Bharat Darshan Trains Details
Indian Railway’s Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Trains, one of the most affordable, all-inclusive tour package, covering all the important tourist places in the country. Indian Railways is operating Astha Circuit Special or Bharat Darshan Tourist Trains and State Special Trains for the promotion of religious tourism across India.
The concept of Astha Circuit Trains was introduced during the Rail Budget of 2016. On February 17, 2017, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited launched the inaugural trip of Astha Circuit Trains, starting from Guwahati and encompassing destinations like Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, and Puri. To date, ten Astha Circuit Trains have been put into operation. Additionally, in collaboration with various State Governments, the Indian Railways has been running State Special trains catering to senior citizens aged 60 and above within their respective states. These special trains have covered pilgrimage and religious destinations across states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Presently, State Special Trains continue to operate in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan.
Following are the details including How to Book Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Trains, What is the cancellation charges, what are all the tour packages under Bharat Darshan trains etc.
- Cancellation Policy Details
- Route Details
- Booking Details
- Main Features
- Tour Packages under Bharat Darshan New
- FAQs
Cancellation Policy Details
The cancellation policy is the same for every trip under Bharat Darshan Specials. Total deductions amount as per the days while cancellation of the trips by the passenger is following
No. of days before commencement of Trip – Total Deductions
- Up to 15 days (excluding departure date) – Rs. 100 /- per passenger
- Up to 8-14 days (excluding departure date) – 25 % of the package cost
- Up to 4-7 days (excluding departure date) – 50 % of the package cost
- Less than 4 days – 100 % of the package cost
Route Details
Following are the details regarding Itinerary of the Bharat Darshan Trains
Currently Bharat Darshan Trains are running to and from the following destinations only.
Agartala, Anand Jn / Bharuch Jn / Kalyan / Pune / Rajkot Jn / Sabarmati Jn / Surat / Surendranagar / Vadodara Jn / Vapi / Viramgam Jn, Bangalore / Chennai / Madurai, Dibrugarh, Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Indore, Jalandhar City, Jammu, Jasidih, Jaynagar, Madurai, Nagpur, Patna
Rajgir, Rajkot Jn, Raxaul, Rewa, Saharsa Jn, Varanasi.
Booking Details
Astha Circuit Trains and State Special Trains are operated by Railway. The cost of the trip for Astha Circuit Trains is paid by passenger itself at D900/- + GST per passenger per day, whereas, the cost of the trip for State Special Trains is borne by the respective State Government and the beneficiaries are selected by the respective State Governments.
Railway provides all-inclusive services to passengers during the tour of Astha Circuit Trains and State Special Trains. It includes rail and road transportation, accommodation (Dharamshala/dormitory), sightseeing, meals, accidental insurance, etc. In addition, as per the instruction of State Government, passengers of State Special Trains are also provided additional requirements like traveler’s kit which includes cap, toothbrush, and paste, hair oil, comb, shampoo etc. The entire cost of value-added services is borne by concerned State Governments.
Booking of Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Trains is available online on the Railway website. Bookings can also be done through Railway Tourist Facilitation Centre, Zonal Offices, and Regional Offices.
Charging Principles and Composition of Astha Circuit Special or Bharat Darshan Tourist Trains
- Sleeper Class Mail/Express fare for GSCN coaches and for 3 AC Coach the fare for 3 AC shall be levied on telescopic basis for entire journey for the carrying capacity of the train. This amount shall be escalated by 20%. No concession, including senior citizen concession, will be allowed and every passenger will be charged full fare, including children, as per carrying capacity or as per actual capacity, whichever second class Mail/Express fare on telescopic basis, escalated by 20%, for entire journey. Pantry Car will be charged at 50% of normal rate. In case luggage portion is utilized for booking luggage, normal charges would be applicable for the entire trip, otherwise the luggage portion should be locked. No other charge will be levied additionally.
- The composition of Bharat Darshan/ Astha circuit trains will be 15 coaches comprising 12 GSCN + 1 WCB + 2 SLRs. Railway will be provided with one additional 3 AC coach whenever there is demand and availability. All the coaches shall be utilized by Railway.
- The passenger tariff of Bharat Darshan/Astha Cirucuit trains will be in the range of Rs.800-900 per person per day in Sleeper Class and Rs.1100/- per person per day in 3 AC class respectively.
- There shall be 4 rakes for operation of Bharat Darshan / Astha Circuit trains.
- The charging principles and composition of Bhart Darshan / Astha Circuit trains will be valid till 31.03.2019.
For booking of Bharat Darshan Trains, one should go to Railway tourism site. There you can see details.
