Overview

• The latest profiles confirm four marquee services—Maharajas' Express (IRCTC), Palace on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, and Golden Chariot (KSTDC)—as the country’s flagship luxury rail options.
• Maharajas’ Express typically runs October to April with just 84 seats, Palace on Wheels operates September to April on an eight-day circuit, and Deccan Odyssey schedules week-long journeys primarily from October to May.
• Published 2025 fares include the Maharajas’ Express shortest itinerary at Rs 3,90,600 per person (Deluxe, twin-sharing), Palace on Wheels from USD 6,048 per person (double occupancy), and Deccan Odyssey from Rs 6,87,000 (Deluxe) to Rs 17,60,000 (Presidential Suite).
• Golden Chariot routes across Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry originate and conclude in Bengaluru, with official per-person rates noted at about Rs 4.15 lakh for a Deluxe Cabin and Rs 3.11 lakh for a Single Supplement.
• Across the trains, amenities span fine-dining restaurants, lounge bars, gyms and spas, Wi‑Fi or smart cabins, plus curated off-train excursions that can include premium hotel stays en route.