia 's system shows fares & availability in real time, taken from IRCTC's system.  You select your train & class and click to buy.  Tickets are then manually secured by 12go staff using IRCTC's business-to-business booking system.

You can choose to see prices & pay in Indian Rupees, USD, GBP, Euros & several other currencies.

Limitations

12go.asia sells tickets for all the major routes of interest to visitors, but not between every possible station.  For that you need irctc.co.in.

Option 2, buy at www.irctc.co.in

You can buy train tickets direct from Indian Railways at the IRCTC website www.irctc.co.in .

Registering to use www.irctc.co.in is a time-consuming and frustrating process, but once registered you'll have access to all routes, trains, classes & ticket types.

Irctc.co.in has accepted overseas (non-Indian) credit cards since 2016, although it occasionally goes through periods when international cards don't seem to be accepted, just to keep everyone on their toes.  You must select the payment option which mentions International cards powered by PayU at the payment stage.

How to register for an IRCTC account

Go to www.irctc.co.in and click REGISTER top right.

Now enter the details to create an account.

Choose a username , some trial and error may be needed.

Enter your mobile phone number - your home country's international dialling code goes in the box marked ISD (this box says '91' until you have changed India to your own country in the box above).  The ISD for the UK is '44'.  Then enter your mobile phone number without any leading '0'.

Pin code means postcode .  Use 123456 as it won't accept UK-style postcodes.  Under Post Office , just enter your city & phone number again.

Payment problems paying the SMS verification fee

Just after I test-registered they imposed a fee for sending the OTP to a non-Indian mobile.  A few people have had credit card acceptance problems in paying this fee, but others find paying the fee works fine.  Again, I don't know why, but it could be problems with your own bank detecting and blocking a 'suspicious'  foreign transaction.  Give them a call!

How to buy tickets at www.irctc.co.in

When you click to see availability on a particular train, you will see places shown as AVL , RAC or WL , see the explanation of Reservation Against Cancellation & Waitlisting here .

AVL = Available , this means there are tickets available for confirmed seats or berths on that train. 

RAC = Reservation Against Cancellation , this means that the train is theoretically full, but Reservation Against Cancellation tickets are available for that train which allow you to board and be allocated a berth by the conductor.  So if you only see RAC tickets available, my advice is to go ahead and book, you'll still be able to travel on that train.

Tip:  Download the IRCTC app for your phone.   Download the IRCTC Rail Connect app for iPhone (if it's available in your region, it may not be) or IRCTC Rail Connect app for Android onto your phone.  You'll probably find you can't buy tickets with overseas credit cards using the app, but tickets bought online at the IRCTC website will show up in the app and can be shown to the conductor.  You can check train times, and see the current status of your booking if you are waitlisted or RAC.  Feedback appreciated .  I recommend some other apps that are available outside India in the travel tips section .

Option 3, Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com , Ixigo.com

How to buy tickets at the station.

The main stations in big cities and tourist centres such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi have an International Tourist Bureau where foreign travellers can book trains away from the crowds and queues at the normal booking office.  There is also a 24-hour rail booking office at Delhi International Airport.

For a list of stations with an International Tourist Bureau & opening times, see www.indianrail.gov.in , select Information then International Tourist .

New Delhi International Tourist Bureau ( temporarily closed )

U pdate 2024:   The New Delhi International Tourist Bureau remains temporarily closed due to the pandemic and low numbers of tourists.  A notice directs tourists to the international tourist counter at the Rail Reservation Centre 300m down the road, see the section below .

When open, the International Tourist Bureau at New Delhi railway station makes it easy for foreign visitors to buy tickets.  They could often sell you places out of the tourist quota, even when a train is fully-booked for Indian passengers.  Before the pandemic, it was normally open 06:00-23:00 every day, it's now temporarily closed.

How to find it

Enter New Delhi main station entrance on the Paharganj side (shown in the photo below left), veer slightly to the left and go up one flight of stairs to find yourself outside the International Tourist Bureau, as shown in the photo below right.  It's above platform 1.  If it doesn't look like the photo below, it isn't the real International tourist office.

New Delhi international tourist counter

Mumbai csmt, formerly bombay victoria terminus.

A station to rival London's St Pancras, Mumbai CSMT is an attraction in its own right.  Completed in 1887, its full title is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or (officially) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, station code CSMT .  Known as Bombay Victoria Terminus until 1996 and still known as 'VT' by many, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhatrapati_Shivaji_Terminus .

Foreign Tourist Counter:   At Mumbai CSMT you can easily buy tickets from the foreign tourist quota at the Foreign Tourist counter, counter 4 downstairs in the Reservation Centre at CSMT.  It moved from counter 20 upstairs in 2018, please let me know if it changes again.

Tips for train travel in India

Checking your reservation.

The reservation system is very efficient and the days of finding your reserved berth already occupied by several passengers are long gone.  Your train, coach & berth number will be printed on your ticket - unless you're travelling in AC1 in which case the reservation list with your allocated berth numbers is only compiled a 2-4 hours before departure.

Reservation lists for each class in each long-distance train are posted on the notice board at each station about two hours before departure, showing the name, age and sex of each passenger reserved in each berth in each coach.  The age and sex help the ticket inspector identify that the right passenger is in the right berth.  A reservation list for each coach used to be pasted next to the entrance door on the train itself, but this is no longer done.

If you need to check your reservation, you can do so on your phone or laptop by entering your PNR (= booking reference) a PNR status-checking website such as www.railyatri.in/pnr-status or etrain.info/in , or using one of the Indian railways apps.

Download an app

I recommend downloading an app for your phone.  There are a bewildering number to choose from, some official, some 3rd party.  The official IRCTC apps seem unavailable outside India, so try these:

Indian Rail IRCTC for iPhone or Ixigo for iPhone .

Indian Rail IRCTC for Android or Ixigo for Android .

With these you can:

Check train schedules between any two stations.

Check a train's schedule at each of its calling points.  It also shows the train formation and carriage numbering to help you find your seat or berth.

Check your PNR status to see whether a Waitlisted ticket has become RAC or Confirmed.

