A fresh wave of enthusiasm for cultural tourism is surging from Mumbai, as Indian Railways’ heritage initiative centred around the life and valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has witnessed an overwhelming response. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, is launching a six-day heritage train journey from June 9, designed to connect modern travellers with the heroic legacy of one of India’s most revered warrior kings.
The heritage tour, known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit, has already seen all 710 seats fully booked — a strong indicator of its public appeal. The tour is divided into three categories, with 480 passengers in sleeper class, 190 in 3AC, and 40 in 2AC. Passengers will embark from the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai and travel through a carefully curated route that traces the milestones of Shivaji’s life and military triumphs.The journey begins with a visit to Raigad Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj was crowned. Travellers will reach Mangaon by train and proceed to the fort by road, followed by overnight accommodation in Pune. The next day includes guided visits to Lal Mahal, the Kasba Ganpati Temple, and the immersive Shivsrushti theme park, which recreates Shivaji’s life through cutting-edge exhibits and 3D storytelling.
The third day takes passengers to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, and to the sacred Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. The route then heads to Pratapgarh Fort, the site of the historic battle with Afzal Khan that shaped the early Maratha resistance. The day concludes in Kolhapur, a city deeply rooted in Maratha history.On the fifth day, tourists will visit the Mahalakshmi Temple and the famed Panhala Fort, where Shivaji and his commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande famously resisted Mughal advances. The tour ends on the sixth day with the return journey to Mumbai.
IRCTC’s approach to heritage tourism has been both inclusive and accessible. With modest pricing, vegetarian meals, guided local transport, hotel stays, and insurance covered in the package, the initiative ensures that travellers from varied economic backgrounds can engage with the cultural richness of Maharashtra.This initiative is being widely hailed for promoting domestic tourism in an environmentally responsible manner. By favouring rail travel over private transport, the tour reduces carbon emissions while dispersing tourism benefits across towns and rural regions. Furthermore, it supports local livelihoods by engaging regional guides, heritage sites, and hospitality services.
Beyond its historical significance, the Shivaji circuit tour reflects a larger trend of integrating storytelling, heritage preservation, and sustainable mobility. It is helping reposition railways not just as a means of transport but as a platform for curated cultural journeys — a model that could be replicated across other regions of India.
As the train prepares to leave Mumbai with hundreds on board, it symbolises more than just travel. It’s a journey into the past with lessons for the present — fostering pride, identity, and a renewed appreciation for India’s indigenous narratives, all while promoting responsible tourism.
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