Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Train Embarks on a North East Odyssey on November 16
The Indian Ministry of Railways, in partnership with IRCTC Ltd, is set to launch the “North East Discovery” tour to promote the enchanting yet relatively less-explored North Eastern states of India. The meticulously crafted journey will commence on November 16, 2023, from the Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, offering travelers an extraordinary 14-night and 15-day itinerary, showcasing the pristine beauty of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
The “North East Discovery” tour will be operated by the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, which boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including deluxe air-conditioned cabins in three classes: AC I, AC II, and AC III, accommodating a total of 204 tourists. The train is equipped with two dining cars/restaurants, a modern flameless kitchen, shower cubicles in AC I and AC II coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massagers, and a mini library. For enhanced security, the train features CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards assigned to each coach.
The captivating journey kicks off with the first stop in Guwahati, where tourists will explore the Kamakhya Temple, followed by visits to the Umananda Temple and a scenic sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra River. The train then embarks on an overnight journey to Naharlagun Railway Station, just 30 kilometers from Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
The next destination is Sivasagar, the ancient capital of the Ahom Kingdom in eastern Assam, home to remarkable heritage sites like the Shiva temple, Sivadol, and historical landmarks like Talatal Ghar and Rang Ghar, often referred to as the “Colosseum of the East.” The journey continues with visits to the lush tea gardens in Jorhat and an overnight stay at Kaziranga, where tourists can enjoy an early morning jungle safari in Kaziranga National Park.
Afterward, the train takes travelers to the picturesque state of Tripura, where they will explore the renowned heritage site of Unakoti in the dense Jampui Hills. In the capital city of Agartala, guests can marvel at the Ujjayanta Palace, Neermahal, and the Tripura Sundari Mandir at Udaipur.
The train then departs for Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland, where passengers can witness the scenic train journey between Badarpur station and Lumding Junction in the early morning hours. From Dimapur, buses will transport tourists to Kohima, where they can delve into the local culture, including a tour of the Khonoma village to experience the Naga way of life.
The tour culminates in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The last day features an excursion to Cherrapunji, nestled in the East Khasi Hills, allowing travelers to explore captivating sites such as Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Nawkhalikai Falls, and Mawsmai Caves. The journey wraps up with a return to Guwahati Station and the train ride back to Delhi, covering approximately 5,800 kilometers in the course of the entire train tour.
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train launch aligns with the Government of India’s initiatives “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh,” designed to encourage domestic tourism. This 15-day, all-inclusive tour package encompasses train travel in the respective class, overnight stays at AC hotels, all vegetarian meals, transfer services, sightseeing excursions via buses, travel insurance, the assistance of a tour escort, and more. Rigorous health and safety measures will be implemented to ensure a secure and memorable experience for all guests.
For additional details and online booking, interested individuals can visit IRCTC’s official website, with reservations available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
