To promote India’s cultural and historical heritage, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Government of India Navratna enterprise, has introduced the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit’—a specially curated Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train experience beginning June 9, 2025.
The five-day journey celebrates the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, offering an immersive travel experience through some of Maharashtra’s most significant historical, religious, and cultural landmarks.
Complete Itinerary and Boarding Stations
The circuit will begin and end at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, with additional boarding and deboarding options at Dadar and Thane. The itinerary includes:
Train Route:
CSMT – Mangaon – Pune – Satara – Kolhapur – CSMT
Tour Destinations:
-
Raigad Fort – site of Shivaji’s coronation and Maratha capital
-
Pune – Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati, Shivsrushti
-
Shivneri Fort – Shivaji’s birthplace
-
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – a sacred pilgrimage site
-
Pratapgad Fort – the battleground of Shivaji and Afzal Khan
-
Kolhapur – Mahalakshmi Temple
-
Panhala Fort – known for Baji Prabhu Deshpande’s heroic defence
The tour concludes in the early morning of the sixth day.
Highlights of the Tour
“This is more than just a vacation, it’s a chance to reconnect with Maharashtra’s proud Maratha legacy. The tour offers an educational and emotional journey into the life of a visionary leader, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” said Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Divisional Commissioner.
Destinations covered are steeped in historical importance:
-
Lal Mahal – Shivaji’s childhood home
-
Shivsrushti – A cultural project showcasing his legacy
-
Pratapgad – Site of the 1659 battle with Afzal Khan
-
Panhala – Fort known for Baji Prabhu’s sacrifice during Shivaji’s escape
-
Bhimashankar and Mahalakshmi Temples – Cultural and spiritual additions to the route
Flexible Travel Options and Pricing
IRCTC has categorized the travel into three pricing tiers based on comfort level:
| Category | Tariff (Per Person) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Sleeper) | ₹13,155 | Non-AC hotels, shared wash & change, non-AC buses |
| Comfort (3AC) | ₹19,840 | AC budget hotels, shared AC rooms, AC buses |
| Superior (2AC) | ₹27,365 | AC rooms in superior hotels (3-star equivalent), AC transport |
Note: Solo travelers will be paired with other passengers for accommodation.
What’s Included in the Package?
-
Train journey in the selected class
-
Onboard and offboard vegetarian meals
-
Hotel accommodation with wash & change facilities
-
All transfers and sightseeing by bus
-
Ropeway charges at Raigad Fort
-
Entry fees to monuments, Shivsrushti, and temples
-
Travel insurance
-
Train security
-
Applicable taxes
What’s Not Included?
-
Personal expenses like laundry, mineral water, or special meals
-
Room service, tips, and fuel surcharges
-
Adventure activities and boating
-
Unscheduled sightseeing or food outside the provided menu
Booking and Additional Information
Bookings can be made via the official IRCTC tourism website, where a full itinerary, FAQs, and payment options are available. Seats are limited, and demand is expected to be high due to the historical and emotional value of the tour.
