New Delhi: In a move aimed at promoting pilgrimage tourism, Indian Railways has announced a 17-day spiritual journey titled the Shri Ramayana Yatra, which will take devotees to several locations linked with the life of Lord Rama.
The tour, scheduled to begin on March 30, will run for 16 nights and 17 days, covering prominent religious destinations across India and neighbouring Nepal that are associated with events from the epic Ramayana.
Special tourist train for the journey
The pilgrimage will be conducted on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation.
Officials said the train has been designed to provide a comfortable travel experience while catering to spiritual tourism. It offers three accommodation categories — First AC, Second AC and Third AC — and is equipped with modern facilities including onboard restaurants, a kitchen, CCTV surveillance, security staff, sensor-based washrooms, shower cubicles and other passenger amenities.
Route and destinations
The journey will start from Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi and will cover several historic and religious locations connected to Lord Rama.
The first stop will be Ayodhya, where travellers will visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, along with Hanuman Garhi and Ram Ki Paidi.
From there, pilgrims will travel to Nandigram before heading toward Sitamarhi. Tourists will then travel by road to Janakpur to visit the Janaki Temple, believed to be associated with the birthplace of Sita.
The itinerary also includes visits to several other religious destinations such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.
During the journey, pilgrims will explore temples and sacred locations such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Triveni Sangam and the Ramanathaswamy Temple.
Travel package and facilities
The train will cover approximately 7,560 kilometres before returning to Delhi on the 17th day. According to officials, the package includes train travel, accommodation in three-star hotels during certain stops, vegetarian meals, guided sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles, travel insurance and the assistance of tour managers.
The cost of the journey has been fixed at around ₹1,14,100 per person for Third AC, ₹1,51,225 for Second AC and ₹1,64,940 for First AC. A slightly lower fare is available for travellers opting for triple-occupancy arrangements.
Officials said the pilgrimage train can accommodate about 150 passengers and is expected to attract devotees interested in exploring sacred sites connected to the Ramayana tradition.
