IRCTC Launches Durga Puja Packages To Promote Domestic Tourism

Durga Puja, also known as Pujo, is a revered festival in India, particularly in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is an iconic event with a spectacle of colours, lights, and elaborate pandals showcasing intricate idols of Goddess Durga.

This is also a favourable time for the annual Pujo getaway. As the holiday season kicks off, fresh enthusiasm for exploring new destinations can be seen across Kolkata.

To make the most of the season, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced the "Royal Rajasthan Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train" travel package as a part of the "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" Durga Puja festival campaign. This Special Tourist Train package will start from Kolkata for Rajasthan on October 20, 2023.

Following the "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" initiative, the Ministry of Railways and IRCTC operate Bharat Gaurav Tourist Trains on various themed circuits throughout India, including destinations in and around Rajasthan.

Other Durga Puja tourism packages also include destinations such as Darjeeling and Dooars.

En Route Rajasthan

With its regal history and heritage sites, Rajasthan is a great destination to venture beyond the local festivities. Jaipur, the "Pink City," beckons with its magnificent forts, such as the Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort. The City Palace, a splendid blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture and the iconic Hawa Mahal, presents a visual treat for travellers.

Udaipur, often called the "City of Lakes," offers an ideal escape. The serene waters of Lake Pichola mirror the majestic City Palace and Jag Mandir. Chittorgarh, on the other hand, is a city steeped in history. The formidable Chittorgarh Fort narrates tales of gallantry and sacrifice through its intricately designed palaces, temples, and towers. The Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) stands tall, symbolizing the spirit of the Rajput warriors.

If these destinations are on your list, IRCTC has proposed a Special Tourist Train tour with destinations such as Ajmer, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and Jodhpur. Additionally, the tour will provide easy boarding and deboarding facilities at multiple stations along the route, including Kolkata, Bandel Junction, Bardhaman, Durgapur, Asansol, Dhanbad, Gomoh, Parasnath, Hazaribagh Road, Koderma, Gaya, Dehri on Sone, Sasaram, and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction.

The package would include a twelve-day Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Tour that will last for eleven nights. The cost for the tour is estimated to be Rs. 20,650 for the Economy class, Rs. 30,960 for the Standard class, and Rs. 34,110 for the Comfort class.