Go, Goa, gone: Pack your bags and don’t miss the Goa-Shirdi train from Chandigarh
Comprising 11 coaches with around 800 seats, the train will begin its journey from the city railway station on August 19.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a special train — Goa-Shirdi Yatra — from Chandigarh.
Comprising 11 coaches with around 800 seats, the train will begin its journey from the city railway station on August 19. The tour package comprises 12 day and 11 nights costing Rs 945 per person per day.
There is no direct flight or train to Goa from Chandigarh and the connecting flight between Chandigarh and Goa costs between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 one-way, depending on the dates.
Besides Goa and Shirdi, the train will take the passengers to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Trayambakeshwar Jyotirlinga. The tour package will include journey by second sleeper class train, accommodation in non-AC dormitories/halls, vegetarian food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), tour escort and security on train and tourist buses for visiting sightseeing spots.
“Passengers can upgrade the accommodation to any category of hotels at destination on extra cost, based on the availability,” said an IRCTC official.
Bookings for the train are available online on the official website of IRCTC http://www.irctctourism.com, or at the zonal office in Sector 34. Those interested can also dial 0172-4645795 for queries.
The train will leave the city railway station at 8am on August 19 and will reach Goa on August 21 morning. Passengers will get to visit Goa throughout the day and will have a night halt as well. The train will return to Chandigarh on August 27 afternoon.
Spokesperson of the IRCTC Zonal office Shubham Arya said: “Knowing that there is no direct train between Chandigarh and Goa, we planned a package expecting good response from tricity residents. Not only youngsters, but the senior citizens will also love to go on this trip since it includes a visit to famous temples.”
Dakshin Bharat yatra from October 4
The IRCTC has also planned another package for tricity residents, which is scheduled for October. The “Dakshin Bharat Yatra” offering 12 days and 11 nights package will cost Rs11,340 per person. Destinations such as Rameswaram, Madurai – Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Tiruchirappalli and Tirupati will be covered in 12 days. The train will depart from the Chandigarh railway station on October 4 at 7am.