Ultimate Onam getaway: Exploring India by rail with new 'Bharat Gaurav' tour

KOCHI: For those looking to utilise the upcoming Onam holidays for a pan-India exploration, a new rail initiative is offering a subsidised opportunity. Under the central government's 'Bharat Gaurav Train' scheme, a special tourist train is scheduled to flag off this August, connecting Kerala directly to some of India's most iconic landmarks.

The 11-day journey, commencing on August 20, features a comprehensive itinerary covering Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, and the beaches of Goa.

To ensure maximum accessibility for local travellers, the train will provide boarding stops across several major stations in Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kayamkulam, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Ottapalam, and Palakkad Junction.

Collaboration and onboard amenities

The special service is being organised by South Star Rail—the private sector's pioneer operator under this initiative—in collaboration with Tour Times, an official tour operator approved by the Ministry of Tourism. A major highlight of the package is a 33% subsidy provided by Indian Railways, making a multi-destination national tour significantly more affordable.

Passenger comfort and safety have been prioritised with several onboard facilities, including:

• A dedicated Public Address (PA) system for announcements and updates.
• Onboard security personnel stationed throughout the journey.
• Professional tour managers to assist passengers at every destination.

Tiered fare structure and inclusions

The package is structured across four comfort tiers, with all prices inclusive of travel insurance, hotel accommodations, and meals. Furthermore, eligible government and corporate employees can avail themselves of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and Leave Travel Facility (LFC) benefits.

• Sleeper Class: ₹28,750
• Third AC (3AC): ₹39,950
• Second AC (2AC): ₹49,950
• First AC (1AC): ₹58,950

"This initiative bridges the gap between budget-friendly travel and managed comfort, allowing families to experience India's diverse heritage seamlessly during the festive season," said Vignesh, Project Manager at South Star Rail.

Interested travellers can secure their bookings or gather more information by contacting 7305 85 85 85 or visiting the official portal at www.tourtimes.in.