Rail Minister inaugurated the Bharat Gaurav deluxe tourist train from Nizamuddin station, marking the commencement of a 10-day journey for 110 tourists across significant religious and cultural sites in India and Nepal. The initiative, themed “Bharat Nepal Maitri Yatra,” aims to deepen the cultural connections between these two historically intertwined nations.
The train will whisk travellers to iconic destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Sitamarhi, before continuing the journey by road to Janakpur and concluding with a flight to Kathmandu. The Bharat Gaurav scheme, initiated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in 2021-22, is designed to offer theme-based tour packages, enhancing the travel experience while promoting the spiritual and cultural richness of the region. Minister emphasised the success of previous themed yatras, including those based on the Ramayana, Buddhism, and Jainism. He highlighted that these journeys allow participants to engage with the country’s diverse culture while travelling comfortably by train. During his visit to the train, he interacted with tourists, one of whom remarked that this was their 15th journey, underscoring the growing popularity of such tours. The luxurious amenities on board include first, second, and third AC accommodations, along with fine dining options, a modern kitchen, and even foot massagers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The Northern Railway has asserted that this Bharat-Nepal Yatra will strengthen cultural ties and foster increased people-to-people interaction between the two nations, which share a long-standing historical relationship.
The itinerary for this unique journey encompasses key spiritual locations, including the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ganga Aarti, and the revered Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. Such tours not only cater to the spiritual needs of the participants but also bolster the local economies through increased tourism, contributing to sustainable development in both countries. As tourism rebounds post-pandemic, initiatives like the Bharat Gaurav Yatra not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of India and Nepal but also serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism practices. The commitment to eco-friendly travel options and the promotion of local businesses along the route align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that tourism development supports rather than undermines local cultures and environments. This project reflects a broader movement towards creating sustainable tourism frameworks that respect and preserve cultural heritage, while also providing travellers with meaningful experiences that resonate on a personal level. With growing interest in such heritage journeys, the Bharat Gaurav Yatra is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural tourism in the region.