Check real-time train running to see if your train is on time.

Check the platform for your train using the Live Station Info button, so you won't have to rely on the station departure displays to find your train.

Set a destination alarm to warn you a certain number of kilometres before your destination.

Luggage on Indian trains

Luggage is not a problem on Indian trains, you take your bags with you onto the train and place them on the overhead racks or underneath the lower berths.

The free luggage allowance is generous:  You can take to 70 Kg in AC1, 50 Kg in AC2, 40 Kg in AC3, AC Chair class or Sleeper class, 35 Kg in 2nd class seats.  Most western travellers are unlikely to exceed that, but if you really need to, you can pay an excess luggage fee and take up to 150 Kg in AC1 or 100 Kg in AC2.  However, the maximum is 40 Kg in AC3 or AC Chair class.

Theft of luggage is rare, but for peace of mind take along a bicycle lock or medium-sized padlock to secure your bags.  In the sleeping-cars, there are wire hoops hanging down underneath the seats to which you can padlock your luggage while you sleep.

Carriage numbers

The carriage numbers shown on tickets, on reservation lists and on the side of each coach consist of a letter and a number, for example H1, A1, A2, B1, B2, S1, S2, S3 and so on.  The letter shows the class of accommodation in that car.

A = air-con 2-tier (2A).

B = air-con 3-tier (3A).

AB = composite coach, half air-con 2-tier, half air-con 3-tier.

C = air-con chair car (CC).

D = non-air-con 2nd class reserved (@S).

E = executive chair class (EC).

G & J are used for AC 3-tier & Air-conditioned Chair class on Garib Rath trains.

H = air-conditioned 1st class (1A).

HA = composite coach, half AC1, half AC2.

S = sleeper class (SL).

There's typically just one air-con 1st class sleeper on a given train, so that's usually numbered H1.  If there were two air-con 2-tier cars on a train, those cars would be numbers A1 & A2.  So if you booked an AC2 ticket you'd expect to be given a car number 'A1' or 'A2', if you booked AC1 you'd expect to be in car H1 or HA1.

Food and drink on Indian trains

There are no restaurant or buffet cars on Indian Railways, but on long distance trains an attendant will appear in your coach and ask you if you would like to order food.  He will note down your order (usually a choice of 'veg' or 'non-veg') on a bit of paper.  An hour or so later he will reappear with some rice and curry in small foil containers from the kitchen car.  It is not expensive - you can reckon on £2-£3 per meal.  Attendants also regularly pass down each car selling soft drinks, snacks, or excellent hot sweet Indian tea (garam chai) for a few rupees.  On the premier Rajdhani Express trains (linking Delhi with Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.) and the premier daytime Shatabdi Express trains (linking Delhi with Jaipur and Agra, etc.), food is included in the fare, served at your seat.

Pre-order your food from a restaurant of your choice.   Alternatively, there are now several Indian websites that allow you to pre-book food to be delivered to your seat on the train from various vendors along the way.  If you have a confirmed train booking you can go to railrestro.com , enter your PNR, select a vendor you like the sound of who is located at a station where your train calls at a suitable time, and select specific items from their menu to be delivered to you on board the train at that station - reports so far have been very positive, but feedback is always appreciated !

Cleanliness, toilets & crowding

The efficient reservation system means that you can safely forget any pictures you've seen of overcrowded Indian trains with people on the roof or hanging on the side.  These these photos show suburban or local trains, or unreserved 2nd class on long-distance ones.  On fast long-distance trains in AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC Chair Class, all passengers have an assigned seat or sleeping berth so there's no overcrowding.  Don't expect pristine western standards anywhere in India, but you'll find AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC Chair class clean by Indian standards, with both western-style and squat toilets usually in a reasonably sanitary condition, see the train interior photos below.  On the other hand, Sleeper Class gets much grubbier than the AC classes and unreserved passengers can sometimes enter the coaches making it crowded.  2nd class unreserved can be incredibly crowded.  Toilets in sleeper class or basic non-AC 2nd class seats can leave a lot to be desired.

Safety & security

Indian trains are safe to travel on, even for families or women travelling alone, and you are unlikely to have any problems.  As in any busy place anywhere, pickpockets operate at the major stations (for example Delhi and New Delhi), so take care.  Oh, and be prepared:  If anyone tells you that your train is cancelled, that the ticket office has closed or has moved to a travel agency across the road, or your pre-booked hotel has burnt down or been abducted by aliens, please politely ignore them, even if they look 'official', to avoid ending up in a travel agency paying for a car and driver at vast expense, or booking their 'alternative' hotel which of course will luckily have a room available.  These are all well-known scams (yawn...) to get travel agency business, usually obvious to any regular India hand, but first-timers have been known to fall for them.

Do Indian trains run on time?

Indian Railways are generally remarkably efficient, but Indian trains do run late, sometimes hours rather than minutes.  To get a feel for it, why not go to either www.trainenquiry.com or www.erail.in and see how late yesterday's Delhi-Jaisalmer Express arrived, or last Thursday's Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express?  At www.erail.in , select the origin and destination that interests you, and bring up the train list.  Now find the train that you want and click on it.  Now select a date and click the 'train running status' button.  It will show you a table of scheduled times and actual times at each station.  Data is only held for the last few days, not weeks or months ago.  At www.trainenquiry.com , you simply enter the train number or name, then select from a list of possible trains.

Alternatively, these examples from my own travels may give you a feel for the likely delay:  Delhi-Varanasi overnight express spot on time, Bombay-Howrah Mail 1½ hours late, Chennai-Mumbai Chennai Express 40 minutes late, Kolkata-Delhi Rajdhani Express spot on time (Rajdhani Expresses get priority and are pretty punctual), Delhi-Agra Shatabdi Express spot on time (Shatabdi Expresses also get priority and are pretty punctual), Jaisalmer-Delhi Express 2 hours late starting and 3 hours late arriving, Delhi-Kalka-Simla Himalayan Queen spot on time, Varanasi-Agra-Jaipur Marudhar Express 50 minutes late, Chennai-Delhi Grand Trunk Express 1½ hours late.

