RAIL TOURISM IN INDIA

India, the seventh largest country of the world is known for its varied
and rich cultural and historical heritage around the globe. The huge
and varied geography of the country is unique in itself and gives a
chance not only to the international tourists but also to the domestic
tourists to explore the true beauty of the country.
It is rightly said that if one wants to see the real India, one must
explore the country by rail. The Indian Railways serves as the true
kaleidoscope to witness the lives, culture, philosophy, religion and
lifestyle of Indian people. The Indian Railways o ers tourists one of
the most convenient and popular modes of transport for travelling
in India. The Indian Railways helps one to explore the length and
breadth of India with its lively markets, crowded places, geographical
variations, cuisines, dress styles, languages and so many other
facets of India. From the Great Indian Plains, the Thar Desert, the
Deccan Plateau, the coastal plains to the North Eastern states, a
train tour of India provides the real glimpse of the Indian culture and
lifestyle.

Bharat Gaurav Trains

Indian Railways have introduced theme-based Tourist Circuit
trains under the Bharat Gaurav Trains (BGT) Policy with an
objective to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magni cent
historical places through professionals of the tourism sector and
other potential service providers. Under the said policy, the State
Governments, State Tourist Development Corporations or any
other potential service provider may run theme-based tourist circuit
train covering destinations of their choice. The Service Provider
o ers a comprehensive package with facility of rail transportation,
accommodation, meals, local road transport, sightseeing etc. The
maiden Bharat Gaurav Train viz. Shirdi Yatra was launched on
14.06.2022 from Coimbatore to Mantralayam and Shirdi & back
covering a total distance of 2880 km.
Ministry of Railways have decided to give a concerted thrust to e orts
for promotion of domestic tourism through provision of better quality
Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches under the Bharat Gaurav Train
policy and give approximately 33% concession in the charges due to
the Railway, for promotion of rail based tourism under Bharat Gaurav
Train scheme.
The details of the Bharat Gaurav Train policy can be referred at
https://bharatgauravtrains.indianrailways.gov.in/.
Luxury Tourist Trains
Maharajas’ Express – World’s Leading Luxury Train

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 Palace on Wheels

Maharajas’ Express luxury train is owned and operated by Indian

Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), a Govt. of
India Enterprise under Ministry of Railways. Maharajas’ Express is
the agship luxury train of IRCTC and is the newest luxury train in the
country. The train which commenced operations in 2010 has been
a frontrunner and is known for its enriching journey experiences
coupled with exquisite facilities onboard.
The 23 carriage long train houses four di erent types of
accommodation viz. Deluxe Cabin, Junior Suite Cabins, Suite and
the Presidential Suite named after various precious gem stones.
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train being operated by
The train has two restaurants named Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal
Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development
serving a range of international and Indian delicacies. In addition
Corporation. The train comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned saloons
to the restaurants, there are 02 Bar cum Lounges in the train. The
with rich décor that evoke the age of Rajput chivalry and are named
Rajah Club and The Safari Bar serve a mix of House Pours and other
after former Rajputana states such as Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer,
international brands. The House Pours are included in the package
Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur,
and select international wines and spirits are on sale.
Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. The train also has two ne dining
The train o ers four exquisite journey options covering the various restaurants, a well stocked bar and a lounge car for relaxation.
princely and culturally rich states of the country:
Itinerary
x Indian Splendour (6 Nights/7 Days) starting from Delhi covering
Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and ending in Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-
Mumbai. Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-New Delhi
x Heritage of India (6 Nights/7 Days) starting from Mumbai covering Website: www.palaceonwheels.rajasthan.gov.in
Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
and ending in Delhi. Golden Chariot
x The Indian Panorama (6 Nights/7 Days) starting from Delhi covering
Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Orchha, Khajuraho,
Varanasi and ending in Delhi.
x Treasures of India (3 Nights/4 Days) starting from Delhi covering
Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur and ending in Delhi.
Owing to its exquisite services, the train has been voted as the
World’s Leading Luxury Train by World Travel Awards for eight
years in a row since 2012 and also Asia’s Leading Luxury Train Award
in 2023 by World Travel Awards. The luxury tourist train operates
its scheduled departures during the tourist season every year from
September to April whereas interested clients can also book the train
around the year on charter as per requirement.
Website: www.the-maharajas.com
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 card facility, safety & security arrangements, spa, bar, conference
equipments.

