Indian Railways is reintroducing its Buddhist Circuit special train that is going to cover sites associated with the life of Buddha over eight days from 19 to 26 October 2019. Due to its successful run last year, the Ministry of Railways plans to start it again in 2019. As the name suggests, this train will be covering sites related to Gautam Buddha in India as well as in Nepal.
It will be covering key destinations like Bodh Gaya, where Buddha gained enlightenment, Rajgir, Nalanda, Varanasi, Sarnath, where he gave his first sermon, Kushinagar, where he attained nirvana, Lumbini (Nepal), where he was born, Shravasti and Agra. This train will truly give people a life experience of Lord Buddha and will also help to discover the path of enlightenment through train.
Key Features
This train is more or less like Maharaja Express, which is one of the most famous luxury trains of India. Buddhist Circuit special train is equipped with touchless taps, leather interiors, sofas, bio-vacuum toilets personal digital lockers, cubicles shower, foot massagers, separate sitting area, smoke detection alarm system, CCTV surveillance and adjustable reading lights.
The special train consists of four first-ac coaches having 96 seats, two second-ac coaches consisting 60 seats, two dining cars that can house 64 guests in each coach and a pantry car. Additionally, the train is covered with unique vinyl wrapping that gives us an insight of incredible India. For the safety of the travellers, private security guards are also deployed to ensure the safety in each coach.
Ticket Fare
Passengers who will buy the Buddhist Circuit Special train tickets will get a discount of 50 percent on their companion’s ticket. Discount is applicable for the people of all nationalities. The ticket fare is Rs 1.23 lakh per couple for first-class ac tour and Rs 1.01 lakh per couple for second-class ac.
Visit the official website, irctcbuddhisttrain.com.
Then, click on the “Book now” option and choose the tour date, class and no. of guests.
After that, select the mode of payment, Dollar US or INR.
Enter your IRCTC username and password and proceed with the booking.
Package Details
According to the itinerary, tour package includes journey in the exclusive air-conditioned luxurious train, road transport by AC coaches, sightseeing, accommodation, meals, English or Hindi speaking tour escorts, entrance fees at monuments/sightseeing trips and travel insurance. Passengers onboard can choose a variety of meals and snacks from veg or non-veg options available. Travellers can avail the facility of bottled water, tea and coffee onboard infinite times. A similar package was offered by the Indian Rail Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for the special tourist train in 2018 as well. However, the package costs do not include Nepal and India visa fees, air tickets, personal use items, laundry services, road transfers to and from Delhi-Safdarjung railway station, and more.
This Diwali, give yourself a gift and travel on this train which will give you nothing less than a Maharaja Experience. Do tell us your experience in the comments below. For a hassle-free experience, book your online tickets through Trainman app and get 100 percent cashback upto Rs. 250 on making your payment through PayPal. Download the Trainman App to check PNR Status of the booked ticket, Running Status of your train, Train Inquiry and many such exciting features.