Railways' 'Shri Ramayana Yatra': IRCTC to begin 5th edition from July 25; check details

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will run its fifth edition of the “Shri Ramayana Yatra” train tour from July 25, 2025, offering pilgrims a 17-day journey across over 30 sites linked to the life of Lord Ram. 

The initiative comes in continuation of a series of themed tours launched after the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22 last year.

Named “Shri Ramayana Yatra”, the special train will flag off on July 25, 2025, tracing Lord Ram’s footsteps across more than 30 locations, starting from Ayodhya. The itinerary will then move on to Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Nashik, Hampi, and finally Rameshwaram, before circling back to Delhi.

IRCTC officials highlighted the boost in faith-based travel since the temple’s inauguration.

“Since the inauguration, this is the 5th Ramayan tour which we are holding and all our previous tours received encouraging response from the travellers and pilgrims,” an IRCTC official said, as reported by PTI.

The ticket pricing is tiered based on class of travel, Rs 1,17,975 for 3 AC, Rs 1,40,120 for 2 AC, Rs 1,66,380 for 1 AC cabin, and Rs 1,79,515 for 1 AC coupe. The package covers rail fare, hotel stays in 3-star facilities for all classes, vegetarian meals, AC transport for road visits, insurance, and the services of IRCTC tour managers.

According to a press note recently issued by the IRCTC, the train will depart from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station and be run on the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, designed to offer a premium travel experience.

“The State of Art Deluxe AC Tourist Train has a host of amazing features including two restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massager,” the press note said.

It added, “The fully air-conditioned train provides three types of accommodation viz. 1st AC, 2nd AC and 3rd AC. The train has enhanced security features of CCTV cameras and Security Guards for each coach.”

The tour will last 17 days, beginning with a stop in Ayodhya for visits to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi and Ram Ki Paidi (Saryu ghat).

“Bharat Mandir at Nandigram follows next. The subsequent destination is Sitamarhi in Bihar where tourists shall be visiting Sita Ji’s birth place and Ram Janki Temple in Janakpur (Nepal) which will be covered by road,” the official said.

He added, “Post Sitamarhi, the train proceeds for Buxar where the sightseeing would include Ramrekha ghat and Rameshwarnath temple. The next destination is Varanasi where the tourists will visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor, Tulsi Mandir, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir temples and will also be witnessing the Ganga aarti.”

Travellers will next head to Prayagraj, Shringverpur, and Chitrakoot by road, with overnight stays arranged.

As per the schedule, the journey then continues to Nasik in Maharashtra, with visits planned to Trimbakeshwar temple and the Panchvati area.

“Hampi, believed to be the ancient city of Krishkindha is the next destination. Here Anjaneya Hill, regarded as the birth place of Lord Hanuman, will be covered along with other heritage sites like Vitthala and Virupaksha temple,” the official said.

“Rameshwaram will be the next city on this train tour. Ramanathaswamy temple and Dhanuskodi are a part of the visit. The train returns back to Delhi on the 17th day of its journey,” he added.