The Golden Chariot is an attempt to connect some of the important

dots which have shaped the history of South India through several
centuries. Destinations on the Golden Chariot route have been
chosen to showcase the architecture, culture and history of this
region. The unique position of the southern peninsula, surrounded by
Arabian Sea in West, the Indian Ocean in South and Bay of Bengal
in the East saw several dynasties having trade and political linkages
with both the West and the East. The land once ridden by formidable
armies is now traversed by the world’s unique luxury train. The
Golden Chariot beckons you to discover worlds that are enriched
with history and culture. Recline and relax as the magni cent
scenery unfolds outside your window with luxury on the inside, thus
far reserved for royalty. The Golden Chariot presents a ne balance
between a glorious yesterday and an omnipresent tomorrow in the
magical land of Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
The fully air-conditioned train comprising of 11 passenger saloons,
2 restaurant coaches, 1 spa and gym car and 1 bar cum lounge car
began its operations in the year 2008. It is being operated by Indian
Railways in association with Karnataka State Tourism Development
Corporation (KSTDC).

Itineraries Itineraries
x Pride Of Karnataka (5 Nights / 6 Days): Bengaluru - Nanjangud - 1. Maharashtra Splendour (07 Nights/ 08 Days): Mumbai - Nashik -
Mysore - Halebidu - Chikamgaluru - Hospet - Goa – Bengaluru Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Kolhapur - Goa - Sindhudurg – Mumbai.
x Jewels of South (5 Nights / 6 Days) : Bengaluru - Mysore - 2. Indian Odyssey (07 Nights/ 08 Days): Delhi - Sawai Madhopur - Agra
Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Thanjavur and Chettinad - Cochin - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vadodara - Aurangabad – Mumbai.
- Chertala – Bengaluru
3. Indian Sojourn (07 Nights/ 08 Days): Mumbai - Vadodara - Udaipur
x Glimpses of Karnataka (3 Nights / 4 Days) :Bengaluru - Nanjangud - - Jodhpur - Jaipur - Agra - Sawai Madhopur – Delhi.
Mysore - Hospet – Bengaluru
4. Heritage Odyssey (07 Nights/ 08 Days):- Delhi - Agra - Sawai
Website: www.goldenchariot.org Madopur - Udaipur - Jodhpur - Jaiselmer - Jaipur – Delhi.
5. Cultural Odyssey (07 Nights/ 08 Days): Delhi - Sawai Madhopur -
Deccan Odyssey
Jaipur - Agra - Gwalior - Orchha - Khajuraho - Varanasi – Delhi.
The Deccan Odyssey is also a luxury tourist train being operated
6. Maharashtra Wild Trails (07 Nights/ 08 Days): Mumbai - Aurangabad
by Indian Railways in association with Maharashtra Tourism
- Ramtek - Tadoba - Ajanta Caves - Nashik – Mumbai.
Development Corporation (MTDC). Experience the nest and the
best of train journeys of the world. The Deccan Odyssey is more than Website: www.deccan-odyssey-india.com
a mere luxury train cruise. A lavishly decorated train that transports
its guests on an unforgettable sojourn on di erent itineraries Vistadome Coach (Glass Top Coaches)
covers di erent parts of the country. The Deccan Odyssey o ers In 2017, Indian Railways introduced indigenously designed glass top
accommodation in 40 deluxe cabins in 10 suite coaches. It also coaches with wider windows for boosting tourism. The features of
has 4 presidential suites in 2 cars, 1 Conference car with business Glass Top Coaches are:
centre, 2 restaurants, a well-stocked bar and a spa with steam,
massage, a mini gym and a parlour. Other facilities include channel x Electrically controlled opalescence
music, intercom, wall-to-wall carpeting, money exchange / credit x 360 degree rotatable push back ergonomically designed chairs
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 x Automatic sliding doors the life of Lord Gautam Buddha. The itinerary covers destinations like
x Multiple television screens Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, aranasi, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini
(Nepal), Sravasti and Agra.
x Wide side doors for Divyangs
x GPS based info system
The rst istadome coach was introduced on 16.04.2017 in Train
No. 58501/02 ishakapatnam-Kirandul passenger between
ishakapatnam and Araku. At present 43 BG, 06 MG and 50 NG
istadome coaches are available over various ones of Indian
Railways for operation in di erent sections/ routes with scenic beauty.
The base fare of AC istadome coaches is 1.1 times of Executive
class (EC) base fare of Shatabdi trains, without catering charges.
Reservation charges, GST and any other charges are levied in
addition to the basic fare. All passengers are charged at full fare.
The minimum chargeable distance is 50 Km. Catering is optional
and may be provided by IRCTC to the level of Executive Class in
Shatabdi, on payment basis.

