The religious tour will span ten days and nine nights, and the itinerary offers travellers the opportunity to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of South India in a guided and comfortable way, IRCTC has claimed. The first stop of the train is Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, where passengers will visit the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, a major pilgrimage site that draws thousands of devotees daily. Included in the itinerary is a visit to the peaceful and architecturally impressive Goddess Padmavati Temple.
Following Tirupati, the train proceeds to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Here, visitors will have the chance to offer prayers at the historic Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The itinerary includes a stop at Dhanushkodi, a ghost town at the edge of the ocean known for its links to the Ramayana.
Also read | After 17-year wait, millennia old temple in Tamil Nadu to be consecrated on December 8
From Rameswaram, the journey continues to Madurai, home to the majestic Meenakshi Amman Temple. The next destination is Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of mainland India, where the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean meet, where passengers will get to visit iconic sites such as the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Mandapam, and the revered Kanyakumari Temple, all set against the scenic backdrop of the coastal confluence.
The final stop on the tour is Thiruvananthapuram, where devotees will visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The trip concludes with some leisure time at Kovalam Beach, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy sunset views.
The departure point is Tirupati, with the journey beginning on November 7 and ending on November 16, 2025 in Kerala. IRCTC has priced the tour to accommodate a range of budgets. For adults, the fare is set at ₹18,040 for sleeper class, ₹30,370 for 3AC, and ₹40,240 for 2AC. For children aged between five and 11 years, the respective fares are ₹16,890 for Sleeper Class, ₹29,010 for 3AC, and ₹38,610 for 2AC.
Also read | Festive season travel booms across India as Diwali approaches
The fare includes train travel, vegetarian meals, hotel accommodation, local transfers, and guides for sightseeing. Accommodation will be arranged in verified budget hotels, with both AC and non-AC options, subject to availability. Local travel at each destination will be organised via AC or non-AC buses, and wash-and-change facilities will be provided at select points. The package includes the services of IRCTC staff throughout the trip.
According to IRCTC, “There is something deeply grounding about travelling through South India. From temple bells echoing through ancient corridors to sea waves brushing against sacred ghats, every stop has a story.” Bookings can be made through the IRCTC Tourism website or via authorised regional offices. As demand for Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train tours remain high, early reservation is recommended to secure preferred travel classes and ensure availability.