Recharging mobiles & cameras

There are shaver sockets in most AC1/2/3 sleeper cars and many Indian trains now have power outlets for mobiles and laptops.  However, I never travel without an Anker powerbank which can recharge your phone several times over if you're on the move and can't get to a power outlet.

Other Indian train tips

Bring your own toilet paper.  You'll normally find one western toilet and one squat toilet at one or both ends of the car.  In AC1, AC2, AC Chair Class and even AC3 the toilets are normally reasonably clean by Indian standards, and in full working order.  Sleeper Class and 2nd class toilets may be a different matter!

Make sure you research when to visit India carefully - in summer it can be unbearably hot, and you also want to avoid the monsoon rains.  And in January & February in Northern India that there can be major disruption to road, rail & air due to thick fog, so bear that in mind.

Finally, forewarned is forearmed

In India, if someone asks which hotel you're going to, then announces that this hotel has been flooded, burnt down, or abducted by aliens, they are of course trying to get commission from sending you to another hotel - that's often painfully obvious and it's almost funny!  Smile, ignore them, and persist in walking to your own hotel, which will of course be open as usual.  But similarly, especially at big stations such as New Delhi, if an official-looking person (they may even show you a badge) says your train has been cancelled, or says you can't board without a boarding pass (with an e-ticket you can get on the train, there's no such thing as a boarding pass), smile, ignore them, walk past, and persist until you see the actual departure indicators and get your train.  If necessary, go and see the station master!  Although this has never happened to me, there are occasional reports of travellers being conned into buying new tickets from a nearby travel agency, being sent to a nearby travel agency when they wanted the genuine New Delhi foreigners booking office, or being conned into hiring a private car and driver for hundreds of dollars when they already had trains booked, which of course weren't really cancelled.  So smile, ignore, persist, go and see the departure boards with your own eyes, find and get on your train, and have a giggle about it later!  If you encounter any of this, feedback (and a good laugh) is always appreciated!

The 11 classes on Indian trains

There are 11 classes of accommodation on Indian trains or at least, 11 different class codes in the system.  You can argue that 3E is a variation of 3A, EA a variation of EC and that 2S & GN are the same (both are 2nd class seats, one reserved, the other unreserved).  But that's still 8 classes!

Only a small selection of classes is available on any given train, a typical long-distance train might have one AC1 car, one or two AC2 cars, perhaps an AC3 car, then a long line of 6, 7 or 8 Sleeper class cars and maybe one GN or 2S car at the end.  But it varies, of course.

Here are the classes, in roughly descending order of cost, together with the usual 2 & 3-letter abbreviations.  A request:  If you get any clear interior photos of AC2, AC3 or Sleeper class which would better illustrate these classes, please get in touch !

Air-conditioned first class (AC1 or 1A)

Air-conditioned 2-tier (ac2 or 2a).

AC2 is relatively clean & comfortable, with room to spread out.  It's the class typically used by middle class Indian families and a good choice for most western visitors.   AC2 is found on almost all decent long-distance trains including the premier Rajdhani & Duronto expresses.

AC2 offers padded leatherette seats by day which convert to flat padded bunks at night.  AC2 coaches are open-plan with berths arranged in bays of four on one side of the aisle (two upper, two lower, transverse across the car width), and in bays of two on the other side of the aisle, arranged longitudinally along the coach side above and below the windows.  If you're tall, you should book a transverse berth.

Each bay is curtained off for privacy, and an attendant distributes pillows, clean sheets and blankets in the evening.  Update:  Curtains were removed  as a Covid-19 precaution and may still be absent.

Click for car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .

Air-conditioned 3-tier (AC3 or 3A)

AC3 has a similar layout to AC2, but instead of upper & lower berths it has 3 tiers of bunks - upper, middle and lower - arranged in bays of six on one side of the aisle, and longitudinal bays of two - upper and lower - along the wall on the other side of the aisle.  As in AC2, an attendant distributes pillows, sheets and blankets in the evening.  Berths convert to seats for daytime use.

With 3 people sitting on each bench seat during the day rather than just 2, it feels a lot more crowded than AC 2-tier, and at night there is less height-space between each bunk - the top bunks are significantly higher up near the ceiling.  AC3 may lack the privacy curtains and individual berth lights usually found in AC2.  As in AC2, you should avoid the longitudinal berths if you are tall.  Still, if you find AC2 fully-booked, most western travellers will find AC3 an acceptable fall-back.  See car plans & berth numbering in AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class .  Photos courtesy of Rachel Poschi.

Air-conditioned 3-tier economy (3E)

Executive anubhuti chair car (ea), ac executive chair class (ec).

AC Executive Chair Class is only found on the high-quality Shatabdi Express , Vande Bharat Express & Tejas Express trains.  Seats are arranged 2+2 across the car width, basic pre-packaged food & drink is included in the fare, served at your seat.  It's also known as First AC Chair class.  Seat numbering plan for AC Chair cars .

AC Chair class (CC)

AC Chair class is a good choice for daytime journeys.  Comfortable & air-conditioned, they have seats arranged 2+3 across the car width.  AC Chair Class is found on the Shatabdi Expresses, Vande Bharat Express, the several Tejas Express trains and a number of other inter-city daytime trains, for example Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Kalka for Simla.   Seat numbering plan, AC Chair cars .

Sleeper Class (SL)

This is the way the bulk of the Indian population travels on long-distance trains, but it's also used by many more adventurous backpackers who are prepared to take the rough with the smooth.  The majority of cars on a typical long-distance mail or express train will be sleeper class.

Sleeper class consists of open-plan berths, arranged in bays of 6 bunks (upper, middle and lower) on one side of the aisle, and bays of 2 bunks (upper & lower) along the coach wall on the other side of the aisle.  Bunks fold away to form seating for daytime use.  It's the same basic layout as AC3, but without the air-con and without any privacy curtains.  Bedding is not provided, so bring a sleeping-bag.

