Indian Railways, through its tourism arm IRCTC, has launched the "Garvi Gujarat" Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train to promote cultural and religious tourism. The train will depart from Delhi on October 1, 2024, taking tourists on a 10-day journey through some of Gujarat's most iconic heritage and spiritual sites.
Key Features of Garvi Gujarat Tourist Train:
Luxury AC Coaches: The train offers First AC, Second AC, and Third AC coaches, with a capacity of 150 tourists.
Modern Amenities: Facilities include two dining restaurants, a fully equipped kitchen, shower cubicles, sensor-based washrooms, and a foot massager. CCTV cameras and security guards ensure passenger safety.
Dining and Comfort: Passengers can enjoy meals on board while traveling in a comfortable and fully air-conditioned environment.
Journey Highlights:
First Stop: The train's first destination is Ahmedabad, where tourists will visit the historic Sabarmati Ashram and Akshardham Temple on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti.
Vadnagar Added to Route: For the first time, the train will stop in Vadnagar, the hometown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tourists can explore attractions like the Kirti Toran, Hatkeshwar Temple, and Vadnagar Railway Station.
Spiritual Landmarks: Tourists will visit revered temples, including the Somnath Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, and Dwarkadhish Temple.
Cultural Heritage: The train will also take tourists to significant heritage sites like the Modhera Sun Temple, Rani ki Vav, and the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
A Grand Tour of Gujarat:
During the journey, tourists will cover over 3,500 kilometers and visit multiple destinations, including:
Ahmedabad: Sabarmati Ashram and Akshardham Temple.
Modhera and Patan: Sun Temple, Rani ki Vav, and Sahastralinga Talav.
Vadnagar: Hatkeshwar Temple, Kirti Toran, and Vadnagar Railway Station.
Vadodara: Mahakali Temple in Pavagadh and the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
Somnath and Diu: Somnath Temple, Somnath Beach, Diu Fort, and INS Khukri Memorial.
Dwarka: Dwarkadhish Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.
After completing the 10-day tour, the train will return to Delhi, giving tourists an unforgettable experience of Gujarat’s rich heritage.
This initiative is part of the broader Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train program, which aims to promote tourism by showcasing India's cultural, spiritual, and historical landmarks. So far, over 180 Bharat Gaurav trains have operated across 24 states, with more than 80,000 passengers experiencing these unique tours.