IRCTC Heritage Circuit special train

Heritage Circuit as the name suggests is the trip to major Heritage Sites of the world in India. This circuit launched by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) includes a visit to World’s most popular pilgrim destination Varanasi, famous Khajuraho, world renowned Agra for One and Only Taj Mahal and beautiful Fatehpur Sikri.

This complete package provided by IRCTC includes transfers to cities by train, local sightseeing, food and accommodation at 3* properties. This is a 4nights and 4 days trip.

The train has got a dedicated Safdar Jung Railway Station like other specialized trains such as Buddhist Circuit, world renowned Maharaja Express and more.

Delhi Safdar Jung Railway Station

Musicians at Safdar Jung Railway station welcoming everyone

Train provides three accommodation options for full trip 1st AC, 2nd AC and 3rd AC. Prices of all options and itinerary are present at http://www.irctctourism.com/TourPackages/RailTour/Heritage-Circuit-Semi-Luxury-Tourist-Train.html

Why is IRCTC Heritage Circuit a must experience?

1. There is no direct train from Varanasi to Khajuraho. Anybody wanting to visit these four destinations would have to shell out a lot of money and time on road transfers

2. IRCTC Heritage Circuit provides an end to end fully paid travel, stay, food, transfers and itinerary. So one only needs to make one time payment and just sit back and relax leaving everything else to IRCTC. Not an extra penny is spent after making one time payment.

3. For solo or first time travellers including International visitors this is the safest and most secure option. Reason being- all itinerary , stay , sightseeing is already fixed by IRCTC. Security is a crucial factor thoughtfully taken care by IRCTC. So one is already rest assured that there would be no compromise on quality of travel, stay,food and safety.

4. Train being kept neat and tidy, there is no problem in overnight stays or long journey

5. Most economical and well organized trip. The stay includes 3*accommodation.

Having visited many world Heritage sites in Nepal, I wanted to do a tour on world Heritage sites in India as well. Although I have already visited many and Taj Mahal some 3-4 times in my life but have never been to Varanasi, Fatehpur Sikri and Khajuraho. These places were on my mind since long but was not able to figure out how to go since there are no trains from Varanasi enroute to Khajuraho. When I heard about this circuit, I was elated. I was invited by IRCTC to review the whole experience. What more could I want? I immediately said yes to the experience and started my preparations for the trip.

As I first reached the Safdar Jung Railway station, I was first welcomed with tilak ( red powder) on my forehead (As per Indian Tradition before the start of an important thing, a red powder is put on the pituitary gland) and a garland. I felt honoured. I received a travel kit from the reception desk at the station. Travel kit included travel itinerary, my boarding pass and luggage tags. There was a cap also.

Ambiance of IRCTC Heritage Circuit AC First class

First Class accommodation at IRCTC Heritage Circuit special train

Depiction of festival

As I entered the train, it was a First AC compartment for me. The coach had red carpet. I had got a twin sharing compartment. Coach had bigger beds than normal, a small table to dine in with attached side tables. Linen was sparkling clean. Beds were laid nicely. There was a room freshner installed which would refresh the room after regular intervals. Washrooms were very neat and clean. There was a restroom and other was bathing. Bathing room had running hot and cold water. Rest room had all necessary amenities. So I was totally satisfied with the cleanliness of the train. There was dedicated staff to take care of both wash rooms. I was quite impressed by the service.

Pantry in the train

Pantry in the train was another curiosity for me. I went in to check it out. Since the food was delicious and hygienic, I was eager to know how it was being made. I saw that all vegetables and dishes were being prepared fresh in pantry. Utensils were getting washed and wiped to ensure cleanliness. People preparing food trays were wearing gloves.

Pantry

Food trays ready

My experience of IRCTC Heritage Circuit

Day 1

First night was supposed to be in train which was a comfortable journey. We reached Varanasi at 10am. At Varanasi, we visited Sarnath Temple, Dhamek Stupa and Sarnath Museum. All these sites are worth visiting and have a strong history in Indian heritage.  I will be writing separate posts on each of these. All transfers to these sightseeing were taken care by IRCTC in deluxe buses. Bus ride was comfortable as well. We were provided with water bottles. I did some little shopping from around the museum.

Sarnath Temple

Dhamek Stupa

After these sites, we had a sumptuous lunch at Rivatas which was a 3* property.

Hotel Rivatas

Having satiated our hungers pangs, we headed for weavers market to check out how Banarasi sarees or curtains etc were made. It was a nice experience to see the whole process.

Post weaver market, we started our journey for Ganga Aarti. Around 5.30pm, we boarded the boat. Reached the opposite side of location where Aarti was supposed to be conducted. That way we had a clear view of the same. It was a great decision by IRCTC as on the other side , it was very crowded. Weather was cold and Ganga Aarti was magnetic. I and my fellow travellers were really happy to witness it.

Aarti at Ganga Ji

After Aarti we retreated back to our train for onward journey to Khajuraho during night. It was a comfortable sleep in the train.

Day2

We reached Khajuraho railway station in the morning and boarded buses to settle in a 3* property by Clarks Hotel. It was an excellent choice by IRCTC team  as the rooms and ambiance was good. Food too was delectable.

Hotel Clarks

After settling we had lunch and proceeded for Eastern and Western Temples in Khajuraho in deluxe buses. There was a lot to see and explore in both groups of temples. Intricate carvings and miniature statues in each temple tell a story.

Western group of Khajuraho temples

In the evening, we got an opportunity to attend a dance performance which presented 8 states of India, their dance styles, costumes and culture. It was an engaging show. Specially first time visitors to India would live it. Even I loved the overall performance as I got to see different attires and music dance of different States. I could very well connect with the same. Had dinner back at Clark’s and retired for the day.

Day3

Next day early morning 6 am we sat in buses for our journey to Agra in train. It was a 6 hour journey. We settled in the train. WiFi was sometimes available in train. Slept for a while to relax. Had breakfast and lunch in train and reached Agra around 3pm. Visited Taj Mahal. It was too much of smog around. Pics were not as clear. Also, being winters, since we reached around 4pm, sunlight was already dim so not a great day for photography at the Taj. Anyways, retired back to another 3* property Royale Residency. Had dinner. It was a good dine out after long journey and sightseeing. Property had complimentary WiFi in reception and lobby area.

Taj Mahal

Day4

Early in the morning we checked out by 8am to travel by bus till Fatehpur Sikri. Reached Fatehpur Sikri by 10am. It was a lovely sight. Well maintained and a very elaborate palace.

Fatehpur Sikri

Then we headed to Ganpati Resorts for lunch and finally to railway station at Mathura. Had a tea break in the train. It was a delayed start. We reached around 9.30 pm.

Overall an excellent experience provided by IRCTC Heritage Circuit. Worth going for those specially who love to travel in groups.Only thing I missed was shopping. The trip was quick and swift. Every morning we had to get up early, sometimes as early as 5am. I was OK with it.

Other travellers including only two girls, 3 couples and more were of high opinion of this Heritage Circuit. Highly recommended.

Summary of IRCTC Heritage Circuit

Cleanliness- 5/5

Sleep quality-5/5

Planning and Itinerary- 5/5

Security- 5/5

Food – 4/5

Stay- 5/5

About IRCTC

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. has been set up by the Ministry of Railways with the basic purpose of hiving off entire catering and tourism activity of the railways to the new Corporation so as to professionalise and upgrade these services with public-private participation. This has been established with a mission to enhance customer services and facilitation in railway catering, hospitality, travel and tourism with best industry practices”. Source http://www.irctc.com/aboutUs_En.jsp

Nidhi KM

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