A Royal Passage Through India: My Luxury Railway Journey by Private Train
India
India stirs the senses like nowhere else on earth - sights ablaze with vibrant colour, cities buzzing with energy, and a rhythm of life that changes with every mile travelled. There is, however, a uniquely elegant way to unravel its depths: by private luxury train. I recently immersed myself in this world of privileged discovery - a journey that would sweep me from the shores of Mumbai to the holy banks of Varanasi, then onwards through tea-scented hills to Darjeeling, and finally to Kolkata.
Sophistication Begins in Mumbai
Before boarding our private train, I indulged in two nights at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Overlooking the Gateway of India and the sparkling Arabian Sea, this legendary address offered the perfect entrée to Mumbai’s blend of colonial splendour and modern flair. Days began with breakfast overlooking the ocean, while evenings invited languid cocktails in the Sea Lounge—a gentle prelude to the voyage of a lifeitme ahead.
Allure of Bygone Opulence
Stepping aboard our private train felt instantly transformative: polished teak corridors, gleaming brass fittings, and the soft hush of attentive staff promising a sanctuary on wheels. With just 50 guests, there is an intimacy impossible on larger journeys; life aboard feels quietly exclusive, with space to truly unwind and watch the tapestry of India pass by your window.
My en suite cabin was a haven - richly decorated, remarkably spacious by rail standards, and entirely private, with panoramic views of ever-changing landscapes. Each morning, waking to the gentle sway of the train and the anticipation of new horizons, I felt a rush of excitement unique to this mode of travel.
Life On Board: A Moveable Feast
The onboard dining experience was a highlight in its own right. Two elegant dining cars served a refined menu embracing both Indian and Western classics: fragrant biryanis, fresh-caught seafood, and inventive vegetarian dishes, complemented by crisp linens and crystal glassware. From breakfast through to dinner, meals were a time for laughter and stories with fellow travellers - each course accompanied by endless views from the wide windows.
Between excursions, the Bar Lounge Car beckoned with its inviting armchairs and selection of fine beers and spirits. It became a social hub: the ideal place to sip a mango lassi or unwind with a dram of single malt as dusk tinted the landscape gold.
Service throughout was consistently impeccable—highly personalised yet always discreet. Whether it was a perfectly timed cup of chai delivered to my cabin or restaurant sommelier recommendations, the staff’s warmth made every moment effortless.
The Route: Jewels of the Sub-Continent
From Mumbai, our private train carried us north towards the regal heartlands of Rajasthan and beyond. Each stop revealed another facet of India’s story:
Jaipur: The Pink City’s ornate palaces and bustling bazaars enchanted at every turn.
Udaipur: Lake Pichola’s tranquil beauty, shimmering against lush hills, seemed almost dreamlike.
Delhi: Ancient monuments rose beside vibrant markets and Mughal-era boulevards.
The thrills of the journey continued to not disappoint with Agra as our next stop. Even among the world’s great wonders, nothing quite prepares you for the silent majesty of those marble domes of the Taj Mahal at sunrise - a moment to treasure for a lifetime.
Yet for me, the spiritual crescendo was found in Varanasi. Gliding on a dawn cruise along the Ganges, I watched the riverbanks come alive: priests performing centuries-old rituals, families sending tiny candle-lit offerings floating into the current, and saffron-clad pilgrims wading into the sacred waters. Life here unfolds in technicolour - the air thick with incense and the distant echo of temple bells - a moving testament to India’s enduring heart.
Journey’s Finale: Darjeeling & Kolkata
The private train journey concluded after Varanasi, but my adventure continued aboard the historic ‘toy train climbing into the tea-swathed hills of Darjeeling. For three blissful nights at the charming Mayfair Darjeeling, I sipped aromatic tea, trekked to breathtaking viewpoints, and marvelled at the Himalayan panorama. The final chapter in Kolkata brought Victorian-era elegance, Bengali culture, and some of the finest cuisine of the trip.
Why Travel by Luxury Rail in India?
A journey aboard a private train in India is so much more than travel—it’s the joy of slow discovery, the privilege of privacy, and the ability to immerse yourself fully in the sights and soul of India. Every detail, from the cuisine to the excursions, is curated for pure comfort and cultural depth.
If you’re searching for the ultimate way to see India in style - where each day brings new wonders and every night delivers you gently to your next great experience - I cannot recommend this journey enough.
Ready to plan your bespoke Indian rail adventure? Reach out today for advice, exclusive benefits, and personalised service at every stage of your trip.