Main Features
- Tour Itineraries: Bharat Darshan Trains offer a variety of tour itineraries, each with its own set of destinations and duration. These itineraries are carefully crafted to include popular tourist and pilgrimage sites.
- Affordable Travel: These trains are known for their affordability, making them accessible to a wide range of travelers, including budget-conscious tourists and religious pilgrims.
- Inclusions: The package often includes sleeper-class train travel, accommodation, vegetarian meals, and sightseeing at various stops along the journey.
- Tourist Destinations: Bharat Darshan Trains typically cover a mix of cultural, historical, and religious places. Common destinations include temples, historical sites, scenic spots, and more.
- Guided Tours: Many Bharat Darshan Train packages include guided tours at specific destinations, providing travelers with insights into the historical and cultural significance of the places they visit.
- Booking: Travelers can book seats on Bharat Darshan Trains through Indian Railways’ official website or designated booking counters. It’s important to book well in advance, as these tours tend to be in high demand.
- Duration: The duration of Bharat Darshan Train tours varies based on the specific itinerary chosen by the traveler. It can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Safety and Comfort: While these trains are budget-friendly, they are designed to offer a reasonable level of comfort and safety to passengers. Accommodations are typically in sleeper-class compartments.
- Cultural Experience: Traveling on a Bharat Darshan Train provides a unique cultural experience, allowing passengers to interact with fellow travelers and immerse themselves in the diverse culture of India.
- Varied Routes: Different Bharat Darshan Trains follow different routes, covering different parts of the country. Travelers can choose the itinerary that best suits their interests.
Tour Packages under Bharat Darshan
Currently following are the tour packages under Bharat Darshan
- DAKSHIN DARSHAN WZBD262
- DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA NZBD250
- BHARAT DARSHAN SPECIAL TRAIN EX JASIDIH EZBD31
- SEVEN JYOTIRLING & STATUE OF UNITY YATRA NZBD251
- HARI HAR DARSHAN SZBD362
- 7 JYOTIRLING WITH MADURAI & TIRUPATI WZBD264
- GANGA SNAN SPECIAL YATRA EZBD34
- BHARAT DARSHAN SPECIAL TOURIST TRAIN WZBD265
- DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA NZBD252
- SHRIDI JYOTIRLINGA YATRA EZBD37
- GAYA-GANGASAGAR-PURI YATRA WZBD266
- SHIRDI-BANGLORE-MYSURU YATRA NZBD253
- MATA VAISHNO DEVI YATRA WITH HARIDWAR EZBD38
- BHARAT DARSHAN YATRA WZBD267
- BHARAT DARSHAN SPECIAL TOURIST TRAIN WZBD268
- RAJASTHAN-HARIDWAR-VASHNO DEVI YATRA NZBD254
- MATA VAISHNO DEVI YATRA WITH HARIDWAR EZBD39
- MAA VAISHNODEVI DASHAN YATRA EZBD35
- DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA EZBD40
- JAGANNATH DHAM YATRA EZBD36
- DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA EZBD30
- BHARAT DARSHAN SPECIAL TOURIST TRAIN WZBD269
- AADI AMAVASYA SPECIAL SZBD360
- SHIRDI SPECIAL SZBD361
- VACATION SPECIAL SZBD363
FAQs
✅ What is the Bharat Darshan Trains?
Bharat Darshan is among the most cherished and cost-effective tourist train experiences within the nation. This special tourist train, operated by Indian Railways, provides an ideal opportunity for budget-conscious travelers and religious pilgrims to explore some of India’s most significant tourist destinations. It offers an economical way to embark on a memorable journey, covering a selection of India’s top attractions.
✅ What are some popular Bharat Darshan tours?
Some popular Bharat Darshan tours include the South India Tour, Shirdi Tour, Goa Tour, Rajasthan Tour, and Golden Triangle Tour.
✅What amenities do Bharat Darshan Trains offer?
Bharat Darshan Trains offer basic facilities like sleeper class accommodation, vegetarian meals, and a tour guide. The trains are designed to be budget-friendly, so the facilities are not luxurious.
✅Can you get off the train during the tour?
Yes, passengers can get off the train during the tour at various destinations and explore the surrounding areas. However, passengers are advised to follow the tour itinerary and return to the train on time.
✅How long do Bharat Darshan train tours typically last?
Bharat Darshan train tours typically last for around 7 to 15 days, depending on the tour package.
✅ Are Bharat Darshan Trains a good option for families with children?
Bharat Darshan Trains can be a good option for families with children, especially for those on a budget.
✅How can I book a Bharat Darshan train tour?
Booking a Bharat Darshan train tour can be done through the Indian Railways website or through authorized travel agents. It’s recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred date and tour package, especially during peak travel seasons.
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