The All-in-One Travel Solution
For travellers who prefer a well-structured trip without the stress of coordinating multiple bookings, an IRCTC package is a compelling option. These packages are designed to bundle the major components of a trip—transportation, accommodation, meals,
and sightseeing—into a single booking with one upfront cost. This approach not only simplifies planning but also provides a clear budget, helping you avoid unexpected expenses. IRCTC leverages its extensive network to offer a wide variety of tours, from spiritual pilgrimages and heritage circuits to leisure trips and wildlife safaris. Whether you're interested in a rail tour, an air package, or a journey on a special themed train like the Bharat Gaurav, the core promise is convenience and a professionally curated itinerary.
What a Typical Six-Day Tour Includes
While packages vary, a typical six-day, five-night tour offers a comprehensive travel experience. For example, a package to a destination like Kerala or a wildlife tour in Maharashtra will generally include confirmed train or flight tickets, pre-booked hotel stays, and most meals (often breakfast and dinner). On-ground transportation for sightseeing, such as buses or cars for transfers between the airport/station, hotel, and tourist spots, is also a standard inclusion. Many packages feature a planned day-by-day itinerary that covers key attractions, ensuring you experience the highlights of a region without the need for personal research and navigation. Some may even include the services of a tour guide or escort.
Understanding the Costs
The price of an IRCTC package varies based on the destination, mode of travel, and level of comfort. For instance, a six-day air package to Kerala might have different pricing tiers for single, double, or triple hotel room occupancy. A recent 'Mystical Kerala' package started from approximately ₹46,750 per person for triple sharing. Similarly, rail-based tours, such as the Bharat Gaurav tourist trains, offer different classes of travel and accommodation, with prices reflecting the chosen level. A recent 10-day pilgrimage tour started at around ₹17,000. It is crucial for travellers to check the specific package details, as pricing is dynamic and depends on the season and specific departure dates.
What's Included and What's Not
Understanding the inclusions and exclusions is key to a hassle-free trip. Most IRCTC packages will explicitly list what the fare covers. Standard inclusions are travel tickets (train or flight), hotel accommodation, a set meal plan (e.g., breakfast and dinner), and local sightseeing transport. Taxes like GST are also typically part of the package price. However, travellers should pay close attention to the exclusions. Common exclusions are entrance fees to monuments and parks, costs for optional activities, camera fees, tips, and personal expenses like laundry or shopping. Meals not specified in the itinerary are also an extra cost. Always read the fine print of your chosen package on the official IRCTC website to be fully aware of what your payment covers.
How to Book Your Tour
Booking an IRCTC tour package is a straightforward process designed for user convenience. The primary booking portal is the official IRCTC Tourism website (irctctourism.com) and its corresponding mobile app. On the website, you can navigate to the 'Holidays' section and select 'Packages', where you can filter by tour type, such as rail tours, air tours, or the Bharat Gaurav trains. You can then browse packages by destination or departure city. Once you select a tour, you will find detailed information on the itinerary, cost, and inclusions. The booking process requires you to select a departure date, occupancy type, and then proceed to payment using either a registered IRCTC account or a guest login.