Sleeper class is found on almost all long-distance trains except for the premier Rajdhani & Duronto services.  Sleeper class can be crowded (although in theory all berths must be reserved, so it can't get overcrowded), and it's fairly grubby and basic.  On the other hand, you get a better view of the countryside then in AC coaches, where the windows are sealed, tinted and sometimes dirty.  In summer, there are fans on the ceiling and a breeze from the windows.  In winter, wrap up warm at night and take a sleeping bag and fleece, as it can get cold.    Berth numbering system, AC1, AC2, AC3, AC Chair, Sleeper Class cars .

1st class (FC)

Traditional non-air-con 1st class has now almost disappeared, as Indian Railways have progressively phased it out in favour of AC 2-tier.  But for the record, ordinary first class consists of non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches with lockable 4-berth and 2-berth compartments, a similar layout to AC1 but without the AC.  Bedding is not provided, and it's much grubbier than AC1, AC2 or AC3 as it's not sealed against the dirt .

2nd class seats (2S = reserved or GN = unreserved)

Open plan cars with wooden or padded plastic seats, sometimes reserved and shown online as 2S, sometimes unreserved and shown online as either GN or II.  Not recommended for long distance overnight journeys (you'll see the huge scrum of Indians all trying to bag a seat in unreserved 2nd class), but quite acceptable for daytime journeys of up to a few hours if you're on a budget.

IndRail pass es:  Discontinued in 2017

Where to go in india.

First-time visitors often wonder where to start in such a vast country and they're sometimes told to tour only a small area, for example stick to Rajasthan or perhaps the beaches of Goa.  But I suggest a bolder approach.  Use the remarkable Indian train network to see a varied cross-section of India's highlights, picking one example from each type of place:  A big city, a colonial hill station, a princely city or two in Rajasthan, then Agra of course for the Taj Mahal, and also Varanasi, the classic Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  This way, you'll see some incredible highlights and complete contrasts, with overnight trains minimising both daytime travelling time and hotel bills.

A suggested itinerary

Here's what I personally consider the best itinerary around Northern India, taking in an amazing variety of classic Indian cities in as little as 2 weeks.  Highlight after highlight in a 2-week itinerary.  If you have longer to spare, add an extra day or two here and there and/or add one more Rajasthani city, Udaipur.

Delhi 1-3 days.  Contrast the bustling old city with Lutyens' gracious New Delhi.

Take the Swatantrta S Express leaving New Delhi at 21:15 arriving Varanasi Junction at 08:05 next morning. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Varanasi 2-3 days.  Formerly called Benares, Varanasi is the must-see Hindu holy city on the Ganges.  Make sure you stay in a local Indian riverside hotel such as the Hotel Alka , with its terrace overlooking the Ganges.  Western chain hotels are usually located in the new town, well away from all the amazing riverside action.  The Hotel Alka is one of the better hotels in this top riverside location, and eating a Thai on the terrace as the Diwali fireworks went off overhead and Lilly pads with candles drifted down the Ganges was an unforgettable experience.

Take the Marudhar Express from Varanasi Junction around 18:25 arriving Agra Fort at 06:40 next morning. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.  No AC1.

Agra 2 days, remembering to visit the fantastic deserted royal city of Fatephur Sikhri 30km away by bus or car.  Agra may be the most touristy place in India, but the Taj is utterly beautiful and well worth the tourist tout hassle.  Agra fort and the ‘baby Taj’ are also worth a visit.

Take the Marudhar Express from Agra Fort around 06:45 arriving Jaipur at 11:50 the same day. AC2, AC3, Sleeper class (No AC1).

Jaipur 2-3 days.  The 'Pink City' is one of the most wonderful princely cities in Rajasthan, and indeed in India.

Take the daily Raniket Express leaving Jaipur at 10:10 arriving Jaisalmer at 22:30 the same day, with AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

Or the Shalimar Express on Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun leaving Jaipur 17:45 arriving Jaisalmer 05:30 next morning, with AC1, AC2, AC3 & sleeper class.

Jaisalmer 2-3 days.  This is Rajasthan’s ultimate fairytale city and one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of India, in the desert close to the Pakistan border.  For many years it had no airport so only those who made the effort got to experience it, although sadly it may now have flights using the military airbase nearby.

Take the Shalimar Express leaving Jaisalmer at 23:25 on Mon, Wed, Thus, Sat and arriving at Old Delhi at 16:50 next day. AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class.  Spend the night in Delhi.

Take the Kalka Shatabdi leaving New Delhi at 07:40 arriving Kalka at 11:40. AC Executive chair class and AC Chair class, meal included served at your seat. Change onto the waiting narrow-gauge Simla toy train leaving Kalka at 12:10 arriving Simla at 17:20 with (non-AC) 1st class, AC Chair class, 2nd class. The journey to Simla by narrow gauge Toy Train is an absolute delight.

Simla 2-3 days.  Cool relaxation and colonial mock-Tudor charm in this lovely Himalayan hill station from the days of the Raj.  The ideal final destination for your trip!  The upmarket colonial-style Clarkes Hotel is wonderful.

Take the toy train leaving Simla at 18:05 arriving Kalka at 22:40. Change onto the mainline Netaji Express leaving Kalka at 23:55 and arriving Old Delhi at 06:00. AC1, AC2, AC3, Sleeper class.

How to book this itinerary

Option 1 is to arrange it all yourself .  First sketch out your itinerary, perhaps using the technique explained here .  Then book each train journey at 12go.asia (hassle-free, although naturally they charge a reasonable agency mark-up) or get yourself registered with IRCTC and book as explained here .  Then book each of your hotels separately using Booking.com .  This is the budget option, if you don't mind the legwork and managing it yourself.

Option 2 is to have it all booked for you, hassle-free .  I've arranged for train specialists Railbookers to offer this exact itinerary as a package, with trains, hotels, transfers (and if you like, your flight to India) all sorted for you.  This costs more than sorting it all out yourself, but it saves a lot of effort (and possible frustration) and as it's then a package, if anything affects one part of the tour Railbookers will sort things out for you.  Their suggested tour can be customised to your own requirements, to spend more or less time in each place.  Railbookers is an ABTA member and holidays including flights are ATOL protected.

