A Sacred Sojourn Begins
The Indian Railways, through its tourism arm IRCTC, has curated a remarkable pilgrimage experience known as the Divine East Temple Tour. This special journey
utilizes the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train, designed to make sacred travels more accessible and comfortable for devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike. The expedition is scheduled to commence its voyage from the bustling Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi on March 9, 2026, promising a deeply enriching exploration of India's spiritual and cultural heritage over a span of ten days. This initiative aims to connect travelers with the profound significance of India's holy sites, simultaneously fostering local economies through increased tourism. The concept behind the Bharat Gaurav train series is to offer a comprehensive and hassle-free package that allows individuals to fulfill their aspirations of visiting significant religious destinations, all while enjoying modern amenities and dedicated service onboard.
Journey Through Sacred Cities
The Divine East Temple Tour's meticulously crafted itinerary will guide travelers through a series of incredibly significant locations, beginning their adventure from Delhi. The train will make its way to Varanasi, a city synonymous with spirituality and the sacred Ganges River, where a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti will be highlights. Continuing the spiritual sojourn, the train proceeds to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. Here, participants will explore iconic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and immerse themselves in devotion at the Kali Ghat (Shakti Peeth) and Dakshineshwar Kali Mandir. A pivotal experience awaits at Gangasagar, where a holy dip at the Sagar Sangam and a visit to the Kapil Muni Temple are central attractions. The journey then leads to Puri, home to the revered Shri Jagannath Temple. The tour extends to encompass the rich heritage of Odisha, including a comprehensive circuit covering Bhubaneswar, the peaceful Dhauli Shanti Stupa, the ancient Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, and the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spiritual odyssey culminates at Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, another of Lord Shiva's sacred Jyotirlingas, before the train returns to Delhi, leaving passengers with profound spiritual and cultural memories.
Deluxe Train Amenities
The Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train is equipped with advanced safety and security features, ensuring a secure travel experience for all passengers. This state-of-the-art train is designed to accommodate approximately 150 tourists across three distinct classes: 1AC, 2AC, and 3AC, offering varying levels of comfort and exclusivity. A standout feature of this unique train is its two dedicated restaurant cars, which provide hygienic and delicious vegetarian meals throughout the journey. Passengers can choose their preferred travel class, with pricing structured accordingly. For those opting for 1AC class, the package is priced at Rs 1,06,940 per person. Travelers preferring 2AC will find the cost at Rs 98,925 per person, while the 3AC class option is available for Rs 79,285 per person. This inclusive package covers the train journey in the respective AC classes, accommodation in AC hotels, all meals (strictly vegetarian), and local transfers and sightseeing in AC vehicles. Additionally, the package includes travel insurance and the invaluable services of IRCTC Tour Managers, ensuring a seamless and memorable pilgrimage.
Booking Your Pilgrimage
Securing a spot on the Divine East Temple Tour is a straightforward process, allowing interested individuals to easily embark on this spiritual adventure. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train's Divine East Temple Tour can be made through IRCTC’s official tourism portal, a user-friendly online platform that provides all necessary information and booking facilities. Alternatively, prospective travelers can visit authorized IRCTC tourism offices located across the country to make their reservations in person. For those seeking detailed information about the exact itinerary, travel dates, and booking procedures, the dedicated website, www.irctctourism.combharatgaurav, serves as a comprehensive resource. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a recognized Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, is committed to offering diverse tourism circuits that cater to various interests, and this 10-day temple tour is a testament to their dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences that blend spirituality, culture, and comfort for travelers across India.
