The Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC) has announced the launch of the Bharat Gaurav Special Tourist Train under the theme: ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & the Glorious Maratha Circuit Tour’. This tour offers travellers the chance to explore Maharashtra’s historic forts, temples, and heritage sites linked to the legendary Maratha ruler.
The journey begins from New Delhi Railway Station, with additional boarding points at Gurugram, Rewari, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vasai Road, and Kalyan.
Key attractions along the way
🚩 Big news: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & the Glorious Maratha Tour announced for July 2025 by GoI !
Truly thankful to Hon PM Narendra Modi ji and Hon Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ji for this incredible initiative by Indian Railways called as “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj &… pic.twitter.com/dda69eZSX1
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 11, 2025
Key locations of the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, such as the Shivneri Fort and the Raigad Fort —where his coronation was held —will be covered along with other sacred temples of Maharashtra. It will also cover the celebrated Ellora caves near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Tourists will visit significant landmarks in Shivaji Maharaj’s life, including:
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Shivneri Fort – birthplace of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
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Raigad Fort – site of his coronation
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Important temples – Bhimashankar, Grishneshwar, Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlingas
Major stops along the way include:
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Pune – Shanivar Wada and Aga Khan Palace
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Raigad Fort – one-day excursion, 135 km from Pune
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Bhimashankar Temple – via road
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Shirdi – overnight stay and Sai Baba Temple darshan
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Nashik – visit to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) – Grishneshwar Temple and Ellora Caves. After this, the train will commence its return journey back to Delhi.
Return and booking info
The journey concludes with the return trip to Delhi after Day 8.
Full itinerary details and booking options will soon be available on the IRCTC website.
