26 September 2014

Sukhmangalam Yatra Special Tourist Train to Bijapur, Solapur, Pandharpur, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Badami and Hampi

As per the Ministry of Railways guidelines in line with the Railway Budget announcement, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has announced a tourist train from Bangalore to Maharashtra between 25thOctober and 3rd November 2014. Called Sukhamangalam Yatra, the train will cover religious and tourist towns around Bangalore and southern Maharashtra i.e.­ Badami, Bijapur, Solapur, Pandharpur, Aurangabad and Shirdi. The train will stop at Guntakal o­n 25.10.2014 at 06:00 pm to enable passengers board the train.

Tourists can visit the historical sites of Gol Gumbaz and Gagan Mahal in Bijapur; temples at Akalkot, Tulja Bhawani in Solapur, Vitthal Rukmani temple at Pandharpur, a two-day excursion to Ajanta and Ellora caves, and the rock cut temples at Badami.

The train will commence its journey o­n 25thOctober 2014 from Bangalore and return to the city o­n 2nd November 2014. The tour package comprises of 9 nights and 10 days. It will be routed through Guntakal and Gadag so that pilgrims have the option to join the tour from there.

A Standard (budget) tour package for Sukhamangalam Yatra costs Rs 8,190. As part of Comfort package, tourists can travel in 3-tier AC coaches at the cost of Rs.17, 730 and Deluxe class package will provide the tourists, travel in AC 2-tier at the cost of Rs.23, 850. The price includes service tax, boarding, meal, road transfers, sightseeing and guide fee.

Bookings can be done o­nline o­n http:www.irctctourism.com  or call 040-27702407 / 23400606, 09701360701/715.