Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced the ‘South India Yatra’ tour package for pilgrims that would allow them to cover five important pilgrimage spots in South India in one tour.

As per the information provided by IRCTC, the 11 nights/12 days Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train Tour will operate from 31st July to 11th August 2026, with charges beginning from ₹23,560 per person.

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The package tour would include visits to Tirupati, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, and Srisailam among other services.

Route and itinerary

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will originate from Gorakhpur. Passengers can also board the train from Mankapur, Ayodhya Cantonment, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Prayagraj Sangam, Rae Bareli, Lucknow, Kanpur Central, Orai, Virangana Lakshmibai (Jhansi) and Lalitpur stations.

Tirupati
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IRCTC has announced its 12-day ‘South India Yatra’ package covering Tirupati and more / pexels

The first destination will be Renigunta, from where passengers will be taken by road to Tirupati for a two-night stay. The package includes visits to the Sri Kalahasti Temple and Padmavathi Temple. However, IRCTC has clarified that bookings for the main Tirumala Balaji darshan must be arranged by passengers themselves.

The tour will then proceed to Rameswaram, where pilgrims will visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple. If operational constraints prevent the train from reaching Rameswaram station, passengers will be transported by bus from Kudal Nagar or Manamadurai station.

A vibrant aerial view of Rameswaram city and temple, Tamil Nadu, India, showcasing bustling streets and coastline.
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A vibrant aerial view of Rameswaram city and temple, Tamil Nadu, India, showcasing bustling streets and coastline./ Pexels

The itinerary also includes a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, followed by sightseeing in Kanyakumari, including the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

The final leg of the journey will take passengers to Markapur Road, from where they will travel by road to Srisailam to visit the Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple. The tour will conclude with the train returning to Gorakhpur on August 11.

Meenakshi Amman Temple/ Pexels
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Meenakshi Amman Temple/ Pexels

Fare and package inclusions

IRCTC has priced the package at:

Sleeper Economy: ₹23,560 per person

3 AC: ₹39,100 per person

2 AC Comfort: ₹51,760 per person

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Separate fare slabs are available for children. Solo travellers will be accommodated on a double or triple-sharing basis.

As per the details provided by IRCTC, the package contains the following: train journey, hotel stay, washing and changing facilities, tea in the morning, vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner, local transport, travel insurance, tour escort services, IRCTC Tour Manager assistance, and taxes.

FAQs

Q1. What are the destinations covered by the IRCTC South India Yatra Package?

IRCTC covers the following destinations: Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, and Srisailam.

Q2. What is the cost of the IRCTC South India Yatra Package?

Sleeper Economy Package: INR 23,560

3 AC Package: INR 39,100

2 AC Comfort Package: INR 51,760