  UK call 0207 864 4600, www.railbookers.co.uk . 

  us call free 1-888-829-4775, see website .,   canada call free 1-855-882-2910, see website .,   australia call toll-free 1300 971 526, see website . ,   new zealand call toll-free 0800 000 554 or see website ., alternative versions.

Alternatively, just pick on big city, one hill station, a couple of cities in Rajasthan, and a couple of places from the 'other' list below and create your own itinerary.  How about:  Kolkata - (overnight sleeper train to New Jalpaiguri then the famous Darjeeling Toy Train) - Darjeeling - Varanasi - (overnight sleeper train) - Agra - (daytime train) - Jaipur - (overnight sleeper train) - Kolkata?

The big cities

The royal cities of rajasthan, old colonial hill stations, other places to see, two personal favourites:  a ride to darjeeling.

A personal favourite is the ride to Darjeeling on the narrow gauge Darjeeling Himalaya Railway (DHR), and a night or two at the wonderful Windamere Hotel .  The DHR is now a UN World Heritage Site.

Travel from Kolkata's Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) on the broad gauge Darjeeling Mail, leaving Sealdah at 22:05 and arriving NJP at 08:15 next morning.  The Darjeeling Mail has AC1, AC2, AC3, sleeper class and 2nd class accommodation.  Then take the connecting DHR 'toy train' up to Darjeeling, leaving NJP at 10:00 daily, arriving Darjeeling at 17:30.  It's a long ride on a narrow gauge train, sometimes next to the hill road, sometimes through jungle, and sometimes through the streets.

You can check the current status of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at www.dhrs.org/page4.html - it has it's ups and downs, if you'll pardon the expression.

Once in Darjeeling, the place to stay is the Windamere Hotel .  Originally a boarding house for bachelor tea planters, it became a hotel in 1939.  Meals are served by white-gloved, turbanned waiters and eaten by candlelight to the sound of Cole Porter tunes on the piano.  Even if you can't afford it, make sure you come along for afternoon tea - probably the best cup of tea you will ever drink.

...and a ride to Simla.

A little bit more robust than the line to Darjeeling, the similar toy train up to Simla in the Himalayan foothills is the way to reach Simla, once India's summer capital.  Take a fast broad-gauge train from New Delhi to Kalka and change there onto the Toy Train up into the hills.  The train ride to Simla is one of Simla's highlights on its own.  If you get the chance, use the Shivalik Deluxe Express on the way back down from Simla (it connects with the overnight express to New Delhi going forward next day to Kolkata).  The Shivalik Deluxe has plush fabric-covered first class armchairs, and a meal is served at your seat, included in the price.  Although it gets dark as you descend, at stations without electricity the signalmen hand the single-line token to the driver whilst holding burning torches, the shimmering flames lighting up the side of the train.  It's wonderfully atmospheric.

Tours of India by train

The cheapest option is to arrange everything yourself, independently, but this takes time and effort.  If you want a customisable itinerary with all your train tickets, up-market hotels and transfers arranged for you, you can do this through train specialists Railbookers.  Their website has various example itineraries including a one-week Golden Triangle one visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but have a look at the suggested itinerary above covering Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer & Simla as I think it's the best 2-week itinerary around northern India that you'll find, and I've arranged for Railbookers to offer it.  Railbookers takes good care of their clients and gets very good reviews.

Escorted tours in India by train

If you'd prefer to travel with a group of fellow travellers escorted by a professional tour guide, check are Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , in the UK call 01904 527 120) and Rail Discoveries , www.raildiscoveries.com , 01904 730 727.  Both offer popular escorted tours covering India's 'Golden Triangle' of Delhi, Agra for the Taj Mahal and Jaipur in Rajasthan.  At the time of writing, Great rail Journeys also do an escorted tour covering Delhi, Amritsar for the Golden Temple, Agra for the Taj Mahal, Lucknow, Varanasi on the Ganges and Kathmandu in Nepal, with departures on various dates through the year.

Tourist cruise trains

There are now several luxury cruise trains catering for tourists and offering sightseeing itineraries around Indian cities.  All of these trains are in effect 5 star international hotels on wheels, allowing you to see India in great comfort.

The Palace on Wheels

See www.palacesonwheels.com and see the Palace on Wheels video .  This is India's first and most celebrated cruise train, voted as the world's 4th best luxury train by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.  All suites feature private shower & spotlessly clean toilet, TV & CD player, and the train's two elegant restaurant cars offer both Indian and international cuisine.

Prices range from $2,750 for a 7-night 8-day tour around key cities in Rajasthan such as Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Udaipur & Jodhpur with all meals, off-train tours and on-board accommodation included. 

You can book the Palace on Wheels through recommended train holiday specialist Railbookers who can also arrange flights, hotels and other Indian trains for you.

If you'd prefer to use the Palace on Wheels on an escorted tour with friendly group of travellers and a professional tour guide are available from Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com , in the UK call 01904 527 120).

Other luxury cruise trains

The Palace on Wheels is no longer the only cruise train in India, and it's not even the best.  Others have sprung up, though prices are sky-high.  Be warned that most of these companies quote a rate per night, not for the whole tour!

Maharaja's Express , see www.the-maharajas.com - See the Maharaja's Express video .  Runs various 3 or 7 night tours from Delhi back to Delhi or between Delhi & Mumbai, via places such as Agra, Jaipur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Khajuraho.  From $3,580 per person.  This train is run by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), originally as a joint venture with Cox & KIngs.  Gets very positive feedback, 'ten out of ten' from one correspondent.  You can now book the Maharaja's Express through train holiday specialist www.railbookers.co.uk .

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels , www.royalsrajasthanonwheels.com - See the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels video .  Offers 8-day (7-night) itineraries with weekly departures from Delhi back to Delhi, stopping at Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, Khajuraho & Varanasi.  From around $4,130 per person for two people sharing, $5,775 single occupancy for the least expensive suites.  Has also had great feedback, and can also be booked through www.railbookers.co.uk .

Golden Chariot , www.goldenchariot.org - see the Golden Chariot video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Bangalore for a week-long tour to Goa & southern India.

Deccan Odyssey , www.deccan-odyssey-india.com - see the Deccan Odyssey video .  A luxury train offering weekly departures from Mumbai for a week-long tour to Goa, Pune, and the caves at Ajanta & Ellora.

