Patna: The IRCTC has announced the operation of a special Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train for a South India pilgrimage tour, offering devotees and tourists an opportunity to visit some of the country’s most prominent religious destinations.
According to Rajesh Kumar, Regional Manager of IRCTC, the “South India Yatra” tourist train will depart from Dumka in Jharkhand on July 14. The journey has been planned for 12 nights and 13 days under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train scheme.
Major Pilgrimage Destinations Included
During the tour, passengers will visit several renowned temples and spiritual sites across South India. The itinerary includes the Tirupati Balaji Temple and Padmavati Temple in Tirupati, the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlinga at Rameswaram, the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Kanyakumari Temple in Kanyakumari, and the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga at Srisailam.
Part of National Tourism Campaign
IRCTC said the tour is being organised under the Central Government’s “Dekho Apna Desh” and “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiatives. The programme aims to encourage domestic tourism, strengthen cultural integration, and promote awareness of India’s diverse heritage.
Boarding Facilities Across Bihar and Jharkhand
Chief Supervisor Sanjeev Kumar said passengers will be able to board and de-board the train at multiple stations, including Dumka, Hansdiha, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj, Jamalpur, Kiul, Mokama, Bakhtiyarpur, Patna Sahib, Patna, Ara, Buxar, Dildarnagar, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and Prayagraj Chheoki.
Fare and Package Details
The tour package includes rail travel, hotel accommodation, local transportation, sightseeing, vegetarian meals both on-board and off-board, travel insurance, and security arrangements.
The fare has been fixed at Rs 25,400 per passenger for Economy Class, Rs 45,550 for Standard Class, and Rs 55,500 for Comfort Class.
IRCTC has also announced special discounts for group bookings. Interested travellers can contact the regional IRCTC office for booking and additional information.
