NEW DELHI — To bolster pilgrimage tourism and reconnect citizens with India’s spiritual heritage, Indian Railways has announced the launch of the iconic “Shri Ramayana Yatra” tour. Scheduled to depart from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station on March 30, 2026, this 17-day journey will trace the sacred path of Lord Rama, covering over 7,500 km across India and parts of Nepal.
The tour will be operated using the high-end Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, which IRCTC officials describe as a “moving luxury hotel.” The state-of-the-art rake is equipped with modern amenities designed for the comfort of pilgrims, including two fine-dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles, sensor-based washrooms, and even foot massagers for relaxation after sightseeing.
The Sacred Itinerary
The comprehensive 17-day circuit includes stops at the most significant sites mentioned in the Ramayana:
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Ayodhya & Nandigram: Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Bharat Mandir.
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Bihar & Nepal: Explore Sitamarhi and travel by road to Janakpur (Nepal) to visit the Janaki Temple.
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Varanasi & Prayagraj: Witness the Ganga Aarti and visit the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Shringverpur.
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Chitrakoot & Nashik: Spend time in the forests where Lord Rama lived during exile, including the Trimbakeshwar Temple and Panchvati.
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Hampi & Rameshwaram: Visit Kishkindha (Anjaneya Hill) and conclude the pilgrimage at the Ramanathaswamy Temple and Dhanushkodi.
Pricing and Package Details
To ensure a seamless experience, IRCTC has bundled all costs into an all-inclusive package. This includes train travel, accommodation in three-star hotels, all vegetarian meals, AC road transfers, and travel insurance.
| Class | Price (Per Person) |
| First AC | ₹1,64,940 |
| Second AC | ₹1,51,225 |
| Third AC | ₹1,14,100 |
To make the journey more accessible, IRCTC is offering a part-payment option, allowing devotees to secure their booking by paying an initial 25 per cent of the total cost. Enhanced security features, including CCTV surveillance and dedicated security guards for each coach, have been integrated to ensure the safety of all passengers throughout the 17-day spiritual odyssey.
