Devotees seeking a spiritual journey to the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva have a golden opportunity ahead. A specially designed travel itinerary has been introduced using the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, which will take passengers on a comprehensive tour of four prominent Jyotirlingas alongside the famous Statue of Unity. Commencing from the Gorakhpur railway station in Uttar Pradesh, this excursion offers an all-inclusive travel experience for those wishing to immerse themselves in devotion and sightseeing without the hassle of organizing transport and accommodation individually.
Key Destinations Included in the Itinerary
The journey is crafted to cover several major religious and national landmarks across Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Pilgrims will have the opportunity to pay their respects at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga and Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga in Madhya Pradesh. As the train moves into Gujarat, the itinerary includes visits to the revered Dwarkadhish Temple, Bhet Dwarka, and the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. Additionally, travellers will be taken to see the modern engineering marvel of the Signature Bridge, the historic Somnath Jyotirlinga, and the towering Statue of Unity, which stands as a monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Boarding and Deboarding Stations for Passengers
To ensure maximum convenience for passengers residing in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, multiple boarding and deboarding options have been provided. The train will halt at several key railway stations, allowing travellers to join or leave the tour at their closest location. These designated stations include Gorakhpur, Mankapur, Ayodhya Cantt, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh Junction, Prayagraj Sangam, Raebareli, Lucknow, Kanpur Central, Orai, Veerangana Lakshmibai Jhansi, and Lalitpur. This extensive network of stops makes the pilgrimage accessible to a large population across the state.
Schedule, Duration, and Comforts Offered
This extensive spiritual tour is scheduled to span over 9 nights and 10 days, beginning on August 17 and concluding on August 26. To accommodate different budgets and comfort preferences, the train features three distinct travel classes: Second AC, Third AC, and Sleeper Class. The package is designed to be highly comprehensive, ensuring that travelers do not have to worry about daily essentials. It includes daily morning breakfast along with wholesome vegetarian lunches and dinners throughout the duration of the trip. Upon reaching the destinations, the local sightseeing transfers will be managed via dedicated air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses depending on the package type. Furthermore, to make this trip financially accessible, options for LTC (Leave Travel Concession) and EMI (Equated Monthly Installments) are also being provided to the passengers.
Ticket Pricing Details
The pricing structure of the tour has been divided based on the choice of travel class. For passengers opting for the Sleeper Class, the cost is set at Rs 18,380 per individual. Those choosing the comfort of the Third AC class will need to pay Rs 29,570 per person. For the premium experience of the Second AC class, the fare is fixed at Rs 38,870 per individual. These prices cover travel, meals, hotel stay, and local transfers, representing an all-inclusive value package.
Booking Procedure and Contact Details
Prospective travelers can complete their bookings by visiting the physical office of the tourism corporation located in Lucknow. For those who prefer a digital method, online reservations can be easily secured through the official travel portal of IRCTC. To assist interested individuals with queries regarding the itinerary, seats, or payment options, several helpline mobile numbers have been set up. People can contact representatives directly at 9236391923, 9236391908, 8287930908, 9236391925, 8303555714, 8287930926, or 9415042930.
The operating entity behind this massive tourism drive is a prominent public sector enterprise functioning under the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India. It serves as an extended hospitality arm of the Indian Railways, dedicated to managing onboard catering services, station refreshments, and promoting both domestic and international tourism packages across the nation.
