Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to elevate travel experiences in 2025 with its Special Tourist Train Packages. Designed for both domestic and international tourists, these packages combine convenience with curated itineraries, enabling travelers to explore India’s cultural, spiritual, and historical richness—all aboard a train. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a pilgrim, or a nature lover, there’s a package tailored for you.
Let’s dive into the IRCTC Special Tourist Train Packages 2025, explore top destinations, understand pricing, and walk through the booking process.
What Are IRCTC Special Tourist Train Packages?
IRCTC Special Tourist Trains are fully organized rail journeys that cover iconic Indian routes. These are not regular passenger trains—they are exclusive, all-inclusive tours with pre-arranged accommodation, meals, local transport, guides, and entry tickets to monuments and attractions. The focus is on immersive experiences across India’s spiritual, cultural, and historical destinations.
IRCTC will run multiple themed trains in 2025 under various categories like:
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Bharat Gaurav Trains
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Pilgrim Special Trains
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Deluxe AC Tourist Trains
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Semi-Luxury Heritage Trains
Each train is designed to reflect India’s diversity—from religious circuits like the Ramayana Yatra to heritage train tours and pricing plans suitable for luxury seekers and budget travelers alike.
Top Destinations Covered in 2025
The 2025 line-up of IRCTC Special Tourist Train Packages features both classic and new routes. Here are some standout circuits:
1. Bharat Gaurav Ramayana Yatra
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Highlights: Ayodhya, Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur (Nepal), Varanasi, Nashik, Hampi, Rameswaram
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Duration: 17–18 days
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Special Feature: Cross-border tour including Janakpur in Nepal
2. Jyotirlinga Yatra
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Destinations: Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Somnath, Nageshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar
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Best for: Pilgrims seeking a seamless journey to major Shiva shrines
3. North East Discovery Tour
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Covers: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya
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USP: Showcases the unexplored beauty and cultures of India’s northeastern states
4. Heritage Circuit
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Stops: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Khajuraho, Varanasi
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Ideal For: History and architecture enthusiasts looking for luxury heritage train tours and pricing options
Pricing: Luxury, Comfort, and Value
IRCTC offers pricing tiers to suit different travel preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Economy Class
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Starting Price: ₹1,000–₹1,200 per day
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Inclusions: Sleeper class travel, vegetarian meals, non-AC accommodations
2. Standard/Comfort Class
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Price Range: ₹2,000–₹3,500 per day
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Inclusions: 3AC travel, standard hotels, meals, transfers
3. Deluxe/Luxury Class
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Premium Pricing: ₹5,000–₹10,000+ per day
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Inclusions: 1AC or Executive Class coaches, deluxe hotels or onboard cabins, multi-cuisine dining, curated excursions, guides
Luxury itineraries such as those on Palace on Wheels or Bharat Gaurav Trains fall under this premium category. For example, the 17-day Ramayana Yatra in AC 1st Class costs approximately ₹1.15 lakh per person, depending on departure city.
How to Book IRCTC Special Tourist Train Packages
Booking a package is straightforward and digital-friendly:
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Navigate to “Tourist Train” or “Bharat Gaurav Trains”
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Select your desired package, check itinerary, facilities, and available dates
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Choose your travel class and number of travelers
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Make payment via credit card, UPI, or net banking
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Receive booking confirmation and travel itinerary on email/SMS
Tip: Book early, especially for popular packages during festive seasons and school holidays. Group discounts and EMI options are available for select tours.
Why Choose IRCTC Special Tourist Trains?
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All-Inclusive Convenience: Travel, stay, food, and sightseeing included
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Safety and Hygiene: Regular sanitation, security personnel onboard
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Guided Experience: Professional guides for a deeper understanding of each destination
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Cultural Immersion: Folk performances, traditional meals, and local interaction
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Government-Backed Reliability: Operated by IRCTC under the Ministry of Railways
FAQs about IRCTC Special Tourist Train Packages 2025
Q1. Can foreign tourists book IRCTC special train packages?
Yes, IRCTC accepts international bookings and even offers tours tailored for NRIs and foreign nationals with English-speaking guides.
Q2. Are meals included in the package cost?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically included unless specified otherwise.
Q3. Can I customize the itinerary?
Not for scheduled trains. However, IRCTC offers chartered trains for group bookings where routes and services can be customized.
Q4. Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, each package has its own cancellation terms. Generally, a partial refund is available depending on how early you cancel before the departure date.
Q5. Do these trains run year-round?
Most tours have fixed seasonal schedules. Some circuits operate year-round, while others are limited to certain months.
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