India’s fast-growing spiritual tourism sector continues to attract millions of domestic and international visitors each year. In a move to promote pilgrimage travel, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special Shri Ramayana Yatra train that will cover several destinations associated with the epic Ramayana across India and Nepal.

The 16-night, 17-day journey will begin on March 30 and will be operated on the premium Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train. The trip will start from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi and travel roughly 7,560 kilometres before returning to the capital.

Key destinations on the route

The itinerary includes several well-known religious sites linked to Lord Rama. The first halt will be Ayodhya, where travellers will visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi Temple and Ram Ki Paidi.

The train will then move to Nandigram to see the Bharat-Hanuman Temple and Bharat Kund.

Other important stops during the journey include Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.

At Janakpur in Nepal, pilgrims will visit the Janaki Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Sita.

Modern facilities onboard

Officials said the pilgrimage tour combines religious travel with comfortable facilities. The train offers First AC, Second AC and Third AC accommodation categories.

Passengers will also have access to features such as onboard restaurants, a modern kitchen, sensor-based washroom systems, shower facilities, CCTV surveillance and dedicated security personnel.

Package cost and inclusions

The tour package has been priced at Rs 1,14,100 per person for 3AC, Rs 1,51,225 for 2AC, and Rs 1,64,940 for 1AC. The lowest fare is around Rs 1,11,630 per traveller for triple occupancy.

The price covers train travel in the chosen class, hotel stays at three-star properties, vegetarian meals, air-conditioned transport for sightseeing, travel insurance and the services of IRCTC tour managers. The train can accommodate around 150 passengers.

With spiritual tourism growing steadily in India, such curated train journeys are being promoted to make religious travel easier while showcasing important heritage and pilgrimage destinations.