The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially announced a new ‘South India Darshan’ pilgrimage tour via the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train. This spiritual journey is scheduled to depart on October 21, 2026, and will conclude on November 1, offering travelers a comprehensive 12-day experience through some of the most sacred sites in the country.
Key highlights of the tour include:
- Departure Date: October 21, 2026
- Boarding Points: Sikar Junction, Jaipur, Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Chittorgarh
- Key Destinations: Tirupati Balaji, Ramnath Swami Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Kanyakumari, and Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga
- Pricing Tiers: Economy (₹24,100), Standard (₹37,810), and Comfort (₹50,290)
Comprehensive Pilgrimage Experience
According to Mukesh Saini, Chief Regional Manager of IRCTC Jaipur, the tour is designed to provide a seamless travel experience for pilgrims. The itinerary covers a vast stretch of Southern India, ensuring visitors can pay their respects at iconic religious sites such as the Ramnath Swami Temple in Rameshwaram and the Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga, among others.
Package Inclusions and Budget Options
To accommodate diverse passenger needs, IRCTC has introduced three distinct tiers of service. The Economy class is priced at ₹24,100, the Standard class at ₹37,810, and the Comfort class at ₹50,290 per person. Each package is all-inclusive, covering train travel, hotel accommodations, vegetarian meals, local sightseeing transportation, professional tour guides, travel insurance, and dedicated onboard security.
This initiative operates under the government’s Bharat Gaurav policy, which is specifically designed to promote India’s rich cultural heritage through theme-based tourist circuits. By offering these curated packages, the Indian Railways aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible, comfortable, and organized for devotees across the nation. Passengers interested in this spiritual circuit are encouraged to book early through the official IRCTC portal to secure their preferred class of travel.