IRCTC Offers 20% Discount on Buddhist Circuit Train for Travelers

The IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train now offers a 20% discount, making spiritual journeys more affordable. This is a great chance for many people to visit key Buddhist sites.
By Newsroom | Travel, India |

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a significant discount of 20% on its Buddhist Circuit Tourist train package. This initiative aims to make a spiritual journey to sites significant to Buddhism more accessible to both domestic and international travelers. The offer is valid for a package that includes travel aboard a deluxe, air-conditioned tourist train, visiting key locations associated with the life of Lord Buddha.

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The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train provides an all-inclusive experience, covering destinations in India and Nepal that hold profound historical and religious importance for Buddhists. This package has been operational for 16 years, highlighting IRCTC's sustained focus on spiritual tourism.

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Journey Details and Inclusions

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train package is designed as a 7-night, 8-day journey.

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  • Departure Point: The tour typically commences from Delhi Safdarjung railway station.

  • Destinations Covered: The itinerary includes a comprehensive route to:

  • Bodhgaya: A place of great importance where Buddha attained enlightenment.

  • Nalanda: Home to the ancient ruins of one of the world's oldest universities, a former center for Buddhist scholarship.

  • Rajgir: Another significant location for Buddhist history and teachings.

  • Varanasi: A major city on the route, often associated with spiritual journeys.

  • Sarnath: Where Buddha delivered his first sermon, marking the initiation of his teachings.

  • Lumbini, Nepal: The birthplace of Lord Buddha.

  • Kushinagar: The site where Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana (final liberation).

  • Shravasti: A place associated with Buddha's life and teachings.

  • Additional Sightseeing: The tour package also includes a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra.

  • Train Amenities: The train is a fully air-conditioned Deluxe Tourist Train featuring 12 new LHB coaches. These coaches are equipped with modern facilities and ergonomically designed seating. Passengers have the choice between traveling in AC First Class or AC Second Class coaches.

  • Onboard Services: Meals, including a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, are provided onboard. Each dining car has a seating capacity for 64 passengers. A Train Manager is present throughout the journey. The train operates with a voltage of 110 volts.

Discount Details and Target Audience

The 20% discount is a recent announcement from IRCTC.

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  • Applicability: This special discount is available for domestic tourists as well as overseas Indian guests, which includes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Citizens of Indian Origin (OCIs).

  • Pricing Context: Prior to the discount, the package was priced, for instance, at ₹76,905 per person on a twin-sharing basis for AC Second Class. For AC First Class, the fare was cited as ₹1,15,000 for 7 days/8 nights, with a daily rate of ₹14,375. For AC Second Class, the fare was ₹95,000 for the same duration, with a daily rate of ₹11,875. The exact pricing with the discount applied would require direct confirmation from IRCTC.

Operational Background

The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train has been operational for approximately 16 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment by IRCTC to promote spiritual and cultural tourism within the region. The train itself utilizes LHB coaches, a modern standard for Indian Railways, indicating an effort to provide enhanced comfort and safety for passengers.

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Expert Analysis

The decision by IRCTC to offer a discount on the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train package can be viewed as a strategic move to boost tourism, particularly during periods of potentially lower demand or to attract a wider demographic. By targeting both domestic and international travelers, including the Indian diaspora, IRCTC aims to capitalize on the growing interest in religious and heritage tourism. The inclusion of sites in both India and Nepal, along with the Taj Mahal, enhances the package's appeal by offering a diverse cultural and historical experience. The emphasis on modern amenities like LHB coaches and air-conditioned compartments suggests a focus on passenger comfort, which is crucial for attracting and retaining travelers on longer journeys.

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Conclusion

IRCTC's 20% discount on the Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train package is a notable development for those interested in exploring the key locations associated with Buddhism. The package offers a comprehensive and comfortable journey, covering significant historical and spiritual sites across India and Nepal, and includes the iconic Taj Mahal. The discount extends to a broad category of travelers, potentially increasing accessibility and participation in this specialized tour. The details of the discounted pricing and booking procedures are available through IRCTC's official channels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is IRCTC offering a 20% discount on the Buddhist Circuit Train?
IRCTC is offering a 20% discount to make the spiritual journey to important Buddhist sites more affordable for both Indian and foreign travelers. This aims to increase tourism to these historical places.
Q: Who can get the 20% discount on the Buddhist Circuit Train package?
The 20% discount is available for all domestic tourists, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Citizens of Indian Origin (OCIs). This means many people can now travel at a lower cost.
Q: What places does the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train visit?
The 8-day train journey starts from Delhi and visits key Buddhist sites like Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi, Sarnath, Lumbini (Nepal), Kushinagar, and Shravasti. It also includes a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Q: What are the travel options and facilities on the Buddhist Circuit Train?
The train is a deluxe, air-conditioned tourist train with AC First Class and AC Second Class options. It includes meals, onboard services, and a Train Manager, offering a comfortable 7-night journey.
Q: How long has the IRCTC Buddhist Circuit Train been running?
The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train has been operational for about 16 years. This shows IRCTC's long-term commitment to promoting cultural and spiritual tourism in the region.