IRCTC Announces “Uttar Bharat with Mata Vaishno Devi” Yatra: Special Summer Tour Starts May 12

Secunderabad: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a new 10-day “Bharat Gaurav” pilgrimage package, titled “Mata Vaishnodevi with Haridwar – Rishikesh Yatra,” which is set to commence on May 12, 2026. This special tourist train (Package Code: SCZBG57) will originate from Secunderabad, offering a seamless spiritual journey from the southern and central regions of India to the iconic shrines of the North.

The 9-night/10-day itinerary is designed to cover five major pilgrimage destinations. The journey begins with visits to Mathura and Vrindavan, where devotees can explore Krishna Janmabhoomi, the Banke Bihari Temple, and Prem Mandir. The train then proceeds to Katra, providing two days for the trek and Darshan at the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi. The tour concludes with visits to Haridwar to witness the Ganga Aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri and Rishikesh to see the famous Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Boarding and de-boarding facilities are available at several key stations, including Secunderabad, Kazipet, Peddapalli, Nagpur, and Wardha.

To make the pilgrimage accessible to a wide range of travelers, IRCTC has structured the package into three pricing tiers. The Economy category (Sleeper Class) is priced at ₹16,500 per person, while the Standard (3rd AC) and Comfort (2nd AC) categories are priced at ₹25,700 and ₹33,400 respectively. These prices are inclusive of a 33% concession provided under the Bharat Gaurav scheme to promote domestic rail tourism.

The all-inclusive package is designed for a hassle-free experience, covering vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), hotel accommodations at Katra and Haridwar, and road transfers for local sightseeing. Additionally, the train is equipped with professional tour guides, dedicated security staff, and travel insurance for all passengers. Interested travelers can book their tickets through the IRCTC Tourism portal, with a part-payment facility available for bookings exceeding ₹50,000.