The cost to ride on India's luxury trains may surprise you

Luxury trains in India date back to its colonial era, when opulent carriages transported dignitaries, officials and royalty.

More trains were built in the 19th century for the country's maharajas and other ruling elites and their families.

Following India's independence in 1947, privy purses — or governmental payments to these rulers — ended. Without the money to maintain them, India's luxury rail carriages were abandoned.

Indian Railways, which is part of India's national railway system, refurbished several trains over the years, with the first making its debut in the 1980s. The trains were introduced to promote tourism in India by providing travelers with a unique and opulent way to experience the country.

Blending historical elegance with modern comforts, these trains are a glimpse into India's regal past.

A note to travelers: Travel companies have websites that appear to be official sites for the trains in this article, sometimes selling trips at higher rates. Official sites for each train are embedded in the links.

Route: an eight-day journey across northwest India, including the country's "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra

Price: from $864 (based on twin sharing)

When it runs: September to April

Introduced in 1982, the Palace on Wheels is an icon in Indian luxury train travel. Chugging along the northern reaches of India through Rajasthan and Agra, this train immerses passengers in a royal bygone era with sundowners in the dunes, camel safaris and trips to Rajasthan's palaces and historic forts.

Its 14-coach train, each named after former princely states of Rajasthan, have 41 cabins, with panoramic windows, sumptuous carpets, frescoed ceilings, mahogany paneling and attached bathrooms. The two "super deluxe" cabins