Indian Maharaja , www.theindianmaharaja.co.in .  Offers 8-day 7-night 'land cruises' between Delhi & Mumbai in either direction on various dates between October & April, with stopovers & tours at Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ellora & Ajanta Caves, starting at around $4,095 per person for two people sharing or from $5,229 single occupancy.

These trains can also be arranged through Railbookers.  On their website, select 'Private trains'.

Inclusive luxury train escorted tours

If you'd like a deluxe train-based holiday to India, but would like to do this as part of an organised tour, Great Rail Journeys ( www.greatrail.com ) is a well-known company offering inclusive upmarket escorted tours to India, including the Palace on Wheels or a number of other special Indian 'cruise trains', five star hotels plus flights to/from the UK.  There are a number of different tours available, departing on a range of dates throughout the year.  Check the holiday details online, then call 01904 527120 to book or use their online booking form .  Seat61 gets some commission to help support the site if you book your holiday through this link and phone number.

International trains, buses & ferries

There are international trains to Pakistan & Bangladesh, and buses to Nepal.  Here's a quick summary:

Delhi - Amritsar - Lahore, Pakistan

Take a train from Delhi to Amritsar, there are lots to choose from.  See www.indianrail.gov.in for times & fares. 

Take a bus or taxi the 26km from Amritsar to the India/Pakistan frontier at Atari.  Walk through the border posts to Wagah on the Pakistani side.  You may want to hang around Wagah to see the spectacular ceremony at sunset when the border closes.  Indian and Pakistani guards try to outdo each other with their performances, watched by Indians and Pakistani crowds!

Take another bus or taxi the remaining 20km to Lahore.  Allow plenty of time for this deceptively short journey. 

There used to be a cross-border train, but tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi - Jodhpur - Karachi, Pakistan

A weekly international train called the Thar Express started in February 2006 from Jodhpur to Karachi via the border at Munabao.  But it's currently suspended.

Eastbound:   The Thar Express leaves Karachi every Friday at 23:00, arriving at 'Zero Point' on the Pakistan/India frontier at around 08:00 next morning.  After customs checks, the train goes forward to Munabao on the Indian side, arriving around 11:00.The Indian train departs Munabao at 19:00 after customs formalities, arriving Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station) at 23:50 Saturday.

Westbound:   The Thar Express leaves Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi station, about 4km from the main station) every Saturday morning at 01:00 arriving Munabao at 07:00, leaving Munabao at around 14:30 on Saturdays, reaching Karachi at 02:15 on Sunday morning. 

The sleeper fare from Jodhpur to Munabao/zero point is about Rs170, and from Munabao/zero point to Karachi is about Rs230.  No more information is yet available, but feedback would be appreciated!  The train has one sleeping-car and several economy cars.

Update :  Tension in Kashmir means all India-Pakistan trains are suspended at the moment.

Delhi to Kathmandu, Nepal

It's quite easy, cheap, and an adventure to do this journey overland.  You take an overnight train from New Delhi to Gorakpur, then a bus.  For details, see the Nepal page .

Kolkata to Dhaka, Bangladesh

A new direct train from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Dhaka started in April 2008, see the Bangladesh page .

India to Sri Lanka by ferry

After many years of being cut off from each other (with at least one short-lived attempt to start a ferry service in 2011), a new ferry service started in late 2023, linking Nagapattinam (mainland India) with Kankesanthurai (on Sri Lanka, near Jaffna).

The fast ferry Cheriyapani sails from Nagapattinam (India)  at 07:00 arriving Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 11:00.

She sails from Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) at 13:30 arriving Kankesanthurai (India) at 17:00.

Crossing time 3 hours for the 60 nautical miles.  Service will be suspended during the monsoon season in November-December.

Fare around 8,000 Indian rupees, luggage allowance 40 Kg.

Online booking will be available starting in January 2024, website not yet known.  Until then, call +91 978 987 9971 at least 24 hours in advance. You will be required to send a copy of your passport and visa details via WhatsApp to confirm the booking.

Be careful with e-visas when using this ferry, they will not initially be accepted at these entry points, but may be in future.

India to Burma (Myanmar)

The India/Burma border is closed to foreigners.  It is not possible to travel to Burma overland from India.  For train and river steamer service within Burma, see the Burma page .

India to China

The direct route from India into China is difficult and mountainous, there are no trains, you need some serious permits to be in that part of India, and most if not all border crossings are closed to foreigners.  If you wish to travel this way, do your research before attempting it! 

For most practical purposes, you are better off going from India to Kathmandu in Nepal ( see the Nepal page ), then taking an organised tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet ( see the Nepal page ), then a train to Beijing.  For train service within China, including Lhasa to Beijing, see the China page .

Europe to India overland

Europe to india via istanbul, iran, pakistan.

It's possible to travel from Europe to India overland by train and bus via Turkey, Iran & Pakistan, along what in the 1960s & 70s was the hippy train.  However, these days there are serious security problems affecting this route in Turkey, SE Iran & Pakistan.  If you are foolhardy enough to brave these, it takes a minimum of 2-3 weeks and you should consider it as an adventure or expedition rather than a routine way to travel there. 

Administratively, the main issue is getting an tourist visa for Iran - see the London to Iran page for agencies to contact to get one.  Finally, there are major security issues in southeast Iran to be aware of - see the official travel advice for Iran and Pakistan at the British Foreign Office website, www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .  If you are still interested, see the Europe to India overland page .  I'd suggest planning the trip out carefully before you start to book anything - this may help:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .

Europe to India via Moscow, the Trans-Siberian Railway, Beijing & Lhasa

A safer though somewhat round-about way is London to Moscow by Eurostar and onward trains to Moscow (2 nights, £300, daily departures), Moscow to Beijing via the Trans-Siberian Railway (6 or 7 nights, £500, two per week), Beijing to Lhasa by train (2 nights, £100, daily), then an organised tour by bus from Lhasa to Nepal (7 nights, maybe $400), then bus and train to Delhi .  Again, you may find this helpful:  How to plan an itinerary & budget .  Trains to Russia are suspended due to Covid-19 and now sanctions .

