9-day IRCTC pilgrimage train from Telangana to Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj and more
Hyderabad: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the launch of the “Ganga Ramayana Punya Kshetra Yatra” under its Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train initiative. The special pilgrimage train will depart from Secunderabad Railway Station and cover major spiritual destinations over a span of eight nights and nine days, from June 23 to July 1, 2025.
The tour will include visits to Varanasi, Ayodhya, Naimisharanya, and Prayagraj. In Varanasi, passengers will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor, Kashi Vishalakshi Temple, Annapurna Devi Temple, and witness the evening Ganga Aarti. In Ayodhya, the train will halt for visits to Ram Janma Bhoomi and Hanumangarhi. The Naimisharanya leg will cover Chakra Tirtha, Hanuman Garhi Temple, and Vyasa Gaddi. At Prayagraj, travelers will visit Triveni Sangam and Shringverpur.
Boarding and de-boarding facilities will be available at multiple stations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. In Telangana, these include Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Warangal, Mahbubabad, Dornakal, Khammam, and Madhira. In Andhra Pradesh, passengers can board or alight at Vijayawada, Eluru, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Tuni, Duvvada, Pendurti, Vizianagaram, and Palasa. Additional stops include Brahmapur, Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
The tour package covers both rail and road transportation, hotel accommodation, and meals including morning tea, breakfast, lunch, and dinner served both on-board and off-board. Safety and convenience features include CCTV surveillance in all coaches, a public announcement system, travel insurance, and tour managers onboard to assist passengers throughout the journey.
Pricing is based on the class of travel and room type. For sleeper class under the economy package, the cost is Rs. 16,200 per person. The standard package with 3AC train travel is priced at Rs. 26,500, while the comfort package with 2AC travel costs Rs. 35,000. Discounted fares are available for children aged 5 to 11 years.
For bookings, passengers can contact IRCTC at 040-27702407, 9701360701, 9281495845, 9281495843, 8287932228, or 9281030750. Online bookings are available at www.irctctourism.com.