Spiritual tourism in India continues to grow rapidly, supported by more than 450,000 heritage sites and renowned pilgrimage destinations such as Varanasi, Rishikesh, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Ayodhya. Every year, millions of domestic and international visitors travel to the country for pilgrimage, yoga, and wellness experiences. To further boost pilgrimage tourism, Indian Railways has introduced a special 17-day Shri Ramayana Yatra tour covering important sites associated with the life of Lord Rama across India and Nepal.
The journey will begin on March 30 from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi and will be operated on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, an initiative by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation to promote spiritual tourism with modern travel comforts. During the 16-night/17-day journey, the train will cover major Ramayana-related destinations including Ayodhya, Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi, and Rameshwaram.
At Ayodhya, travellers will visit the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Ram Ki Paidi. The tour will then proceed to Nandigram, where visitors can explore the Bharat‑Hanuman Temple and Bharat Kund. In Sitamarhi, tourists will travel by road to Janakpur in Nepal to visit the revered Janaki Temple, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita.
Other highlights of the itinerary include Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the sacred sites of Chitrakoot, Trayambkeshwar Temple in Nashik, Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, and the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram. The train will cover approximately 7,560 km before returning to New Delhi on the 17th day.
The Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train offers three accommodation categories — First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The train features modern amenities including a contemporary kitchen, two onboard restaurants, sensor-based washrooms, shower cubicles, foot massagers, CCTV surveillance, and security guards in each coach to ensure a comfortable and secure journey.
The tour package is priced at ₹1,14,100 per person for 3AC, ₹1,51,225 for 2AC, and ₹1,64,940 for 1AC, while the lowest fare starts from ₹1,11,630 per person on triple occupancy. The package includes train travel, accommodation in three-star hotels, vegetarian meals, sightseeing in AC coaches, travel insurance, and the services of IRCTC tour managers for around 150 passengers on board.