Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the launch of a special tour, titled Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour, organised by Indian Railways. The 10-day journey, scheduled to start from 16 July, will be conducted via the Bharat Gaurav train and will highlight significant historical and religious sites across Maharashtra.

“This initiative is not just a journey. It's a tribute to the Maharashtrian culture and the valour and timeless legacy of the Maratha empire,” Fadnavis said while addressing a press conference.

Journey through history and pilgrimage

According to Fadnavis, the tour will begin in Delhi and travel through destinations in Pune, Raigad, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The curated itinerary is designed to reflect the grandeur of Maratha history and the cultural richness of the state.

A press release from Indian Railways stated that the tour would include stops at Raigarh Fort, Bhimashanker Jyotirlinga, and Shivneri Fort in Pune; Shirdi in Ahilyanagar; Trimbakeshwar in Nashik; as well as the Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Boarding and alighting points

Passengers can board or get off the train at several key locations, including New Delhi, Delhi Cantt, Gurgaon, Rewari, Phulera, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Vasai Road, and Kalyan.

Organised by IRCTC

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Glorious Maratha Tour has been launched by the Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways. The initiative aims to offer travellers a deep and meaningful exploration of Maharashtra’s proud Maratha heritage and sacred sites.

PTI