The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a new initiative named the “Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” aimed at facilitating pilgrimages to significant religious sites in South India. The train service is set to operate from April 11 to April 22, 2026, comprising a total duration of 11 nights and 12 days. The journey will commence at Gorakhpur Railway Station, with several key boarding points along the route, including Mankapur, Ayodhya Cantt, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh (Maa Belha Devi Dham), Prayagraj Sangam, Rae Bareli, Lucknow, Kanpur Central, Orai, Jhansi, and Lalitpur. This initiative is part of IRCTC’s broader strategy to enhance religious tourism across India by offering organized and cost-effective travel packages.

Religious Destinations Featured in the Tour

Passengers aboard the Bharat Gaurav Train will be taken to several key pilgrimage destinations in South India. The itinerary includes visits to the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Ramanathaswamy Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Kanyakumari, and Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. The tour package incorporates not just temple visits but also sightseeing opportunities, making it an attractive option for both devotees and other travelers interested in sacred locales.

Ticket Pricing and Package Options

IRCTC has categorized the tour into three distinct pricing tiers to accommodate varying budgets and comfort levels. The Economy Class (Sleeper) ticket is priced at ₹24,790 for adults and ₹23,400 for children aged between 5 to 11 years. This package offers sleeper class travel, accommodation in non-AC hotels, and non-AC transport. The Standard Class (3AC) option comes at ₹42,530 for adults and ₹40,900 for children, including 3AC train travel, AC hotel accommodations, and non-AC transport. The Comfort Class (2AC) package, which includes 2AC train travel, AC hotel stays, and AC transport, is priced at ₹56,710 for adults and ₹54,750 for children. All packages encompass train transit, lodging, vegetarian meals, and local sightseeing arrangements.

Booking Procedures and Additional Amenities

Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis, as per the officials from IRCTC. Travelers are encouraged to book their tickets through the IRCTC Tourism website or by visiting the IRCTC office located in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. To enhance affordability, tourists can also take advantage of EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) and LTC (Leave Travel Concession) options available through select banks on the IRCTC portal. For any queries or booking assistance, passengers may reach out to IRCTC via designated mobile numbers.

Convenience and Benefits for Pilgrims

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train presents devotees with a streamlined opportunity to visit numerous sacred sites in a single journey while bypassing the complexities often associated with trip planning. With organized travel itineraries and inclusive packages that emphasize comfort and affordability, this initiative is poised to attract a significant number of pilgrims from across India. Additionally, it underscores the commitment of Indian Railways to promote spiritual tourism, ensuring convenient travel experiences for passengers.

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