Sunday, September 22, 2024 Nizamuddin, India — Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially launched the Bharat Gaurav deluxe tourist train from Nizamuddin station, embarking on a 10-day journey that will take 110 tourists through significant cultural and religious sites in India and Nepal. This tour, themed “Bharat Nepal Maitri Yatra,” will include visits to iconic destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Sitamarhi in India, followed by a road trip to Janakpur and a flight to Kathmandu. The Bharat Gaurav scheme, initiated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in 2021-22 under the Ministry of Railways, is designed to promote theme-based tourism across the country.
Since its inception, the scheme has successfully organized 291 train tours centered around various religious and cultural themes, including journeys based on the Ramayana, Buddhism, and Jainism. During the flag-off ceremony, Minister Vaishnaw commended the IRCTC for its success in creating comprehensive travel packages that encompass hotel stays and visits to notable tourist and religious sites. Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar highlighted the train’s impressive facilities, which include first, second, and third AC accommodations, two fine-dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, and foot massagers, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.
According to a statement from Northern Railway, the Bharat-Nepal Yatra aims to strengthen cultural ties and enhance people-to-people connections between India and its historically significant neighbor, Nepal. The itinerary features a range of sacred sites: in Ayodhya, tourists will visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, and Ram ki Paidi (Sarayu ghat); in Varanasi, the tour includes the Ganga aarti, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Tulsi Manas Temple. The Sitamarhi leg will highlight the Janaki Temple and Punaura Dham.
In Nepal, travelers will explore the Janaki Temple, Ram Sita Vivah Mandap, Dhanushdham, and Parashuram Kund in Janakpur. The Kathmandu portion of the trip will include visits to the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, and Budhanilkantha (the sleeping Lord Vishnu). Tourists will also enjoy the scenic beauty of Pokhara, visiting Bindyabasini Temple, Devi’s Falls, and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave.
This initiative not only promotes tourism but also fosters deeper cultural understanding and connections between India and Nepal..
