The Indian government has been actively promoting religious tourism across the country, aiming to connect travellers with significant pilgrimage sites. As part of this initiative, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has announced a new Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train package that will provide an immersive experience for pilgrims looking to visit the Jyotirlingas. Scheduled to begin on November 18, 2025, this twelve-day journey promises seamless travel, guided tours, and comfortable accommodations while connecting devotees to some of the most revered Shiva temples in India.
The journey will commence from Yog Nagri Rishikesh Railway Station and will traverse multiple states to cover seven major Jyotirlinga shrines: Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Nageshwar, Somnath, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, and Grishneshwar. In addition to these temples, the train will stop at other important spiritual sites including Dwarkadhish Temple and Bet Dwarka, providing passengers with a comprehensive religious experience.
The Bharat Gaurav Train will operate from November 18 to 29, 2025, accommodating up to 767 passengers across three travel categories: Comfort, Standard, and Economy. Passengers can expect an all-inclusive package covering train travel, overnight stays in budget hotels or dharamshalas, and vegetarian meals throughout the journey. Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, and professional tour escorts along with IRCTC managers will be available to assist travellers. The package also includes travel insurance to ensure a worry-free experience.
Prices start at INR 24,100 for the Economy category, while Standard and Comfort classes are priced higher with nearly thirty-three percent concession under the Bharat Gaurav Train scheme. Children between the ages of five and eleven will enjoy discounted rates. Accommodation arrangements will be made according to the category selected, with solo travellers sharing rooms with others in the same class to maximize comfort and efficiency.
Passengers should note that the package does not include special darshan tickets, entrance fees for monuments or temples, sightseeing not listed in the itinerary, local guide charges, or personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Proof of identification such as Aadhaar card or voter ID along with full COVID-19 vaccination certificates are mandatory for boarding. Final train timings and berth allocations will be communicated a few days before departure, and the journey will commence only if a minimum number of bookings are confirmed.
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will also make multiple boarding points available along the route, including Haridwar, Moradabad, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Orai, Virangana Lakshmibai, and Lalitpur Junction, making it convenient for pilgrims from different regions to join the journey. Key halts for temple visits include Ujjain for Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar, Dwarka and Bet Dwarka, Veraval for Somnath, Nashik Road for Trimbakeshwar, and Khadki and Aurangabad for Bhimashankar and Grishneshwar Jyotirlingas.
While the initiative is expected to enhance spiritual tourism and provide economic benefits to local communities, experts have raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased religious tourism. Mass pilgrimages often lead to plastic and organic waste, water pollution, deforestation, and stress on local infrastructure, which may cause long-term ecological disruption. Authorities and organisers are encouraged to promote sustainable practices to ensure that the spiritual journey does not come at the expense of natural resources.
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train promises a unique opportunity for devotees to combine spiritual exploration with comfort and convenience. Pilgrims can experience India’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy curated meals, and travel safely while covering major Jyotirlinga shrines in a single, organised itinerary.
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