The new rake of Buddhist Circuit Train has international level features
like two Dining Cars, acuum Bio-toilets, Air Suspension springs,
Security lockers, modi ed 2AC coaches with side seating facility,
On-board housekeeping and security, CCT camera security, Foot
massager and Mini library, etc. which have been very well received by
tourists. The details and online booking facility of the train is available
at IRCTC’s Buddhist micro-site “www.irctcbuddhisttrain.com”.

Rail Tour Packages

IRCTC under Ministry of Railways o ers Rail Tour Packages with
con rmed onward and return journey rail tickets apart from other
elements of a package such as road transfers, accommodation,
meals and sightseeing at reasonable rates on the basis of itinerary.
Rail tour packages are specially designed on the basis of demand
of customers as well as popularity of destination like Shirdi- Shani
Buddhist Circuit Special Train Shingnapur, aishno Devi, Tirupati, Karnataka, Coorg- Ooty,
IRCTC started the operation of The Buddhist Circuit Special Ahmedabad, Jyotirlinga, Kanyakumari- Rameshwaram, aranasi
Tourist Train since 2007 and successfully completed 17 years of (Kashi ishwanath), Madhya Pradesh, Gaya/ Bodhgaya, Hyderabad,
its operation. This is a fully air-conditioned train o ering a 7 Nights etc. from various parts of India. The details and booking of these
and 8 Days package covering all major Buddhist Pilgrim locations in packages are available at tourism website “www.irctctourism.
India and Lumbini in Nepal. The major destinations covered follow com” or one can visit nearest Tourism Facilitation Centres of IRCTC.
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Travel & Tourism Portal
Tourism portal “www.irctctourism.com” is a “One Stop Travel Shop” for all travel requirements of every tourists. The portal due to its user
friendliness, had won the “National Tourism Award” in the year 2008, “Website of the Year” for consecutive three years i.e. 2014, 2015 & 2016
by “Leisure & Travel” by MatrixLab and “Indian e-retail award” for consecutive three years from 2015 to 2018 by Franchise India.
The Tourism portal of IRCTC is one of the most popular website among the travellers as it o ers varied Travel and Tourism solutions such as
on-line booking of Bharat Gaurav Trains, Luxury trains – Maharajas’ Express and Golden Chariot (with micro-sites), Bus tickets, Air Tickets,
Tour packages, Hotels, Cruise packages, Medical Tourism, Retiring Room, executive lounge, Heli Yatra etc. Some of the packages are also
available on enquiry mode and packages are also customised on the basis of requirement of customers. IRCTC has been continuously
improving the contents of the tourism website for the ease of customers to ensure seamless navigation.

Online Booking of Charter Trains and coaches

Customers can now book a charter train or coach on IRCTCs webpage www.ftr.irctc.co.in. The user friendly module includes options like
viewing the list of trains on which chartered coach can be attached, search for availability of trains between preferred destinations without
registration, placing a request for charter train or coach online, making online payment of deposit, provision to print the dossier which
contains all mandatory documents to be carried while travelling, etc. While registration is not mandatory for searching availability, PAN Card
veri ed user creation is required for placing a
request for chartering. By introduction of this
online module, now users can book charter
trains/coaches from any part of the country. For
bookings, one can email at charter@irctc.
com or visit www.ftr.irctc.co.in.

Tourism Facilitation Centres

IRCTC has set up Tourism Facilitation Centres
in and around various railway stations across
the country that are serving as ‘One Stop Shop’
to assist railway passengers in availing various
tourism products and services. Besides,
providing detailed information about various
rail and non-rail tourism products and services,
these facilitation centres book tour packages,
airline tickets as well as manage the departures
of passengers availing the train tour packages.

