Planning a spiritual journey in February? Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has announced a new Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train package that connects several of India’s most important religious destinations in a single, well-organised tour.
This 9-night, 10-day pilgrimage tour will run from February 5 to February 14, beginning its journey from Agra Cantt Railway Station. The package is designed for devotees who wish to visit multiple sacred sites without the hassle of planning transport, accommodation, and local travel separately.
Pilgrimage Destinations Covered in the Tour
The Bharat Gaurav train journey covers a wide range of spiritual and cultural centres across eastern and northern India. Pilgrims will visit destinations associated with Hindu religious traditions, heritage temples, and sacred river sites. The route includes Gaya, Puri, Konark, Kolkata, Gangasagar, Jasidih (Baidyanath Dham), Varanasi, and Ayodhya. Together, these locations form a comprehensive pilgrimage circuit for devotees seeking darshan at major temples and holy ghats.
Important Temples and Holy Sites on the Itinerary
During the journey, travellers will get guided access to several renowned temples and religious landmarks. These include the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO-recognised heritage structure. The tour also includes visits to Gangasagar near Kolkata, Baidyanath Dham at Jasidih, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and sacred sites in Ayodhya such as Shri Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi. Each stop has been planned to allow sufficient time for darshan and rituals.
Seating Capacity and Train Classes
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train has a total capacity of 767 passengers, spread across different travel classes to suit varying budgets and comfort preferences. Out of the total berths, 49 seats are available in 2AC, 70 in 3AC, and 648 seats in Sleeper Class. This distribution ensures that both budget travellers and those seeking added comfort can participate in the tour.
Boarding and Deboarding Stations
For passenger convenience, IRCTC has allowed boarding and deboarding at multiple stations along the route. Apart from Agra Cantt, travellers can join or leave the tour at Gwalior, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, Orai, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. This flexibility makes the tour accessible to pilgrims from different regions.
Facilities Included in the Package
The tour package is designed as an all-inclusive experience. Train travel is provided in the selected class, along with pure vegetarian meals covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the journey. Local sightseeing is arranged using AC or non-AC buses, depending on the chosen category. Accommodation is provided in hotels on a double or triple sharing basis, and wash-and-change facilities are arranged during long transit hours to ensure passenger comfort.
Tour Package Pricing Details
IRCTC has offered the pilgrimage tour in three categories based on travel class and accommodation type. The Economy category is priced at ₹19,110 per person and ₹17,950 for children aged 5 to 11 years. This option includes Sleeper Class train travel, non-AC hotels, non-AC local transport, and basic facilities. The Standard category, priced at ₹31,720 per adult and ₹30,360 per child, offers 3AC train travel with AC hotel accommodation and improved comfort. For travellers seeking the highest comfort, the Comfort category costs ₹41,980 per adult and ₹40,350 per child. This includes 2AC train travel, AC hotels, AC local transport, and premium arrangements.
Booking Process and Payment Options
According to Ajit Kumar Sinha, Chief Regional Manager (North Region), IRCTC, bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested pilgrims can book the tour by visiting the IRCTC Tourism Office at Tourism Bhawan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, or by booking online through the official portal IRCTC Tourism . The package also supports LTC (Leave Travel Concession) and EMI payment options, available through selected government and private banks listed on the IRCTC website.
Contact Details for Assistance
For further information or booking support, passengers can contact IRCTC on the following numbers:
9236391908, 8287930908, 9305111763, 8595924294, 8595924299, 8287930926, 859592429
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The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train offers a structured and affordable way to visit multiple pilgrimage sites in one journey. By combining rail travel, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing into a single package, IRCTC aims to make spiritual tourism more accessible and stress-free for devotees. For those planning a religious tour in February, this package presents a convenient opportunity to experience some of India’s most sacred destinations in one well-managed itinerary.
