The Heritage Special Tour will showcase the Raigad Fort, Pune (Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati, and Shivsrushti), Shivneri Fort, Bhimashankar Jyotirling, Pratapgad Fort, and Kolhapur (Mahalaxmi Temple and Panhala Fort) to the tourists.

For the first time, Indian Railways is organizing a Heritage Tour on the ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit’. This tour will cover key sites related to the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The Bharat Gaurav Train will begin its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and reach Mangaon Railway Station, the nearest station to Raigad Fort, located on the Konkan Railway Network. Raigad is the historic site where Shivaji Maharaj was coronated and later made it his capital. After exploring Raigad Fort, tourists will return to the train and head towards Pune, where arrangements will be made for dinner and hotel accommodation for the night.

On Day 2, tourists will visit key locations in Pune, including Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati, and Shivsrushti. Lal Mahal was constructed in 1630 by Shahaji Bhonsle for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji. The current structure was rebuilt in 1984, and it houses a large collection of paintings related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life. The Kasba Ganpati Temple is considered the town deity of Pune and was established in 1893. It is believed that the site was chosen by Shivaji's mother, Jijabai, which led Pune to be known as the city of Lord Ganesha. Tourists will then visit Shivsrushti, the largest theme park in India based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Here, they will enjoy a 3D experience of Shivaji's life and other interactive sessions.

After the night stay in Pune, on Day 3, tourists will visit Shivneri Fort, about 95 km from Pune, situated on a hill near Junnar City. This is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a symbol of Maratha pride against Muslim rule. After lunch, the tourists will visit Bhimashankar Jyotirling, one of the 12 Jyotirlings. Afterward, they will return to Pune for an overnight stay.

The much-anticipated ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Tour’ will depart on June 9, 2025. This 5-night and 6-day tour will begin at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The modern Bharat Gaurav AC Tourist Train, with Sleeper, Second AC, and Third AC coaches, has the capacity to accommodate 748 tourists. Tourists can board this train at Dadar and Thane railway stations as well. Tickets for this heritage journey can be booked on the IRCTC website on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Day 4, tourists will travel with the Bharat Gaurav Train to Satara, where they will visit Pratapgad Fort, the site of the famous battle in 1659 between Afzal Khan and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which laid the foundation for the Maratha Empire. After lunch, the train will proceed to its final destination, Kolhapur.

On Day 5, in the morning, the train will reach Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur Railway Station. After breakfast and preparations at the hotel, tourists will visit the Mahalaxmi Temple (Ambabai) and Panhala Fort. Located on the Sahyadri mountains, this fort has witnessed several historic battles. It is also the place where Shivaji Maharaj stayed for 500 days before making a successful escape.

Panhala Fort is also known as the ‘Fort of Snakes’ because of its serpentine shape. This fort is closely associated with the lives of Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj. It is also remembered for the valor of Shivaji Maharaj's commander, Baji Prabhu Deshpande. Later, in the evening, the train will begin its return journey to Mumbai and will reach Mumbai on the morning of Day 6.

This journey is organized by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, and includes hotel stays, vegetarian meals, sightseeing by bus, travel insurance, and a tour escort.

Passengers are requested to visit the Indian Railways website (www.enquiry.indianrail.gov.in), dial 139, or download the NTES app for detailed arrival and departure timings at the respective stations.

Source/RSB