Top 5 luxurious trains of India

New Delhi: Journey by train in India is always very exciting as it provides best opportunity to explore each corner of the land.From metro cities to coastal towns, from small cities to villages and regional areas, journey by trains has its own comfort.Indian Railways has some of the most spectacular and unforgettable rail journeys with the fourth largest railway network in the world.It also operates a number of luxury trains which cater to various tourist circuits throughout India. Below is the list of five luxurious trains that gives you a life- time experience of true Indian royalty.Palace On WheelsIndia's first pan-country super luxury train Palace On Wheels was started on January 26, 1982. The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with new looks and more luxury facilities.Palace On Wheels is India's best royal train and world's fourth best luxury train.It was launched by the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in Rajasthan.The train has 14 coaches in the train named after provinces of Rajasthan, two Restaurant named as Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant. It has also exotic bar, Spa, Live TV, internet connectivity, music and security.The train has a 7 nights and 8 days itinerary departs from New Delhi (Day 1), and covers Jaipur (Day 2), Sawai Madhopur and Chittaurgarh (Day 3), Udaipur (Day 4), Jaisalmer (Day 5), Jodhpur (Day 6), Bharatpur and Agra (Day 7), return to New Delhi (Day 8).Tour: Rs 50,000 to 5 lakh per person per journey.The Maharajas ExpressThe Maharajas Express was a joint venture of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) and travel agency Cox and Kings India. The first commercial run was on January 9, 2010. This joint venture was terminated in August 2011 and the train is now being operated exclusively by IRCTC.It is the newest and most costly luxury train in India.It is equipped with world class facilities including large dining, bar, lounge, generator, LCD TVs, direct dial phone, internet, individual temperature controls and in suite bathroom as well.14 carriages with 43 individual cabins provide seating and sleeping capacity for 88 guests.There are 20 Deluxe Cabins, 18 Junior Suites, 4 Suites and a Presidential Suite offering 5-star equivalent accommodation.It offers to explore illuminating destinations in India from Mumbai to Delhi.Duration: 7 nights and 8 daysDestinations covered: Mumbai, Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and DelhiTour: 2.75 to 10 lakh per person per journeyThe Golden ChariotThe Golden Chariot connects most popular tourist spots in the state of f Karnataka, Goa, Kerala & Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry.The royal itinerary has 19 coaches coloured purple and gold with two restaurants, a lounge bar, conference room, gym and spa facilities. The ultimate luxury train was named after the renowned ‘Stone Chariot' of Hampi and commercial run on March 10, 2008.The train is operated by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and The Maple Group handles the hospitality services on the train.The Golden Chariot offers accommodation in 44 cabins in 11 coaches. It has two restaurants, a lounge bar and conference, gym and spa facilities. It has onboard internet connectivity via an USB-stick, and satellite antennae providing live television service in the cabins.Duration: 7 nights and 8 daysDestinations covered: Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Belur, Kabini, Badami, Goa, BangaloreTour: Rs 25,000 to 50,000 per person per journeyThe Royal Rajasthan on WheelsThe Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is luxury tourist train running by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC).The train was launched in January 2009 following the success of the Palace on Wheels.The train is equipped with facilities like super deluxe rooms, restaurants, bar, board room, fitness center, spa, saloons and enabled wi-fi.There are two dining cars which are named Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. While Swarn Mahal is patterned on brass and gold theme, the Sheesh Mahal restaurant features spectacular floor lamps and crystal pelmets.Duration: 8 days and 7 nightsDestinations covered: New Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Agra, New DelhiTour: Rs 50,000 to 80,000 per person per journeyThe Deccan OdysseyThe Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train run by venture of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Indian Railways.The 5-star hotel on wheels covers the heritage site of Maharashtra including the the Konkan region.The train has 21 luxury coaches equipped with restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center, computers and internet connectivity.In 2004, the Maharashtra government stopped its run of the Deccan Odyssey, citing poor response, but restarted it after the monsoon season.Duration: 7 nights and 8 daysDestinations covered: Mumbai, Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Chandrapur, Ajanta Caves, Nashik and MumbaiTour: Rs 40,000 to 50,000 per person per journey