What to Skip When Booking an Indian Luxury Train

Booking a luxury train in India is a significant decision. The journeys are expensive, often take a week, and promise a great deal. Most guests come away delighted, but some feel they paid for things they did not need, or missed the experiences they really wanted. This guide is about what to skip, so that if you do book, you get the most from it.

As of March 2022, operators are preparing to resume journeys after the pandemic suspension. Itineraries, inclusions and policies may differ from those before 2020, so read the current terms carefully.

Skip the longest itinerary if you are new to train travel

Some routes run for a week or more, with a new city almost every day. That can be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Early mornings, long excursions and late dinners add up. If you have never spent more than a night on a train, consider a shorter itinerary first, or a route with more time in each place.

Skip the excursion you do not care about

Luxury train itineraries are carefully planned, but they cannot suit everyone. You do not have to join every excursion. If you have already seen the Taj Mahal, or if a particular fort holds no interest for you, it is perfectly reasonable to stay on board, rest, read or explore on your own. Ask the staff in advance what options are available.

Skip the shopping stops

Many tours include shopping stops at emporiums selling carpets, jewellery, textiles and handicrafts. Some are genuine, but the pressure to buy can be uncomfortable, and prices may not reflect local value. If you want to shop, research beforehand, set a budget, and do not feel obliged to buy anything. If you are not interested, ask whether you can skip the stop.

Skip the assumption that the train is the destination

The carriages are beautiful, the food is excellent and the service is attentive. But the reason these trains exist is the places they visit. Do not spend so much time admiring the saloon that you miss the excursions you came for. Equally, do not fill every hour off the train with activities. Balance matters.

Skip the peak-season premium if you can

Fares and demand vary by season. The cooler months from October to March are the most popular and often the most expensive. The shoulder months at the edges of the season can offer slightly warmer days but quieter excursions. Weigh the weather against the crowds, and check whether the operator offers different fares at different times.

Skip the add-ons you will not use

Some operators offer premium packages, upgraded cabins, spa treatments, special excursions or beverage packages. Some are excellent value; others are not, depending on how you travel. If you rarely drink, a beverage package may not make sense. If you spend little time in your cabin, a larger suite may matter less than you think. Read the inclusions carefully and choose based on how you actually travel.

Skip booking without reading the cancellation policy

The pandemic has made cancellation terms more important than ever. Before you pay, understand what happens if the journey is cancelled by the operator, if you need to cancel, or if travel restrictions change. Check whether deposits are refundable, whether dates can be changed, and what documentation may be required for health or travel reasons. Consider travel insurance that covers these situations.

Skip the train if mobility is a serious concern

Trains have narrow corridors, steps up to carriages and limited space in cabins. Excursions often involve walking on uneven surfaces, climbing steps at forts and early starts. Some operators can make arrangements for guests with reduced mobility, but not every itinerary will suit everyone. Discuss your needs honestly with the operator before booking.

Skip the rush before and after

Many guests fly in on the morning of departure and out on the evening of arrival. It works, but it adds stress. A flight delay can mean a missed departure. Arriving a day early lets you recover from travel and see the departure city. Staying a day after gives the trip a gentle ending.

Skip comparing only on price

Luxury trains differ in more than fare. They vary in route, cabin size, number of guests, onboard facilities, food style, and the balance between sightseeing and leisure. Compare them on what matters to you. A slightly higher fare may buy a route that suits you far better.

What not to skip

If you are trimming expenses or excursions, there are a few things worth protecting:

At least one sunrise or sunset from the train or a station platform.
The opportunity to talk to the staff, many of whom have deep knowledge of the regions.
One excursion that is genuinely special to you, whether a tiger safari, a palace dinner or a temple visit.
Time to rest. Even a luxury journey can be tiring.

Alternatives worth considering

If you decide a luxury train is not for you, consider other ways to enjoy India by rail. The UNESCO-listed mountain railways, at Darjeeling, Shimla and Ooty, offer memorable journeys at modest fares. Regular express trains connect most major destinations, and first-class air-conditioned compartments offer comfort for overnight journeys. Combining rail travel with good hotels can recreate much of the experience at a fraction of the price.

Skip the overpacked suitcase

Cabins on luxury trains are comfortable but compact, and storage space is limited. Most operators provide laundry services, and the dress code is usually smart-casual with perhaps one or two dressier evenings. Pack light, bring layers for cool desert mornings, comfortable walking shoes for forts and a hat for the sun. Leave the heavy suitcase at a hotel in the departure city if you are continuing your travels afterwards.

A final thought

Luxury trains are among the most distinctive travel experiences in India. Approached thoughtfully, they can be the trip of a lifetime. The key is to choose the right train, the right route and the right season, and then to let go of anything that does not add to your enjoyment. The best journeys are the ones that feel unhurried, even when the timetable is full.