The Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train is a part of the central government's initiatives 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat' and 'Dekho Apna Desh'.
We have been anticipating the arrival of the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train ever since the government announced it. And now the wait is finally over as it's all set to kick off its journey this May 18. The journey will span 8 nights and 9 days, covering the major spiritual destinations of North India.
According to reports, the train will consist of AC-3 tier and economy/sleeper class coaches. The exterior features images of popular Indian monuments, landmarks, and sculptures among others, while the coaches are equipped with CCTV cameras and infotainment systems. The cost per person will be ₹29,500 for AC class and ₹17,900 for economy/sleeper class.
Visit sacred cities across North India on the Uttar Bharat With Ramlala Darshan (EZBG16) tour starting from New Jalpaiguri on 18.05.24.
— IRCTC Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train (@IR_BharatGaurav) April 8, 2024
Book now on https://t.co/xrCbEe8fyP@incredibleindia @tourismgoi @RailMinIndia @mygovindia @uptourismgov @UTDBofficial @JandKTourism pic.twitter.com/vQz3zoHqBk
(Credit: IRCTC Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train)
As explained on IRCTC's website, "... the journeys undertaken on these trains are on the diverse circuits which are offered in the form of tour packages wherein services like off-board travel and excursions by buses, stay at hotels, tour guides, meals, travel insurance etc are provided along with comfortable train journey and allied onboard services."
Well, it goes without saying that the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains will promote domestic tourism significantly. And before you buy your tickets, read ahead to learn about the major destinations it will cover.
Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Temple is a temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Durga) and is located on the Trikuta mountain in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.
(Credit: mata_vaishno_devi_)
Located at a height of 1,585 meters, Mata Vaishnodevi Temple is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in North India, drawing millions of devotees from across the country every year. Three icons - Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati - are worshipped here, and there's a sacred cave where Mata Vaishnodevi is said to have resided.
Located in the holy city of Haridwar, Bharat Mata Devi Temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata - Mother India. The temple is a symbol of unity and encapsulates the spiritual essence of India. And unlike other temples, it doesn't boast a deity and instead pays homage to India herself.
Today, the Bharat Mata Temple is one of Haridwar's most popular landmarks. It was inaugurated in 1983 by the late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. And its foundation stone was laid by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. Visiting here is an awe-inspiring experience for tourists and pilgrims from all walks of life. The architecture is also quite beautiful and is a fine example of traditional Indian craftsmanship.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, simply known as the Ram Mandir, is located in the sacred Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. According to many, the temple is located at the mythical birthplace of Lord Rama. It was inaugurated just a few months ago after a prana pratishtha (consecration) ceremony.
The main structure of the temple has been built on a raised platform with three storeys. The Shri Ram Darbar comprises five halls – Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. There are 366 columns, each of which comprises of 16 idols including the incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati.
It receives 1 to 1.5 lakh visitors on a daily basis.
Besides the above-mentioned places, the tour will also cover Har ki Pauri (Rishikesh) and Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat (Mathura and Vrindavan) among others.