Hotels in India

Personal hotel recommendations, tripadvisor hotel reviews.

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Flights to India

Overland travel by train around India is an essential part of the experience, so once there, don't cheat and fly, stay on the ground!  But if you need a long-haul flight to reach India in the first place.

1)  Check flight prices at Opodo, www.opodo.com

2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines.

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think!  See www.loungepass.com

For independent travel, the best guidebook to take is either the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide .  I gave Sarah the Lonely Planet and Karen the Rough Guide and we road-tested both of them head-to-head across India.  The result was a tie, with similarly excellent levels of both practical travel information and historical and cultural background.  I personally prefer the Lonely Planet, but Karen preferred the Rough Guide.  Just make sure you take one of these two guides with you..!  If you buy anything at Amazon through these links, Seat61.com gets a small commission to help support the site.

Buy Lonely Planet India at Amazon.co.uk    Buy Rough Guide India at Amazon.co.uk

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Also for your reading list

Travel insurance & other tips, always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

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Destinations Covered –  The Deccan Odyssey train route covers major Indian destinations with its 6 carefully designed itineraries covering destinations in and around Mumbai, cities in North and South India, places in the Deccan plateau, Indian Wildlife, and the best of Gujarat.

Duration –  All the Deccan Odyssey journeys will take 7 Nights/ 8 Days to complete.

Awards & Recognitions –  In 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, Deccan Odyssey won the World Travel Awards under the category ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’. It also won the ‘TTJ Jury Choice Award’ under the category of Excellence and Innovation in 2016. And in 2017, it was awarded the ‘TTJ Jury Choice Award’ under the category of Excellence and Innovation.

A famous luxury train journey in India, The Golden Chariot offers you the opportunity to live through Karnataka’s 1,600 years of history. So, get on this rail journey and unveil the hidden treasures, empires, and lost kingdoms on a ride on this rail journey. A blend of rich culture, palatial architecture, and 19intricately designed coaches, this luxury train will pamper you with world-class services.

History –  The idea of the luxury rail came into development by an MOU signed by Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation and the Ministry of Indian Railways in the year 2002. The name Golden Chariot was given after the iconic stone chariots of Hampi, the ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire.

Journeys –  Pride of Karnataka ,  Jewels of South , and  Glimpses of Karnataka

Destinations Covered –  The Golden Chariot train route takes you to the famous destinations of Southern India and some of the places covered on this journey are Bengaluru, Mysore, Hampi, and Mahabalipuram.

Duration –  While the Golden Chariot train journey ‘Glimpses of Karnataka’ is completed in 3 Nights/ 4 Days, the ‘Jewels of South’ and ‘Pride of Karnataka’ is terminated in 6 Nights/7 Days.

Awards & Recognitions –  In 2017, this luxury train was awarded 7th time with the World Trade Awards (WTA) under the title of ‘Asia’s Leading Luxury Train’. It was also recognized by the TTJ Jury Choice Award for Excellence and North India Travel Award for Best Luxury Train in India 2015.

Maharajas’ Express

Maharajas’ Express takes you back to the bygone era whilst maintaining all modern comforts. Designed to recreate the elegance of the carriages used by former Maharajas, the interiors of Maharajas’ Express provide a nostalgic aura. Set off on a luxurious journey in one of the cheapest luxury trains in India and explore the best of India.

History –  Maharajas’ Express was officially launched in March 2010. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) and Cox and Kings India Ltd., made a mutual investment to establish a company named Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd. (RIRTL) to manage the Maharaja Express train.

Journeys –   Treasures of India ,  The Indian Splendor ,  The Indian Panorama , and  The Heritage of India

Destinations Covered –  This luxury rail travel will take you to India’s historical destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Orchha, Gwalior, Bikaner, and more.

Duration –  While Treasures of India Maharajas’ Express takes only 3 nights/4 days to complete, Heritage of India Maharajas Express, Indian Panorama Maharajas Express, and Indian Splendour Maharajas Express ends in 6 nights/7 days.

Awards & Recognitions –  In 2010, Maharajas’ Express won the ‘Best Luxury Train’ at CNBC Awaaz Travel Award. It was the 1st runner up in the Specialist Train Operators Category awarded at Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Travel Award 2011. In 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, this Indian luxury rail was awarded the World Travel Award under the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’. Lastly, Maharajas’ Express acquired the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Award in 2015 and 2016.

FAQs of Luxury Train in India

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Maharajas Express

Incredible India’s Ultra Luxury Train 7-time winner of ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ Award

Palace On Wheels

A Week In Wonderland

Deccan Odyssey

Blue Limousine on Wheels

Welcome to the best way to discover India in luxury.

Royal Indian Trains is an Indian luxury train travel portal where you can discover, explore and enquire about the luxurious and offbeat rail journeys that India has to offer. Each luxury train has it’s own experience and charm on offer with their unique brand of hospitality, amenities and destinations.

Why Choose Luxury Trains in India?

Experienced staff and personnel ensure that safety measures and precautions are in place.

Comfortable

No other mode of transportation match up to the opulence of Indian Luxury Trains.

A well planned itinerary coupled with a strategically connected rail network helps you see various destinations in India in a short span of time.

Luxury Trains

Maharajas' Express

Winner of the “World’s leading luxury train” award 5 times in a row has six different journeys to offer across India.

Palace on wheels

India’s original luxury train takes you for “a week in wonderland” covering Rajasthan and Taj Mahal.

Choose from six different circuits to travel on Western India’s Luxury Train.

Buddhist Train Tour

Welcome aboard the Buddhist Circuit Special train tour, to discover the path to enlightenment in abode of Lord Buddha!

What people say about us

We love Travelling on Luxury trains. This has been one of our best train Journeys. The Itinerary is good, the logistics of getting to our day trips has been outstanding. It makes us want to come back.

