Ramayana Yatra By Train: What To Expect, Where It Stops, How Much It Costs

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching the 5th edition of the "Shri Ramayana Yatra" train tour. It is set to begin on July 25, 2025, from Delhi. The tour is capitalising on the surge in religious tourism after the Ram Janmabhoomi temple's inauguration in Ayodhya in January 2024. The planned itinerary for 17 days covers more than 30 destinations associated with Lord Ram, including Ayodhya, Sitamarhi, Janakpur (Nepal), Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi, and Rameshwaram. The tour's endpoint is Delhi.

Which Train Will Be Used For The Shri Ramayana Yatra?

The journey will be on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, featuring 1st, 2nd, and 3rd AC coaches. Travellers will reportedly have access to modern amenities like restaurants, a kitchen, sensor-based washrooms, shower cubicles, foot massagers, and enhanced security with CCTV and guards.

Also Read: Indian Railways Launches SwaRail App: 10 Key Facts To Know

How Much Does The Shri Ramayana Yatra Train Tour Cost?

Prices range from Rs 1.17 lakh to Rs 1.79 lakh, depending on the class selected:

• 3 AC: Rs 1,17,975 per person
• 2 AC: Rs 1,40,120 per person
• 1 AC cabin: Rs 1,66,380 per person
• 1 AC coupe: Rs 1,79,515 per person

The package includes AC train travel, hotel stays, all meals (veg), road transfers, sightseeing, travel insurance, as well as the services of IRCTC tour managers.

_{The train tour package has many inclusions. Photo Credit: Pexels}

Also Read: Indian Railways May Soon Finalise Passenger Chart 24 Hours Before Train Leaves

Planned Itinerary For Ramayana Yatra Train Tour:

The departure point will be Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. From there, the following destinations will be covered.

1. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: Believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Rama, the newly inaugurated temple draws hundreds of thousands of devotees daily since its consecration.

Hanuman Garhi & Ram Ki Paidi (Saryu Ghat): These are ancient devotional sites in Ayodhya; Hanuman Garhi is known for its shrine dedicated to Hanuman, while devotees visit Ram Ki Paidi for its riverfront steps on the Saryu River.

2. Nandigram (Uttar Pradesh)

Bharat Mandir at Nandigram: Also known as Bharat Kund, this religious destination is located south of Ayodhya. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama's brother Bharat ruled and performed penance during Rama's exile.

3. Sitamarhi (Bihar)

Sitamarhi is revered as one of the possible sites where Sita was born. Sita Kund and Punaura Dham are two important Hindu pilgrimage sites at this mythological birthplace.

4. Janakpur (Nepal)

After Sitamarhi, the plan is to travel by road to the other destination, also sometimes considered the birthplace of Sita: Janakpur in Nepal. Visitors will go to Ram Janki Temple, also known as Janaki Mandir. This majestic marble temple is said to mark Sita's birthplace and her wedding venue with Rama. The temple has been designated as a UNESCO tentative site.

5. Buxar (Bihar)

In Buxar, the sightseeing spots are Ramrekha Ghat and Rameshwarnath Temple. According to legend, Rama bathed here after killing the demon Tadaka and later performed a Yagna on the riverbank.

6. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

_{The evening ritual along the Ganga River is a spiritual spectacle. Photo Credit: Pexels}

Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Corridor: This is one of Hinduism's most sacred Shiva temples, central to Varanasi's spiritual identity and daily rituals.

Tulsi Manas Mandir: This temple is believed to have been built at the spot where Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: Founded by poet-saint Tulsidas, this temple honours Hanuman as the "Reliever of Troubles" and is key to Varanasi's devotional circuit.

Ganga Aarti: The evening ritual along the Ganga river is a breathtaking spiritual spectacle, which draws thousands of people every day.

7. Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh)

Prayagraj has many significant holy sites. For instance, there's the Sangam (Triveni Sangam), which is the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Many devotees undertake ritual bathing here. Prayagraj is home to many ancient temples and ashrams associated with Ramayana and other epics.

8. Shringverpur (Uttar Pradesh)

As per legend, this is where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana crossed the Ganga under Nishadraj's protection.

9. Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh /Madhya Pradesh)

Revered as the forest exile home of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, Chitrakoot includes places of pilgrimage tied to their life in Vanvas.

10. Nasik (Maharashtra)

The plan is that the train will head towards the Northern part of Maharashtra after the stop/stay at Chitrakoot. In Nasik, the following places will be covered:

Trimbakeshwar Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this temple is deeply entwined with Ramayana lore and Vedic traditions.

Panchvati Area: A sacred grove where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are said to have lived during exile. It is home to sites like Sita Gufa and Kalaram Temple.

11. Hampi (Karnataka)

Anjaneya Hill, Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple: Hampi, the ancient Vijayanagara capital, is associated with Kishkindha, the kingdom of Hanuman. Anjaneya Hill marks his mythical birthplace. Vitthala and Virupaksha are stunning UNESCO heritage monuments.

12. Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)

Ramanathaswamy Temple: This is a sacred Shiva shrine built by Rama to absolve the sin of killing Ravana. It is also renowned for its architectural grandeur. It is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Dhanuskodi: Its name means the tip of an arrow. This is the nearest Indian land point to Sri Lanka, which is around 30 km away. According to legend, Lord Rama and his army built the Ram Setu bridge at Dhanushkodi.

After this, the tour will wrap up back in Delhi.

This tour is designed for devotees and cultural enthusiasts who want an in-depth pilgrimage experience across India's key Ramayana-linked sites.