Pune Pilgrims to Join ‘Temple Trails of Dakshin’ as IRCTC Launches 13-Day South India Journey from February 18
Reported By Amit Singh
Pune, 30th December 2025: Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has launched a Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train tour titled “Temple Trails of Dakshin”, starting from Manmad on February 18, 2026. The 12-night, 13-day journey will cover major religious and heritage destinations across South India, with Pune among the designated boarding and deboarding stations.
The special tourist train is designed to cater to pilgrims and heritage travelers from Maharashtra and other regions, offering a planned itinerary through prominent destinations including Murudeshwar, Guruvayur, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanniyakumari, Trivandrum, Tiruchirappalli, Kanchipuram, and Mahabalipuram.
Gaurav Jha, Group General Manager, IRCTC West Zone, Mumbai, said the composite AC and non-AC Bharat Gaurav train will operate with Economy Sleeper (SL), Standard 3AC, and Comfort 2AC classes, accommodating up to 750 passengers. He said the journey combines pilgrimage and heritage tourism, covering temples and cultural landmarks across multiple southern states.
Passengers will be able to board and deboard the train at Manmad, Nashik Road, Kalyan, Lonavala, Pune, Satara, and Miraj, providing access to travelers from key locations in Maharashtra.
The all-inclusive tour package covers train travel, accommodation in budget hotels on double, triple, or quad-sharing basis, all vegetarian meals, sightseeing with AC and non-AC transfers, travel insurance, and services of IRCTC Tour Managers throughout the journey.
Dr. A. K. Singh, Public Relations Officer, IRCTC West Zone, said that health and safety measures have been incorporated to ensure a secure and comfortable experience for passengers during the tour.
The tour has been priced at ₹23,370 for Economy Sleeper Class, ₹36,990 for Standard 3AC, and ₹48,760 for Comfort 2AC.
Bookings are open on a first-come, first-served basis through IRCTC’s tourism portal. Additional information can be obtained via mobile 8287931886 or email [email protected].
