Indian Luxury Trains FAQs

1. How long does a journey take?
All the six Indian luxury trains offer journeys spanning over 8 days and 7 nights. However, in case of Maharajas’ Express, there are 2 short journeys- Gems of India and Treasures of India- lasting up to 3 nights and 4 days.
2. Do I have to do the full journey?
Yes, we prefer our guests to enjoy the full journey experience.
3. Do you have sitting arrangements for dining?
All the six luxury trains listed on the website of Indian luxury trains have two restaurants each. Their names are as follows: Palace on Wheels (Maharaja and Maharani), Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal), Maharajas’ Express (Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal), Deccan Odyssey (Peshwa I and Peshwa II) and Golden Chariot (Nala and Ruchi).
4. Do you cater for any specific dietary requirements?
On board Indian luxury trains, all efforts are made to accommodate the special requests of the guests. But we need your cooperation as well. Kindly mention your dietary prerequisites at the reservation so that we can accede to your request at the time of the journey. However, we are unable to provide meals for some stringent religious observations.
5. Do the journey price include all meals, drinks and excursions?
The cost of accommodation, entrance fees at the monuments, palaces and forts, on board meals are included in the train tariff. However, drinks, telephone bills, laundry charges, video camera fees and cost of the business center are not included in the tariff.
6. What kind of dress code is followed during the luxury rail journeys?
On board the train, during the day, we suggest you wear smart casuals. In the evening, we suggest men to wear a blazer and ladies to wear a gown. Since the peak season for the luxury train journeys take place in winters, it is advised to pack warm clothing. With regards to off-train excursions, we recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes and hats.
7. Which language do the staff speak on board the luxury train?
The staff on board all the six luxury trains is moderately proficient in spoken English. However, if you have any specific requirements for language speaking guests, kindly mention at the time or reservation.
8. Is it necessary to leave a gratuity for the Indian luxury train staff?
Paying gratuities is a matter of personal discretion. Neither Indian Railways nor train personnels encourage or discourage any sort of gratuity. However, if you are willing to show your gratitude in this way, you are free to do so.
9. Is there any provision for disabled guests on board Indian luxury trains?
Except for Maharajas’ Express, Golden Chariot and Deccan Odyssey, there is no provision for disabled guests on any other luxury train.
10. Can I smoke on board Indian luxury trains?
Except for Club Lounge and your own suite, smoking is strictly prohibited in all other parts of these trains.
11. Can I buy souvenir on the luxury trains?
There is an on-board boutique in the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and the Maharajas’ Express train. Due to changeable rates, we advise you to use credit and debit cards for purchasing gift items.
12. Is there a laundry service on the train?
The laundry service offered on board is quite limited and restricted only to household washers, dry cleaners and washers. Kindly note that we will not be held responsible for any kind of damage or loss in the process. Laundry service is not included in the ticket price.
13. What is the electrical voltage available on the train?
There are 110/220V two-pin wall plugs. International adapters are also provided on board the train.
14. Is there proper mobile reception facility?
The use of laptops, mobile phones and anything else having the capacity to disrupt the privacy of other passengers must be restricted to your cabins and suites only. The reception is poor on the moving train.
15. Do I need to bring any insurance documents?
All the passengers travelling aboard Indian luxury trains must posses all the necessary insurance documents from the country of domicile with regards to accident, injury, illness, death, luggage loss and holiday cancellation. However, all the luxury trains are comprehensively insured for unforeseen events such as fire, earthquake and terrorist attack. Your travel documents will include Indian Visa (foreign travelers), passport and identity proof along with the confirmation receipt at the time of departure.
16. Is there luggage-weight restriction in the Indian luxury trains?
With the respect to the Indian Airlines, we recommend you to bring a soft topped luggage as there is limited space in your cabins.
17. What kind of vehicle is used for sightseeing trips?
Air conditioned buses and cars are used for sightseeing trips depending upon the destination you are visiting. If you need more details, kindly refer to the train itinerary.
18. Is the flight departure included in the ticket price? If not, can you arrange my flights?
The arrival and departure through flight is not included in the price of your ticket. However, on demand, we can provide assistance for schedules, fares and ticket booking.
19. Do I need any vaccinations?
If you are visiting India for the first time, you may need the following vaccinations and medications such as Hepatitis A & B. A Yellow Fever Certificate is required on any of the six luxury trains.