IRCTC launches ‘Divya Dakshin Yatra’ tourist train from Nagpur, bookings open

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The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a new 11 nights/12 days rail tour titled "Divya Dakshin Yatra," aimed at connecting key spiritual destinations across South India through a single, organised itinerary. The journey will be operated aboard the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train and will originate from Nagpur.

Multi-city pilgrimage circuit across South India

The itinerary includes visits to historically and religiously significant locations such as Hampi, Mysore, Coimbatore, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tirupati, and the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga. These destinations collectively represent a mix of temple towns, heritage sites, and culturally significant centres in southern India.

Officials said the package is designed to cater to pilgrims seeking a structured travel plan without the need to coordinate multiple bookings or routes.

Train capacity and boarding points

According to IRCTC, the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will accommodate around 750 passengers. Travellers can choose from three classes - Economy Sleeper (SL), Standard 3AC, and Comfort 2AC - depending on their budget and preference.

To improve accessibility, boarding and deboarding options have been provided across several stations in Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Wardha, Badnera, Akola, Bhusaval, Jalgaon, Chalisgaon, Manmad, Nashik, Igatpuri, Kalyan and Pune. This multi-point boarding system is expected to make the tour accessible to a wider base of passengers across the region.

Package inclusions and pricing

The all-inclusive package covers rail travel, accommodation, meals, local transfers, sightseeing, and insurance. Passengers will be accommodated in budget hotels on a sharing basis, while all meals served during the journey will be vegetarian.

Pricing for the tour starts at Rs 21,690 for sleeper class, Rs 36,740 for 3AC, and Rs 48,730 for 2AC. IRCTC officials stated that onboard tour managers will accompany passengers throughout the journey to handle logistics and coordination.

Focus on organised spiritual tourism

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train initiative is part of a broader effort by IRCTC to promote theme-based tourism circuits, particularly in the religious and cultural segments. Such curated packages aim to simplify long-distance pilgrimage travel, especially for elderly passengers and group travellers.

IRCTC representatives noted that safety protocols and standardised travel arrangements have been factored into the planning of the tour, although specific operational details were not disclosed.

Bookings for the "Divya Dakshin Yatra" are currently open through IRCTC's tourism platform.