India is a land where spirituality breathes in every stone, story, and silence. I, Abhilash Yadav, embarked on a journey that wasn’t just about travel—it was about tracing the footprints of divinity. And what better way to do this than with the Bharat Gaurav Ramayan Express, an initiative by IRCTC that bridges faith and travel?
This was more than a pilgrimage. It was a deep spiritual experience that covered places mentioned in the Ramayana, the epic tale of Lord Ram. Let me take you along the full trail—temple by temple, state by state, with train timings, heritage insights, and the magic I lived at every station.
🛤 The Ramayan Express – An Overview
Train Name: Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train – Ramayan Circuit
Organized By: IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation)
Total Duration: 17–21 Days (Depends on itinerary)
Boarding Point: Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi
Departure Time: Usually departs around 06:00 AM
Classes Available: Sleeper Class, 3AC, 2AC
Total Distance Covered: Approx. 7500 KM
🗓️ Day 1: The Journey Begins – New Delhi to Ayodhya
After reaching Delhi Safdarjung Station early morning, the Ramayan Express flagged off with full fanfare. Passengers, clad in traditional attire, chanted the name of Lord Ram as the journey began. IRCTC provided us with clean bedding, sattvik meals, devotional songs, and an onboard Ramayana screening.
🌟 Ayodhya – Birthplace of Lord Ram
Train Arrival: Around 03:00 PM next day
Stay Duration: 1 Night
We visited:
- Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir – The spiritual epicenter of Ramayana.
- Hanuman Garhi – A beautiful hilltop temple with 76 stairs.
- Kanak Bhawan – A private palace gifted to Sita.
- Saryu Aarti – A divine river-side prayer experience at sunset.
IRCTC arranged buses from the station to temples, guided tours, and local cultural performances at night.
🗓️ Day 3: Sitamarhi and Janakpur – The Wedding Legacy
Train Arrival at Sitamarhi: Early morning
Border Crossing to Nepal: Via road (IRCTC arranged bus)
🛕 Janakpur (Nepal)
- Janaki Mandir – Grand white-marble temple where Sita was found.
- Vivah Mandap – The site of Ram and Sita’s wedding ceremony.
- Dhanusha Dham – A legendary site where Shiva’s bow was broken.
Returning by evening to Sitamarhi, we boarded the train with minds full of mythological memories.
🗓️ Day 4: Varanasi & Chitrakoot – Tales of Exile Begin
🛕 Varanasi/Kashi
Although not central to Ramayana, IRCTC includes a short stop here to visit:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
From there, we traveled to Chitrakoot, where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent 11 years of exile.
Train Arrival at Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi): Afternoon
Key Temples Visited:
- Ram Ghat – Spiritual boating experience on Mandakini River.
- Kamadgiri Temple – Parikrama path around the sacred hill.
- Bharat Milap Mandir – Emotional site where Bharat met Lord Ram.
🗓️ Day 6: Nashik – The Panchavati Chapter
Train Arrival at Nashik Road: Morning
Temples Covered:
- Panchavati – The forest region mentioned in the Ramayana.
- Sita Gufa – The cave where Sita was believed to reside.
- Kalaram Temple – Built at the site of ancient Rama temple.
This was a deeply emotional stop. The aura of Nashik was filled with reverence, and the devotion of locals was infectious.
🗓️ Day 8: Hampi – The Kingdom of Kishkindha
Train Arrival at Hospet (for Hampi): Early Morning
Distance to Hampi: 13 km (Bus provided by IRCTC)
🛕 Temples and Sites Visited:
- Anjanadri Hill – Birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
- Sugreeva’s Cave – Where the monkey king lived.
- Vijaya Vittala Temple – Iconic stone chariot.
- Matanga Hill – Breathtaking view of the entire Kishkindha valley.
We trekked to the hilltop at sunrise and saw the magical Tungabhadra flowing below. It was as if the Ramayana unfolded before us.
🗓️ Day 10: Rameswaram – The Southernmost Pilgrimage
Train Arrival at Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): After a day-long journey
Duration of Stay: 1 Night
🛕 Rameswaram Temples and Spots:
- Ramanathaswamy Temple – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
- Dhanushkodi – End point of land, believed to be the starting point of Ram Setu.
- Kothandaramaswamy Temple – Where Vibhishana surrendered to Lord Ram.
The Ram Setu Viewpoint gave goosebumps. I imagined the Vanar Sena constructing the bridge of stones.
🗓️ Day 12: Bhadrachalam – The Temple Town of Telangana
Train Arrival: Morning
This stop was new to many pilgrims but equally divine.
🛕 Main Attractions:
- Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy Temple – Built in the 17th century by a devotee Potana.
- Godavari River Ghat – Holy dip and puja arrangements by IRCTC.
🗓️ Day 13–15: Halt in Nagpur and Return Journey Begins
The train halts in Nagpur for refueling, where we visited:
- Ramtek Temple – Believed to be the spot where Lord Ram rested before leaving for Dandakaranya.
🗓️ Final Day: Homecoming at Delhi
After covering around 15 sacred destinations, crossing 8 states and 1 international border (Nepal), and journeying over 7500 km, we returned to Delhi Safdarjung Station.
🛏️ Onboard Facilities of Ramayan Express
- Sattvik Veg Meals: 3 times a day
- Security: CCTV & Private Guards
- Tour Managers: Guided info & language support
- Accommodation: AC & Non-AC classes with clean toilets
- Cultural Evenings: Ram Leela, Bhajan Sandhya, and discourses on Ramayana
📅 Ramayan Express Schedule and Ticket Info (as of 2025)
- Train Code: Bharat Gaurav Ramayan Circuit
- Frequency: Monthly (Check IRCTC site)
- Upcoming Departure Dates (Tentative):
- 5th August 2025
- 15th September 2025
- 10th October 2025
💸 Ticket Prices (Per Person Approx.):
- Sleeper Class: ₹25,000
- 3AC: ₹48,500
- 2AC: ₹64,000
🙏 Why You Must Take This Journey
Whether you’re spiritual, curious, or a fan of Indian mythology, the Ramayan Express offers a chance to explore faith, devotion, and India’s timeless culture. The IRCTC has curated it with heart and history in mind.
🔖 Quick Tips for Travelers
- Carry lightweight cotton clothing & devotional books.
- Keep photocopies of ID proof for the Nepal visit.
- Join the evening bhajans—it uplifts the spirit.
- Respect local customs at all temple towns.
- Carry personal medications & travel insurance.
📸 Gallery Highlights (Alt Texts and Captions for Blog Images)
- Alt Text: Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Illuminated at Night
Title: Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya
Caption: The sacred birthplace of Lord Ram in golden glow.
Description: A majestic view of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple taken after sunset, symbolizing divinity and history. - Alt Text: Devotees at Ramanathaswamy Temple Corridor
Title: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
Caption: The world’s longest temple corridor with pillars of devotion.
Description: This corridor echoes the footsteps of centuries of devotees and the divine energy of Rameswaram. - Alt Text: IRCTC Bharat Gaurav Ramayan Express at Station
Title: Ramayan Express Ready for Departure
Caption: A spiritual train journey begins with chants and blessings.
Description: IRCTC’s specially decorated Bharat Gaurav train on the Ramayan Circuit, flagged off from Delhi.
✍️ Final Words From Abhilash Yadav
The Ramayan Express is not just a train—it’s a spiritual vessel. With every station, I found a new lesson. With every temple, a new story. With every mile, deeper faith.
