If you are planning to visit the most sacred religious places of the country with your family on the holy festival of Dussehra and Navratri, then Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced a wonderful and affordable special tour package for the devotees. Under this special religious travel package, travelers are being given darshan of the three biggest spiritual centers of Uttar Pradesh – the holy city of Lord Shri Ram 'Ayodhya', the city of Lord Shiva 'Kashi' (Varanasi) and the pilgrimage center 'Prayagraj'. Available at a budget of around ₹ 35,000 per person, this package includes comfortable train travel, accommodation in air-conditioned (AC) hotels, sattvik food all three times, local sightseeing and complete arrangements with a tourist guide. This package has emerged as the most convenient option for senior citizens and families during festival holidays without any hassle and hassle of separate booking. Mahasangam of Religious Triveni: Spiritual importance of Ayodhya, Kashi and Prayagraj. In Hindu religion, the journey to Ayodhya, Kashi and Prayagraj is considered to give salvation. After the inauguration of the grand Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, there has been a historic increase in the number of Ram devotees coming from India and abroad. The construction of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi has made Baba's darshan extremely easy and divine. The holy triveni confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and invisible Saraswati in Prayagraj is considered to be the destroyer of sins. This Dussehra special package from IRCTC connects these three holy places in a single well-planned circuit, allowing devotees to complete their entire spiritual journey peacefully in a very short time and limited budget. Day-wise Itinerary of Dussehra Special Tour Package This entire tour is based on a well-planned itinerary of 5 nights and 6 days, specially designed keeping in mind the festival rush: Day 1: Start of the journey and arrival in Varanasi The journey will begin by special tourist train or superfast train from the designated boarding stations. Arrival in Varanasi (Cantt/Banaras Railway Station) by evening after a comfortable journey in train. Welcome by IRCTC representative at the station and check-in to hotel via AC bus. In the evening, see the grand and supernatural 'Ganga Aarti' held at the famous Dashashwamedh Ghat. After this, overnight stay and pure dinner at the hotel. Day 2: Baba Kashi Vishwanath, Kaal Bhairav Darshan and Sarnath Tour Early morning boating in the holy river Ganga (optional) and Ganga bath. After this, Jalabhishek and darshan in the newly constructed 'Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham'. Darshan of 'Kaal Bhairav Temple' called Kotwal of Kashi and Mata Annapurna. After lunch, visit to 'Sarnath', the site of Lord Buddha's first sermon, where Dhamek Stupa and Archaeological Museum will be seen. Dinner and overnight rest at hotel. Day 3: Departure to Prayagraj from Varanasi and Sangam Snan After morning breakfast, check-out from hotel and departure to Tirtharaj Prayagraj by AC deluxe bus (about 3 hours journey). After reaching Prayagraj, check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, holy bath and worship at the sacred 'Triveni Sangam'. After this, visit the famous 'Late Hue Hanuman Ji' (Big Hanuman Temple), Akshayavat and the historical 'Anand Bhawan'. In the evening, a panoramic view of the sunset on the Sangam coast and overnight stay at the hotel. Day 4: Arrival in Ayodhya, the city of Lord Shri Ram, from Prayagraj. After breakfast, departure from Prayagraj for Ayodhya Dham (about 3.5 hours by road). On arrival in Ayodhya, check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit 'Hanumangarhi', where it is believed that before having darshan of Ramlala, devotees take permission from Hanuman ji. In the evening, participation in the grand 'Saryu Maha Aarti' at Naya Ghat on the banks of holy 'Saryu River' and enjoyment of light and sound show at Ram Ki Paidi. Day Five: Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Darshan and Kanak Bhavan Morning darshan of Ramlala at the grand and divine 'Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple'. Overview of the unique Nagar style architecture of the temple complex. After this, visit 'Kanak Bhawan', Dashrath Mahal and 'Sugriva Fort' of Mata Sita. Shopping for Ayodhya's famous souvenirs and offerings in the local markets in the evening. After dinner departure to railway station for return journey. Day 6: Return and successful completion of the journey Safe return to your original destination stations via train. A happy ending to an unforgettable and devotional journey with the comfortable services of IRCTC. Fare structure and facilities of Dussehra tour package: Know what you will get for ₹ 35,000 IRCTC has divided this travel package into different categories based on the convenience and budget of the passengers. Average double occupancy fare is set at around ₹35,000 per person: Double sharing (Comfort Class): Around ₹34,500 to ₹36,000 per person. Triple Sharing (Family/Group): Around ₹31,000 to ₹33,000 per person. Single occupancy: Around ₹42,000 to ₹45,000. Child fare (5 to 11 years including bed): Around ₹22,000 to ₹25,000. Key Inclusions in the Package: Confirmed reserved ticket in 3-tier AC (3AC) or 2-tier AC (2AC) in the train. Stay in 3-star equivalent premium AC hotels in all cities (Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya). Morning tea, daily buffet breakfast and pure vegetarian dinner. Air Conditioned (AC) Deluxe Bus/Tempo Traveler for local tours and sightseeing in all cities. Each group is accompanied by an experienced IRCTC tour manager and professional guide. Travel Accident Insurance for all co-passengers. All applicable GST and local toll/parking taxes. What is not included in the package (Exclusions): Receipt of individual VIP darshan or special puja in temples. Cost of private boat ride in river Ganga and Saryu. Entry fee of monuments (like Sarnath Museum, Anand Bhawan). Any additional expenses for mineral water, laundry, room service or personal shopping. How to book online from IRCTC portal sitting at home? The number of seats in this package is limited and the demand is very high during Dussehra season. Follow these easy steps for booking: First visit the official tourism website of IRCTC, irctctourism.com or open the 'IRCTC Tourism' mobile app. Type 'Dussehra Special Ayodhya Kashi Prayagraj' or relevant package code in the search bar. Select the date of journey, departure station and number of passengers (Single/Double/Triple). Fill your personal information, Aadhaar number and contact details. LTC/LTA billing option is also available for government employees. Make secure online payments through credit card, debit card, net banking or UPI. Once the payment is successful, the e-ticket, hotel voucher and contact number of the tour guide will be sent to your registered email ID and mobile. 4 Important Tips for Devotees Traveling During the Festive Season Identity Card Mandatory: All adults are required to carry their original Aadhar Card or valid government identity card during the journey as it is required at hotels and temple security checks. Comfortable shoes and traditional clothes: Parikrama and darshan in the temples involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear. Wearing traditional Indian attire (dhoti-kurta, saree/suit) is mandatory or recommended in many major temples. Medicines and Medical Kit: Keep regular medicines, pain relief sprays and necessary medical prescriptions for senior citizens in your handbag. On time reporting: There is a huge crowd of devotees in Ayodhya and Kashi during Dussehra, hence gather in the hotel lobby at the time fixed by the tour manager so that there is no delay in darshan.
