Mumbai Launches Weekly All Inclusive IRCTC Rail Tours To Pilgrimage Sites
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched an expansive portfolio of weekly, all-inclusive rail tour packages from Mumbai, offering confirmed train tickets to a diverse array of India’s most cherished pilgrimage and leisure destinations. This strategic initiative by IRCTC’s West Zone aims to redefine domestic travel by providing affordable, convenient, and meticulously planned journeys. The packages are designed to minimise travel complexities, allowing passengers to immerse themselves fully in the spiritual and cultural tapestry of the nation, while promoting sustainable and accessible tourism for a wide demographic of travellers.
Currently, over ten distinct tour packages are operational, catering to a broad spectrum of interests. For those seeking spiritual solace, destinations such as Vaishnodevi, Tirupati, Dwarka, Somnath, Shirdi, Kolhapur, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, and Mahakaleshwar are featured, offering deeply enriching pilgrimage experiences. Leisure enthusiasts, conversely, can explore the scenic beauty and historical grandeur of places like Shimla, Manali, and Kufri, or delve into the architectural marvels of the Ajanta-Ellora Caves, Rajwada Palace in Indore, Gwalior Fort, Khajuraho Temples, and the New Palace Museum in Kolhapur. This wide selection caters to varied preferences, ensuring there is a journey for every traveller.
Each meticulously curated package is designed to offer a seamless travel experience, encompassing confirmed train tickets in Sleeper, 3AC, or 2AC classes, providing options for different comfort levels and budgets. Accommodation is arranged in reputable deluxe hotels, ensuring comfortable stays at each destination. For local sightseeing and transfers, air-conditioned vehicles are provided, guaranteeing a relaxed and efficient exploration. Furthermore, all meals as per the itinerary are included, along with comprehensive travel insurance and all applicable taxes, offering complete transparency and eliminating hidden costs. This all-inclusive model significantly reduces the planning burden on travellers.
The tours are available in flexible durations, ranging from concise ‘1 Night / 2 Days’ getaways to more extended ‘7 Nights / 8 Days’ expeditions, accommodating the diverse travel preferences of pilgrims, families, and leisure travellers alike. A notable convenience is the provision for passengers to board not only from Mumbai but also from select en-route stations, enhancing accessibility across Maharashtra and beyond. This strategic flexibility makes these tours an attractive option for a wider audience, including those from smaller towns along the railway routes.
“Our Rail Tour Packages are meticulously crafted to offer seamless and exceptional value-for-money travel experiences,” stated a representative from IRCTC West Zone. “With competitive pricing starting at just ₹8,599 per person on a twin-sharing basis, these tours present an ideal solution for last-minute planners, as bookings can be secured up to five days prior to the departure date.” This affordability, combined with the comprehensive nature of the packages, positions them as a highly attractive option for domestic tourism, encouraging more individuals and families to explore India’s vast heritage.
Tour departures are strategically scheduled throughout the week, providing maximum flexibility for travellers to align their journeys with personal schedules. Bookings can be conveniently made through the official IRCTC tourism portal, ensuring a streamlined and user-friendly reservation process. This digital accessibility, coupled with the varied departure days, enhances the appeal of these packages to a broad demographic of Indian travellers, including those who may not typically engage with organised tours.
The new offerings from IRCTC underscore a significant push towards promoting sustainable domestic tourism. By leveraging the existing vast railway network, these packages inherently contribute to a lower carbon footprint compared to air or extensive road travel. The focus on established pilgrimage and heritage sites also supports the local economies around these destinations, promoting responsible tourism practices and generating employment for communities. This aligns with the broader vision of creating more eco-friendly and economically equitable cities and regions across India.
With its compelling combination of affordability, convenience, and a rich blend of spiritual and cultural itineraries, IRCTC’s latest offerings are set to unlock new avenues for domestic travel enthusiasts, not only within Maharashtra but across the wider Indian subcontinent. This initiative is a testament to the evolving landscape of Indian tourism, where comfort, accessibility, and cultural enrichment are increasingly being prioritised. The human-centric approach behind these packages is poised to foster deeper connections between travellers and the diverse heritage of India, making exploration more accessible and enjoyable for all.
