An All-Inclusive Spiritual Journey
In a bid to boost domestic tourism and offer hassle-free pilgrimage opportunities, IRCTC has curated several tour packages under its 'Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' initiative. These special trains are designed to provide an all-encompassing travel experience,
connecting various historical, cultural, and religious destinations across India. One such popular circuit weaves through the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, covering a series of profoundly significant sites for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. The concept is simple: board the train and let IRCTC handle the rest, from travel and accommodation to meals and local sightseeing. This makes the journey accessible and convenient for families, senior citizens, and anyone wishing to avoid the complexities of planning a multi-city tour.
The Sacred Destinations Covered
While IRCTC operates various itineraries that change with the season and demand, a popular circuit across these two states often includes a blend of the most revered destinations. A typical six-stop tour could feature Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, complemented by visits to Gaya, Bodhgaya, and Nalanda in Bihar. In Varanasi, pilgrims can visit the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and witness the Ganga Aarti. Prayagraj offers the sacred Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Ayodhya is central to the Ramayana circuit, focusing on the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. In Bihar, Gaya is a crucial site for Hindu ancestral rites, while nearby Bodhgaya is where Buddha attained enlightenment, and Nalanda holds the ruins of the ancient world-renowned university. Travellers should always confirm the exact itinerary for their chosen travel date, as destinations can vary between different tour announcements.
Understanding the Package: Costs and Inclusions
The primary appeal of the Bharat Gaurav tours is their all-inclusive nature. The fare typically covers the entire journey, providing significant value and peace of mind. Packages are usually offered in different categories to suit various budgets, such as Economy (Sleeper class), Standard (3AC), and Comfort (2AC). A representative 8-night, 9-day tour package fare might start from around ₹16,000 for Economy and go up to ₹37,000 for Comfort class, per person. This price generally includes train fare across the circuit, accommodation in non-AC or AC hotels depending on the package, all vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), all transfers and sightseeing in non-AC buses, the services of a tour escort, and travel insurance. This bundled pricing structure ensures there are no hidden costs for the essential components of the trip.
What's Not Included in the Tour
While the package is comprehensive, travellers should be aware of expenses that are not covered. These typically include personal expenses such as laundry, medicines, and the purchase of souvenirs. Any entrance fees for specific monuments or temples, as well as the cost of hiring local guides, may also be excluded from the base package price. Furthermore, any meals or beverages ordered outside of the planned menu provided by IRCTC are to be paid for by the traveller. It is always advisable to read the detailed list of inclusions and exclusions on the IRCTC tourism website before booking to have a clear understanding of the total potential cost of the pilgrimage.
How to Book Your Journey
Booking a spot on the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train is a straightforward process. The most reliable way is through the official IRCTC tourism website, www.irctctourism.com. The website lists all upcoming tours with their detailed itineraries, dates, fares, and available seats. Interested individuals can create an account, select their desired tour, and complete the booking online. Bookings can also be made at IRCTC's Zonal Offices, Regional Offices, and dedicated Tourist Facilitation Centres. Given the popularity of these tours, especially during festive seasons or holidays, it is recommended to book well in advance to secure a place on your preferred journey.
