In a tribute to one of India’s greatest warrior-kings, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind heritage rail tour, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit, which will trace major historical locations associated with the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary founder of the Maratha Empire and Hindavi Swarajya.
The six-day tour, aimed at promoting cultural tourism and educating citizens about the Maratha warrior’s monumental contributions, is scheduled to commence from Mumbai’s iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and will cover key forts, temples, and towns deeply connected to Shivaji Maharaj’s life journey and military conquests.
A Journey Through History
Day 1: Raigad Fort – The Capital of a King
The tour’s inaugural destination will be Raigad Fort, the historic hill fort that served as the capital of the Maratha Empire and the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation (Rajyabhishek) in 1674. Tourists will disembark at Mangaon Railway Station, the nearest railhead on the Konkan Railway Network, and will be transported by road to the fort. Visitors will explore the fort’s expansive grounds, including the royal court, Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi, and the grand market area before boarding the train again for the next leg of the journey.
Day 2: Pune – In the Footsteps of a Warrior Prince
The second day will take tourists to Pune, an important center in Shivaji Maharaj’s early life. Upon arrival, guests will check into a hotel and later visit Lal Mahal, a historic red palace originally constructed by Shahaji Bhosale for his wife Jijabai and young son Shivaji in 1630 CE. Though the original structure no longer exists, the present-day Lal Mahal was rebuilt in 1984 and houses a remarkable collection of paintings and exhibits depicting key moments from Shivaji’s life.
The day’s tour also includes a visit to the Kasba Ganapati Temple, one of the oldest temples in Pune and the presiding deity of the city. It is said to have been patronised by Jijabai herself. Tourists will also explore Shivsrushti, a unique heritage theme park that brings Shivaji Maharaj’s life to life through 3D installations and immersive storytelling.
Day 3: Shivneri Fort and Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
The third day begins with a journey to Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar, about 95 km from Pune. This fort is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and features relics from his early childhood, including the temple of Goddess Shivai, after whom he was named. Tourists will later visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, before returning to Pune for the night.
Day 4: Pratapgarh – The Site of a Decisive Battle
On the fourth day, the train will proceed to Satara, from where tourists will travel to the Pratapgarh Fort. This is the historic site of the 1659 battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, the general of the Bijapur Sultanate. The daring victory at Pratapgarh was a major turning point in Shivaji Maharaj’s assertion of Maratha strength in the Deccan.
Day 5: Kolhapur’s Royal Legacy
The penultimate day of the journey includes a visit to Kolhapur, where tourists will explore the revered Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) and the Panhala Fort. Panhala has a significant place in Maratha history, known particularly for Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s legendary last stand during Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic escape from Panhala to Vishalgad.
Day 6: Return to Mumbai
The final day will mark the return of the heritage train to Mumbai, concluding an immersive six-day journey into the life, valor, and spiritual legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Tour Packages and Inclusions
IRCTC has announced three pricing tiers for the tour:
• Sleeper Class (Economy): Rs 13,155 per person
• 3AC (Comfort): Rs 19,840 per person
• 2AC (Superior): Rs 27,365 per person
The comprehensive package includes train travel, hotel accommodations, meals, local transfers, sightseeing at all destinations, insurance coverage, and escort services for safety and guidance.
IRCTC has assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to provide tourists with a safe, educational, and memorable travel experience, especially catering to families, history enthusiasts, and students seeking to delve into Maratha heritage.
Promoting Cultural Patriotism
This initiative marks the first official rail circuit dedicated to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reflecting a broader movement to highlight indigenous heroes and historic legacies in India’s tourism narratives. Officials believe this heritage circuit will not only attract domestic tourists but will also serve as an educational pilgrimage for those seeking to understand the roots of Maratha resistance and Hindavi Swarajya.
