IRCTC Announces Special 17-Day Ramayan Circuit Train Journey
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has unveiled plans for a special 17-day Ramayan Circuit train journey, scheduled to commence on March 30. This unique pilgrimage tour is designed to offer devotees an immersive experience visiting significant sites associated with the life of Lord Ram.
Journey Details and Itinerary
The tour will depart from Delhi's Safdarganj railway station aboard the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train, a premium tourist train specifically engineered to provide a comfortable pilgrimage experience. According to IRCTC chief public relations officer V K Bhatti, this initiative aligns with the Government of India's Dekho Apna Desh and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat vision, aimed at promoting domestic tourism and celebrating India's rich cultural heritage.
The comprehensive 17-day itinerary will cover multiple sacred destinations connected to the Ramayan epic:
- Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram
- Nandigram, Sitamarhi and Buxar in Bihar
- Janakpur in Nepal, the birthplace of Goddess Sita
- Varanasi, Prayagraj and Shringverpur
- Nashik, Hampi and Rameshwaram
Pricing and Booking Options
The deluxe tourist train will offer travel accommodations in three classes:
- First AC: Rs 1,64,940 per person
- Second AC: Rs 1,54,225 per person
- Third AC: Rs 1,14,100 per person
To enhance accessibility, IRCTC has introduced a flexible payment option allowing tourists to pay just 25% of the total tour package at the time of booking, with the remaining balance payable later. Passengers will have the convenience of boarding and disembarking at multiple stations including Delhi, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur and Lucknow.
Premium Onboard Amenities
The Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC tourist train has been equipped with modern facilities to ensure a comfortable and hygienic travel experience:
- Two onboard restaurants serving quality meals
- A modern kitchen facility
- Shower cubicles in coaches for passenger convenience
- Sensor-based washrooms with advanced hygiene features
This special train journey represents a significant development in India's religious tourism sector, combining spiritual pilgrimage with modern travel comforts. The initiative is expected to attract devotees from across the country seeking to explore the Ramayan's sacred geography while experiencing India's diverse cultural landscape.
