The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced two major theme-based Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train circuits to showcase India’s spiritual and historical legacy one covering key pilgrimage sites in North India, and another tracing the glorious journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra.
North India Tour from Vijayawada
Beginning April 23, the first Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will depart from Vijayawada Railway Station, offering passengers a 10-day spiritual journey to some of India’s most revered religious destinations. The train will cover Haridwar, Rishikesh, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, and Anandpur Sahib, among others.
According to IRCTC officials, the trip is part of an effort to promote India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, with all-inclusive arrangements including rail and road transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours.
Key religious sites on the itinerary include:
• Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula in Haridwar-Rishikesh
• Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara and Naina Devi Temple
• Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib & Sri Akal Takht Sahib) in Amritsar
• Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra
Boarding and deboarding facilities will be available at several major stations in Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada, Guntur) and Telangana (Nalgonda, Secunderabad, Kazipet, Peddapalli, Mancherial, and Sirpur Kaghaznagar).
The train will be equipped with modern safety features, including CCTV surveillance, a public announcement system in each coach, and travel insurance for all passengers.
Shivaji Maharaj and Glorious Maratha Tour from Delhi
The second circuit, titled “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour,” will begin on July 16 from Delhi, taking travelers on a 10-day historical expedition across Maharashtra.
This train will highlight sites associated with Shivaji Maharaj’s life and legacy, covering:
• Pune (Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace)
• Raigad Fort (Shivaji’s coronation site)
•Shivneri Fort (his birthplace)
• Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Shirdi, Nashik, Trimbakeshwar, Shambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), Ellora Caves, and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Tourists can board the train at New Delhi, Delhi Cantonment, Gurgaon, Rewari, Phulera, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vasai Road, and Kalyan. The itinerary combines heritage exploration with temple visits, offering a deep dive into Maratha pride and India’s cultural vibrancy.
The Ellora Caves visit will showcase India’s ancient architectural excellence, while spiritual stops like Bhimashankar and Trimbakeshwar will cater to religious travelers. The route also includes an overnight halt in Shirdi, allowing passengers to visit the revered Sai Baba Temple.
Ticket Fares and Booking Information
Passengers interested in the two theme-based Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train circuits can book their tickets through the official IRCTC website on a first-come, first-served basis. The pilgrimage tour from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to North India offers various fare options. For double or triple sharing, the cost is Rs 18,510 in Sleeper Class, Rs 30,730 in 3AC, and Rs 40,685 in 2AC. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 years can travel at concessional rates—Rs 17,390 in Sleeper, Rs 29,420 in 3AC, and Rs 39,110 in 2AC. Meanwhile, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour from Delhi is priced at Rs 19,180 for Sleeper Class, Rs 33,345 for AC III Tier, and Rs 47,330 for AC II Tier. Both tours include comprehensive travel arrangements, accommodation, meals, and security features, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for passengers.
Bookings are open on the official IRCTC portal on a first-come, first-served basis. For further assistance, travelers may also contact IRCTC’s customer service via the mobile numbers listed on the site.
These special trains are part of the Bharat Gaurav initiative under the Ministry of Railways, aimed at reviving interest in India’s heritage circuits and making cultural tourism more accessible to the public.