May Tiampo, Vancouver, Canada

17 - 24 Nov 2012

While I know this trip is more popular with retirees, it proved a wonderful family trip as well

Karen Holmberg, UK

The organization of the tour was excellent. We really felt like kings and queens

Mitchell Muntner, New York, USA

03 - 10 Oct 2012

Thank you for the fabulous experience of Incredible India

Manuel Mourao, Spain

20 - 28 Oct 2012

This experience is definitely better than the Royal Scotsman,and has been equal to Orient Express, if not better.

Taylor, New Jersey, USA

20 - 27 Oct 2012

The entire journey was and will be an unforgettable experience. If I was a poet, I would be probably set this entire fabulous experience in beautiful poetry

Judith Moorthy, Queensland, Australia

06 - 13 Oct 2012

We have never received better service in any place around the world, thank you very much.

17 - 24 Feb 2012

The Service, the creative programming and overall mix of activities fulfilled the mantra of "incredible India

The organization of the boarding/de-boarding, tour vehicles and guides are all integrated very well

Clarence M Bishop

Oregon, USA

An extremely luxurious way to travel - a bit over the top with the red carpets!! a very memorable enjoyable trip, thank you

David & Susie Burall

West Sussex, UK

The attention to detail, the variety of activities, fabulous service has impressed the most during our stay at Maharajas' Express

Stephanie Campbell & Jankopic

Stephanie Campbell & Jankopic, Los Angeles, USA

19 - 30 Jan 2012

Beautiful palaces, kindliness of Indian people and the train staff had impressed us during our stay at Maharajas' Express

Hendrika Kuijlars & Marcel Jacobs, Schilde

We had a fantastic time, it was an amazing experience, keep up the good work & would like to see you all on another adventure

Nili & Amit Mistry

The tour had some amazing experiences, the warm greetings we have received both on & off board was memorable

Ann Clivette & Arthur Taylor

Chef was excellent & the whole trip lived upto our expectations. We loved the trip & all the staff were excellent

Nancy & John Rumler, Victoria

It is once in a lifetime experience and want to remember as one of the best trips, a big thank you to all

Kirti & Paresh Shah

Middlesex, UK

Food & Service was excellent. We enjoyed ourselves and hope to have the chance to travel on the Maharajas Express again in the future

Ju Yin & Lee Yu Fang Chang

Thank you all for the wonderful time. This was the best experience will never be forgotten. Thank you once again.

Bipin & Eila Pabari, UK

18 - 25 Feb 2012

My family and I had an amazing first time experience in India only enhanced by the wonderful care, attention and service from all the staff of the Maharajas Express

Sasha Jairam

Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

Maharajas Express is a brilliant way to see marvelous parts of India in a short space of time

Lucy Slater, Oxon

We were able to experience a wide array of sites, our valet did a great job in taking care of us

Diane & Nick Partsch

The staff were very polite and always willing to help. The ease of being able to visit such a selection of different places & landscapes was possible due to Maharajas' Express

Louise & Adam Caplin

Service and food was great and all is perfect, thank you so much

Gambini Jean Pierre Mathieu

The attention to detail, attentiveness & friendliness of staff, the quality of drivers and guides were excellent

Joan & Carie Fletcher, Surrey

The extremely courteous, Polite and pleasant staff were the Hallmark of Maharajas' Express

Ella Gupta, Delhi, India

15 - 21 Jan 2012

Lovely attitude of staff, Attention to detail.Great Carnival atmosphere on-board

Lionel & Laura Mill, London, UK

14 - 21 Jan 2012

The whole trip was good & we would definitely recommend Maharajas' Express to our friends

Elina & Eduard Apsit

Incredible India delights plus you transported us like jewels in you crown. A total pleasure in superb style.

Michael & Anne Fontayn, UK

Everything about Maharajas Express was excellent

Benny Gal,Isreal

11 - 18 Feb 2012

Fletcher, Surrey

Very good venues & side trips, all staff courteous, attentive & professional, always helpful

Anne & Stephen Hayes

New South Wales, Australia

Special Offers

Pay for one and your companion pays 50% only. Pay for one and your companion pays 50% only (Indians Exclusive)

Palace on Wheels

25% off on departure in April & September. Complimentary sightseeing tour + airport transfers.

Golden Chariot Train

Pay for one and your companion pays 50% only. Special Discount for Indians.

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How to reach Pahalgam in Kashmir, a perfect summer gem?

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Apr 29, 2024, 15:59 IST

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Pahalgam, a picturesque destination in Kashmir, offers various travel options via air, road, or rail. Ensure to prepare for the journey by checking weather conditions, carrying essential items, and respecting local customs.

Pahalgam, a picturesque destination in Kashmir, offers various travel options via air, road, or rail. Ensure to prepare for the journey by checking weather conditions, carrying essential items, and respecting local customs. Read less

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Orry shares pics of his train journey to Kodaikanal, internet is surprised

Social media influencer orhan awatramani, popularly known as orry, surprised fans with pictures of his train journey to kodaikanal. his post garnered over 98k likes..

Listen to Story

• Orry shared pictures of his train journey to Kodaikanal on Instagram
• His post went viral with over 98k likes and comments from curious fans
• Orry was seen posing for the pictures, wearing 'I am a liver' t-shirt

Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, shared pictures of him on a train, which went viral on social media. He surprised his fans with his Instagram post, shared earlier this week, in which he mentioned that he took a train to Tamil Nadu's renowned hill station, Kodaikanal.

The pictures he shared featured himself in his iconic "I am a liver" t-shirt while posing for the camera. A few images showed him posing inside the train, while the others stood in the corridor or were lounging on a berth.

In one of the pictures, he was also seen patiently waiting for the train to arrive at the station.

"The train to Kodaikanal," reads the caption of Orry's post.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Orhan Awatramani (@orry)

Since being shared online, his post has garnered over 98k likes on Instagram. His curious fans filled the comments section with interesting thoughts.

"Why are you travelling by train when you can afford literally everything? Just curious," a person said. "Will he sit for 13 hours or will he get off at a station in between and catch a flight from the airport," another person said.

"Today, Orry is travelling via train. It means he is training," another made a light-hearted remark.

"Orry has to be one of the most down-to-earth, funny, cute, and most importantly, a genuinely good person to be a celebrity. Much love," another person said.

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes