Representative image showing trains.
Credit: PTI Photo
Bengaluru: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced two special pilgrimage tours under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Scheme for the residents of Karnataka.
The state’s Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Department will offer subsidies for both packages.
The first tour — Kashi Darshana — will run from August 31 to September 8, covering Varanasi, Ayodhya, Gaya and Bodh Gaya, and Prayagraj.
The cost per person will be Rs 15,000, after a Rs 7,500 subsidy from the government for passengers domiciled in the state.
Boarding points include SMVT Bengaluru/Yeshwantpur, Tumakuru, Birur, Davangere, Haveri, Hubballi and Belagavi.
The second tour — Dakshina Yatra — will run from September 11 to 16, covering temples in Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Rameswaram and Madurai.
The cost per person will be Rs 10,000, after a special subsidy of Rs 5,000 from Karnataka government for the state’s residents.
Boarding points include Belagavi, Hubballi, Haveri, Davangere, Birur, Tumakuru and SMVT Bengaluru.
Both tours will be operated using the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train in AC III tier class. The IRCTC will offer accommodation in non-AC hotel rooms at various locations, wash and change facilities in non-AC rooms, vegetarian meals, non-AC bus transfers and sightseeing, tour escorts for each coach, travel insurance, IRCTC tour manager, onboard security and all applicable taxes.
For reservations and other details, contact IRCTC offices at Bengaluru (9003140710, 8595931290, 8595931291 and 8595931292), Mysuru (8595931294) and Hubballi (8595931293), or visit www.irctctourism.com, according to a statement.