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 S. No. Name Address and Contact Numbers
Platform No.1, Agra Cantt. Railway Station, AGRA-282003, Landline No.:- 0562-2420111.
1 Agra
Tel No. – 8287930916, E-mail id:- amitupadhyay@irctc.com
Concourse area, Main Entrance Bengaluru City Railway Station, Near enquiry o ce,
2 Bengaluru
Bengaluru – 560023, Karnataka, Tel. No. 080 – 22960013, 8595931292, E-mail id:- tifcsbc@irctc.com
Gate No.3, Main Entrance, (Opp. SMR Room) Chennai Central Railway Station,
3 Chennai Park Town, Chennai – 3, Tamil Nadu, Tel No. 8287932121, 044-25332548,
E-mail id:- tourismmas@irctc.com
Regional o ce, 1st Floor, Salih Arcade, 40-8194,Convent Road, Kochi-682035,
4 Ernakulam
Contact: 8287932082, 0484-2382991, E-mail id:-tourismkerala@irctc.com
Platform No. 7, Near rst class, Waiting Hall, First Floor, adjacent to Bihar Tourism O ce, Gaya,
5 Gaya
Bihar. Tel. No. – 8595937723, Email Id: - gautam4985@irctc.com
IRCTC Area O ce, Near Ticket Booking Counter O ce, Hubballi Railway Station, Hubli-580023
6 Hubballi
Tel No. – 8595931293, 8287931953, Email Id: - areao ceubl@irctc.com
Platform No. 1, Opposite PRO O ce, Indore Railway Station, Indore, Madhya Pradesh – 452001
7 Indore
Tel. No.- 8287931723,0731-2522200, Email id: -irctcindoretfc@gmail.com, raunaq5619@irctc.com
TIFC, Near Railway Retiring Room, Platform No 1, Jabalpur Railway Station,
8 Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh – 482001, Tel. No. - 9321901832, 0761-2998807,
Email id:- irctcjbp@gmail.com
Platform No. 1, Near to Ticket Counter, Shri C. Shahu Maharaj Terminus,
9 Kolhapur Kolhapur Railway Station, Kolhapur - 416001, Contact No: ijay Kumbhar - 9321901847,
E-mail id:- deotourism1@irctc.com
Platform No. 1, Near Food Plaza, Kozhikode Railway Station, Kozhikode- 673001, Kerala.
10 Kozhikode
Tel No. + 0495 2701510, 8287932098, E- mail:- tifcclt@irctc.com
IRCTC area o ce Platform No 1, Inside Executive Lounge, Madurai Railway junction – 625001,
11 Madurai
Karnataka, Tel. No. 8287931977, 8287932122, Email id:- tourismmdu@irctc.com
Near General Booking O ce, Mysuru Junction, Karnataka, Tel. No. 8595931294,
12 Mysuru
0821 – 2426001, E-mail id:- tifcmys@irctc.com
Tourism Information and Facilitation Centre, Main Porch, Nagpur Railway Station, Near Enquiry
13 Nagpur
Counter, Platform No-1 Nagpur – 440021, Shubham -9321901846, Email id: -tfcnagpur@irctc.com
Near Cloakroom, Opp. Executive Lounge, Platform No.16 New Delhi Railway Station,
14 New Delhi
Ajmeri Gate, New Delhi – 110002, Tel. No. – 9717641764
IRCTC o ce,1st Floor, Above Station Director O ce, Pune Railway Station, Pune,
15 Pune
Maharashtra – 411001, Tel No: - 8287931707, Email id:- aloksparmar5615@irctc.com
Platform No.10, Beside SBI Credit Card Counter, Secunderabad Railway Station, Telangana,
16 Secunderabad Tel. No. - 040-27800580, Mob No: 9701360701,8287932228/29/30,
Email id:- tourismscz@irctc.com
Platform No.1, Beside Main Entrance, Tirupati Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh,
17 Tirupati Tel. No. – 8287932313/ 8287932317,
E-mail id:- Sukumar.Bandala@irctc.com; deotourismscz@irctc.com
IRCTC Area O ce, First Floor, S.K Tower, Near Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Karamana,
18 Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram-695002, Tel No: - 8287932095, 0471- 3521275, E-mail: tourismtvc@irctc.com
Tourist Facilitation Center Concourse Hall, Opp. Enquiry Counter, adodara Railway
19 Vadodara
Station-390007, Prabhjyot Kaur- 8287931697, Email Id: -prabhjyotkaur@irctc.com
Platform No.1, Beside Main Entrance, ijayawada Railway Station, Andhra Pradesh,
20 Vijayawada
Tel.No.–0866-2572280,8287932312/675 E-mail id:- ch.balaji@irctc.com
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