South Star Rail, India’s first Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, operated by Tour Times (a Government of India – Ministry of Tourism–recognized operator), has announced two exclusive pilgrimage special circuits — Temples of Tamil Nadu & Kerala and Pancha Dwarka Yatra with Nishkalank Mahadev Sea Temple and Jyothirlinga Darshan.
The announcement was made by Mr. Vignesh, Product Director, South Star Rail, and Mr. Ajith Kumar Sharma, Tourist Officer, Gujarat Tourism, during a press meet at Tourism Plaza, Hyderabad.
Departure Dates and Booking Details
- Temples of Tamil Nadu & Kerala: Departs on November 16, 2025
- Pancha Dwarka Yatra with Nishkalank Mahadev and Jyothirlinga Darshan: Departs on November 27, 2025
Unlike regular trains, bookings are not available on the IRCTC website. Reservations can be made only through Tour Times by contacting 93550 21516 or visiting 🌐 www.tourtimes.in.
Tour 1: Temples of Tamil Nadu & Kerala
This spiritual journey covers prominent temples across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, including:
Thirukadaiyur, Chidambaram, Arunachalam, Trichy, Thanjavur, Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Chottanikkara, and Guruvayur.
Highlights include:
- Darshan of Nataraja Swamy on Pradosham Day
- Darshan of Arunachaleshwar on Masik Shiv Ratri
- Pinda Tarpanam offering on Amavasya Day
Package Tariffs:
- 2SL – ₹19,950
- 3AC – ₹29,750
- 2AC – ₹37,750
- 1AC – ₹42,950
Tour 2: Pancha Dwarka Yatra with Nishkalank Mahadev & Jyothirlinga Darshan
This divine circuit includes visits to:
Dwaraka, Dakor Dwaraka, Nathdwara, Kankroli Dwaraka, Beyt Dwaraka, Nishkalank Mahadev Sea Temple, Statue of Unity, Somnath, and Nageshwar Jyothirlinga.
Pilgrims will receive darshan of Dwarkadish on Mokshada Ekadashi.
Package Tariffs:
- 3AC – ₹38,650
- 2AC – ₹50,750
- 1AC – ₹60,500
Luxury Meets Tradition: About South Star Rail
South Star Rail, operated by Tour Times, is India’s most successful Public–Private Partnership (PPP) tourist train.
To date, it has covered over 2,42,993 rail kilometres, carrying more than 21,130 passengers to destinations across India.
The train includes:
- 1 First AC coach
- 3 Second AC coaches
- 5 Third AC coaches
- 2 Second Sleeper coaches
- 1 Pantry Car
Total Capacity: 650 passengers
Exclusive Benefits and Amenities
The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train offers a 33% subsidy from Indian Railways. Passengers can board from multiple stations across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Each journey provides a seamless, all-inclusive travel experience with:
- Public announcement and entertainment systems
- Onboard tour managers and dedicated security
- Unlimited South Indian meals (on-board and off-board)
- Comfortable hotel stays
- Sightseeing and local transfers
- Travel insurance
- Hassle-free luggage handling (only night essentials required)
- Eligibility for LTC/LFC benefits
A Journey of Faith and Comfort
These Bharat Gaurav Pilgrim Special Trains combine spiritual exploration with modern comfort, offering travellers a unique and all-inclusive way to experience India’s cultural and religious heritage.
