An Overview of the Journey
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) offers several rail tour packages that bundle travel, accommodation, and sightseeing into one experience. The Shirdi, Ajanta, and Ellora tour is specifically designed for pilgrims and history enthusiasts
who want to cover these significant sites without the hassle of individual bookings. Typically structured as a five-night, six-day trip, it combines overnight train journeys with comfortable hotel stays and guided local tours, making it a popular choice for families and senior citizens.
A Typical Day-by-Day Itinerary
While itineraries can vary based on the originating city, a common six-day tour follows a structured plan. Day 1 often begins with an evening departure by train from a major hub like Secunderabad or Chennai. Day 2 involves arriving at the nearest railway station, such as Aurangabad or Manmad, followed by a road transfer to a hotel in Shirdi. The rest of the day is usually dedicated to visiting the Sai Baba Temple. Day 3 is an excursion to the magnificent Ellora Caves and the nearby Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, a revered Hindu shrine. Day 4 is reserved for a trip to the breathtaking Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient rock-cut Buddhist murals. On Day 5, after some leisure time or local exploration, travellers are transferred back to the railway station for their overnight return journey. Day 6 marks the arrival back at the original departure city.
What the Package Includes
One of the biggest advantages of an IRCTC package is its all-inclusive nature, which provides clarity on expenses. These packages typically cover confirmed train tickets in the chosen class (like Sleeper, 3AC, or 2AC), ensuring your travel is sorted. Accommodation in standard or comfort category hotels for the nights spent in Shirdi and Aurangabad is also included. For local travel, the package provides an air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers between the railway station, hotels, and sightseeing spots. The cost usually includes a set meal plan, often consisting of breakfast and dinner, and sometimes a tour guide or escort for the group. Travel insurance is another common inclusion, offering peace of mind throughout the journey.
Understanding the Cost Structure
The cost of the tour varies based on several factors. The primary one is the class of train travel and the type of hotel accommodation, often categorised as 'Standard' or 'Comfort'. Prices are also set per person and depend on occupancy, with different rates for single, double, and triple sharing rooms. A typical six-day rail tour package for this circuit could range from approximately ₹13,000 to ₹20,000 per person. It is important to note what is not included. Exclusions generally consist of lunch, entrance fees for monuments and temples, any special darshan tickets, and personal expenses like laundry or tips.
How to Book Your Tour
Booking an IRCTC tour package is a straightforward process that can be completed online. The first step is to visit the official IRCTC Tourism website. On the homepage, you can navigate to the 'Tour Packages' or 'Holidays' section. From there, you can search for rail tour packages and filter by destination or origin city. Once you find the Shirdi, Ajanta, and Ellora package, you can view the detailed itinerary, inclusions, and available departure dates. To book, you'll need to log in with your IRCTC user ID or proceed as a guest, provide passenger details, and complete the payment online. For any queries, customer support is available via email or phone.
