Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has unveiled a series of spiritual tour packages under the Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav scheme, designed to offer seamless travel to India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. These packages, which include rail travel, accommodation, and sightseeing, are curated to provide a hassle-free experience for devotees. Key highlights of the upcoming tour schedule include:
• The 8-night, 9-day Kashi Tirtha Yatra (SZBG43) departing on September 9, 2026.
• Comprehensive travel packages starting from an affordable price of ₹16,900.
• Coverage of major spiritual hubs including Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
• Inclusion of a 33% concession provided by Indian Railways to promote domestic tourism.
Details of the Kashi Tirtha Yatra
The upcoming Kashi Tirtha Yatra (SZBG43) is set to offer pilgrims a spiritual journey through Bodh Gaya, the Vishnu Path Temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the newly inaugurated Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Passengers will also experience the iconic Ganga Aarti in Varanasi. The package price of ₹16,900 covers rail travel, non-AC accommodation, all vegetarian meals, non-AC bus transfers, a dedicated tour escort, travel insurance, and onboard security. For the convenience of travelers, boarding and deboarding facilities are available at key South Indian stations, including Tirunelveli, Madurai, Chennai Egmore, and Vijayawada.
Additional Spiritual Itineraries
Beyond the Kashi-centric tour, IRCTC has introduced two other significant journeys for the 2026 season. The “Ayodhya-Kashi: Punya Kshetra Yatra” (SCZBG64), spanning 9 nights and 10 days, is scheduled for August 4, 2026. This route covers Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, with economy class prices starting at ₹16,500.
For those seeking a more extensive pilgrimage, the “Panch Mahatirth Darshan Yatra” is scheduled from August 29 to September 10, 2026. This 13-day tour covers Jagannath Puri, Kamakhya, Gaya-Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, with packages starting from ₹24,200 for the sleeper class. These initiatives underline the commitment of Indian Railways to enhance connectivity to religious circuits while maintaining affordability for the common traveler.