A comprehensive rail tour package has been introduced for pilgrims and travelers wishing to explore major religious and cultural destinations across northern regions. Titled Mata Vaishnodevi Sang Uttar Bharat Yatra with package code WZBG85, the journey spans ten nights and eleven days. Operated via the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train, this itinerary is designed for families and individuals eager to cover multiple prominent shrines and heritage sites in a single trip. The initiative aims to provide a convenient and structured travel experience for those wanting to visit key northern destinations without managing multiple bookings.
Departure Schedule and Boarding Points
The journey is scheduled to commence on March 6, 2027, starting from Kolhapur. Spanning eleven days, the tour includes stops at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Amritsar, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mathura, and Agra. To accommodate travelers from various regions, multiple boarding and de-boarding stations have been arranged. Passengers can catch the train from Kolhapur, Miraj, Sangli, Karad, Satara, Pune, Lonavala, Karjat, Kalyan, Vasai Road, Vapi, Surat, and Vadodara. This extensive network of boarding points allows individuals from different cities to join the pilgrimage from their nearest railway station.
Fare Structure and Applicable Discounts
The cost of the tour package varies depending on the chosen class of travel. For the sleeper class, the fare is set at ₹19,500 per person, while children aged between 5 and 11 years will be charged ₹18,200. In the 3AC class, the per-person adult fare is ₹32,060, and the child fare is ₹30,530. Traveling in 2AC requires a payment of ₹42,240 per adult and ₹40,410 for children. GST is already included in all these stated ticket prices. Under the Indian Railways Bharat Gaurav scheme, an approximate discount of 33 percent is being offered, which has already been factored into the package rates.
Major Highlights and Destinations
Throughout this eleven-day itinerary, participants will get the opportunity to witness several iconic cultural and spiritual landmarks. The tour includes the famous Ganga Aarti at Haridwar and Rishikesh, visits to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and a trip to the Attari-Wagha Border. Pilgrims will travel to Katra for the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. In Uttar Pradesh, travelers will explore Mathura and Vrindavan, covering the birthplace of Lord Krishna and prominent local temples. The itinerary concludes with a visit to Agra to admire the timeless architecture of the Taj Mahal.
Essential Guidelines and Precautions
Before embarking on the journey, travelers must keep several important instructions in mind. Carrying a valid identity proof such as an Aadhaar card or Voter ID is mandatory for all passengers. Certain hotels included in the package may lack elevator facilities. The travel itinerary is subject to modification based on train timings and official railway directives. Operation of the Bharat Gaurav train is contingent upon meeting a minimum booking threshold. In events involving natural disasters, strikes, train cancellations, or delays, IRCTC holds the right to alter the travel route. Passengers suffering from asthma, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions are strongly advised to consult a doctor before departure and exercise caution. IRCTC has explicitly stated that it will not accept responsibility for any untoward incidents arising from pre-existing health issues.
