The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) Buddhist Circuit Tourist train on the Bharat Gaurav Trains concept, has embarked on its spiritual journey. The seven nights and 8 days tour started on March 11, 2023, from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. This is the first departure of the tourist train post-COVID-19 pandemic. The tour will conclude on March 18, 2023, at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.
During the journey, the rail tour will cover nine places across India and Nepal
List of places to visit via Buddhist Circuit Tourist train –
The tourist special train will visit the following places – Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini(Nepal), Kushinagar, Sravasti, and Agra.
- Bodhgaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Niranjana River, Thai Temple, Japanese Temple, Buddha Statue
- Rajgir : Bimbimsara Jail, Gridhakut hill, and Venuvan
- Nalanda : Nalanda University, and Nalanda Museum
- Sarnath: Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath Museum, Ashokan Pillar, and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar
- Varanasi: Evening Aarti
- Lumbini (Nepal): Maya Devi Temple, and Ashokan Pillar
- Kushinagar: Mahaparinirvan Temple, Rambhar Stupa, Mata Kutir Temple, and other sites
- Sravasti : Sight-seeing of Jetvana Vihara, Pakki Kuti, and Sehat Mahet.
- Agra: Sight-seeing of the World famous Taj Mahal
Seats:-
The train has two types of classes – AC 1st Class, and AC 2nd Class. A total of 96 guests can accommodate the First AC while 60 guests are allowed in the Second AC class.
Fare:-
To continue a full tour in the First AC class, a passenger needs to pay Rs 1,08,000, while for the Second AC class, a passenger needs to pay Rs 90,240.
In case of any difficulties, one can contact IRCTC