India witnesses a footfall of travellers with varying tastes and preferences. Religious-minded tourists are one of the most common among them. For them, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has gifted an auspicious train "Shri Ramayana Yatra" or Ramayana circuit train, fulfilling their spiritual desires to visit prominent religious places associated with Lord Ram.
On 7th November, 2021, the train journey commenced from the Safdarjung railway station of Delhi. As per the latest reports, a IRCTC source stated, "At the first stoppage at Ayodhya, the pilgrims will be taken to have a darshan of Ram Lalla and the Hanumangarhi. The train will then move on to Sitamarhi in Bihar where Sita was born. The passengers will also be taken to the Ram-Janaki temple in Nepal".
What will the travellers experience?
The train will board the pilgrims and cover a distance of about 7500 km. The travellers will visit Ayodhya, Prayag, Nandigram, Janakpur, Chitrakoot, Sitamarhi, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram; the religious and pious places associated with Lord Ram. They can worship, offer their prayers and seek blessings from the Lord.
Equipped with all modern facilities like libraries, restaurants, CCTV cameras, lockers and shower cubicles; the train promises a secure and comfortable journey.
According to Mr. Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Railways, "The Ramayan Circuit train is an innovative effort of the Indian Railways".
What are the facilities provided to the travellers?
The train will be full AC throughout the train journey. There will be eight nights stay in a deluxe category type of accommodation, and eight nights stay in rail coaches during the overnight train journey. Veg meals will be provided on-board and served in the Rail restaurants. There are two coaches for dining for the passengers.
The package will also include transfers and sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles. Besides the travel insurance for the passengers, off-board veg meals in good quality hotels, security and assistance from tour managers will be available promptly.
How much will be the charges for the travellers?
The fare for the AC first class is INR 1,02,095 for each passenger, AC second class will be slightly less, INR 82,950 per passenger. Costs of food, lockers and other services are all included in the fare. The train has the capacity to accommodate 132 tourists and the entire journey lasts for 17 days.
Three more Ramayan circuit trains will operate from November and December 2021 and one more on 20th January 2022.
Mr. Achyut Singh, a senior official of IRCTC, is the brainchild behind the Ramayan circuit train. He is also the in-charge of the circuit train.
What are the facts, travellers should never forget?
For the pilgrims travelling by the Shri Ramayana circuit train, for age group 18 or above, must be fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccination dosage. All age-proof, address-proof documents and vaccination certificates from COWIN, must be produced before granting the ticket or booking in the train.
The train has successfully lifted up the travel spirit of numerous passengers. The passengers aboard the train were excited to share the unique experience. They considered the journey as a good deviation from the monotonous life, being locked at home due to the pandemic.
If you are a religious-minded person and desire to seek the blessings of Lord Ram coupled with watching the beauty of nature, then you must book your tickets soon. Do not miss out on this heavenly journey.
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