Special tourist train to promote Indian Buddhist Circuit from Delhi

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) is set to launch a special tourist train during the peak season of the Indian Buddhist Circuit, catering to both domestic and foreign tourists. This luxurious train will embark on its journey from Delhi, traversing significant Buddhist sites, including Kushinagar and Lumbini, the location of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana. The train will make seven trips from October 19 to March 22, showcasing the rich heritage and spiritual significance of Buddhism.

Regional Tourist Officer Gorakhpur, Ravindra Kumar, emphasized that the Tourism Department is fully prepared to welcome passengers aboard this special train. The bookings are now open, allowing travelers to explore a range of revered sites, including Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and the historic stupas of Lumbini in Nepal. As part of the itinerary, tourists will also visit renowned pilgrimage locations like Varanasi, Kapilvastu, and Shravasti, rounding off their journey with a stop in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal.

The eight-day tour is meticulously scheduled, with the train departing from Safdarjung station on specific dates: October 19, November 16, December 21, January 18, February 1, and March 1 and 22. The itinerary includes stops at Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, Lumbini, Kushinagar, Shravasti, and concludes in Agra before returning to Delhi. To facilitate a seamless experience, IRCTC will provide skilled escorts and guides to assist tourists with language-related challenges at various Buddhist sites.

This special train has gained immense popularity among tourists from various Buddhist nations, including Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as travelers from Europe. Given the difficulty in accessing numerous important Buddhist sites scattered across India and Nepal, this train offers a convenient group travel option. The state government is committed to enhancing the experience for Buddhist pilgrims at all destinations.

Notably, Kushinagar's prominent Buddhist monk Ashok has voiced support for the initiative, advocating for the introduction of a separate train catering to medium-budget travelers. He highlighted the need to address the facilities for low-budget tourists, who comprise a significant portion of the pilgrims visiting these sacred sites.