Why is IRCTC’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj heritage train tour so popular?

New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Navratna company under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has garnered an incredible response for its newly-introduced 'Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train Tour.'

Set to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, on June 9, this heritage journey is already at full capacity. A total of 710 passengers have booked their tickets across different classes, including 480 in Economy (Sleeper Class), 190 in Comfort (3AC), and 40 in Superior (2AC).

This six-day expedition has been meticulously crafted to highlight the magnificent history and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The tour is a result of a joint initiative by the Government of Maharashtra, Indian Railways, and IRCTC, aiming to offer travellers an engaging experience that revives the heroic narrative of the iconic Maratha ruler.

The train will visit historically significant locations such as Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Panhala Fort, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati Temple, and Shivsrushti, all closely tied to the major events and life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The journey commences with the train leaving CSMT and moving towards Mangaon station on the Konkan Railway network, the nearest access point to Raigad Fort.

Raigad is the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and served as his capital. After sightseeing, tourists will head to Pune for an overnight hotel stay. On the second day, they will explore Lal Mahal, a red palace originally constructed by Shivaji’s father Shahaji Bhosale in 1630, and later reconstructed in 1984.

Tourists will also visit the Kasba Ganpati Temple, believed to be founded by Shivaji’s mother Jijabai, and the historical theme park Shivsrushti, where Shivaji’s life narrative is presented through 3D visuals and interactive exhibits. Visitors will spend a second night in Pune.

On the third day, the tour advances to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, situated atop a hill near Junnar, and will also visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.

After the visit, tourists will return to Pune for another overnight stay. On the fourth day, the train will move towards Satara. From there, travellers will explore Pratapgad Fort, the historic site of the 1659 battle between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate.

Following this visit, the group will depart for Kolhapur.

The final day of the tour starts with the train arriving at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus in Kolhapur.

Subsequently, there will be a visit to the notable Panhala Fort, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills. This fort holds significant historical ties with Shivaji Maharaj, who was imprisoned there for over 500 days before executing a dramatic escape.

Known as the 'Fort of Serpents' due to its winding layout, Panhala is also celebrated for the legendary valor of Baji Prabhu Deshpande, Shivaji’s general, during a pivotal battle to maintain control of the fort.

The tour package encompasses train travel, comfortable hotel accommodations, all vegetarian meals, transfers and sightseeing via air-conditioned buses, travel insurance, and the guidance of seasoned tour escorts.

IRCTC has guaranteed that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers while delivering a culturally enriching and unforgettable journey.