Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Mar 28: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a central public sector enterprise under the ministry of Railways, government of India, has announced two special tourism packages from Mangaluru, offering pilgrims and tourists an opportunity to explore prominent spiritual and leisure destinations.

As part of its initiative to promote domestic tourism, IRCTC will operate the “Divya Dwarka–Somnath Yatra” under the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train scheme. The train is scheduled to depart from Mangaluru on May 10 and return on May 19.

The 10-day will cover key and tourist destinations in Gujarat and Goa. Major attractions include Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhalka Tirtha, and Nishkalank Mahadev Temple. The itinerary also includes visits to Aguada Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and popular beaches such as Calangute Beach and Colva Beach.

The all-inclusive package is priced at Rs 28,760 per person and includes 3rd AC train travel, AC hotel accommodation, road transfers, vegetarian meals, tour escorts, security, and travel insurance. Passengers can board the train from Mangaluru and Udupi by booking through the official IRCTC tourism portal.

In addition, IRCTC has introduced an air tour package from Mangaluru scheduled between April 22 and April 26. The pilgrimage circuit covers Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur Temple, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Panchavati, and the historic Ellora Caves.

Priced from Rs 28,050 per person, the air package includes airfare, accommodation with meals, local transport, tour coordination, and insurance.

IRCTC officials stated that Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility is available for central and state government employees and public sector undertakings. Interested travellers can visit the official website or contact IRCTC at Mangaluru Central railway station for bookings and further details.