Rail tourism is a new
concept being promoted by Indian Railways. IRCTC, a subsidiary company of Indian Railways has
been entrusted by Indian Railways for this task. The initial response
was not very warm but now the concept is gradually being accepted by peoples of
India and other tourists equally. In a single window, IRCTC is providing
services for Flights tickets, Hotels Reservation and Cabs also to promote the
Rail Tourism in India.
Rail Tour Packages
There are host of packages to choose
from being offered by IRCTC. However, the best selling rail tourism packages
are:
Konaseema –Papikondalu Package: Konaseema is situated in the Godavari
delta between rivers Goutami and Vasishta; a beautiful land of breathtaking
beauty and coconut gardens that brings alive the varied charm of Mother Nature.
There can be no beautiful journey than a cruise down the gentle waters of river
Godavari and marvel it's untamed, pristine and virgin beauty of this
magnificent place.
Kolkota –Goa Package: Tourism is generally focused on the
coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland. In 2004, there
were more than two million tourists reported to have visited Goa, about 360,000
of who were from abroad. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer.
In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy
the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season),
tourists from across India come to spend the holidays. With the rule of the
Portuguese for over 450 years and the consequential influence of Portuguese
culture, Goa presents a somewhat different picture to the foreign visitor than
other parts of the country. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent
beaches, churches, and temples. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new
wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism
destinations.
Uttrakhand – Chardham Darshan: IRCTC Regional Office, Bhopal offers
"Chardham Yatra" one of the most affordable all inclusive tour
package, covering the religious places of Uttaranchal including the
Yamunotri,Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Delhi – Matarani Package: One of the holiest Hindu temples, the
shrine of Vaishno Devi is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti. Affectionately also
called as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, the temple is the manifestation of the
Mother Goddess. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft., a distance
of approx. 12 kms from Katra.
In Holiday packages:
Similarly, the best selling holiday
packages are followings:
Bangalore –Ooty Package: Mysore- Known for its magnificent
palaces and majestic buildings, sprawling gardens and tree lined boulevards,
shimmering silks and sandalwood, the 'City Royale' always figures in the
tourist's itinerary, Enroute visit Srirangapatna - island fortress of Visit to
Daria Daulat, Gumbaz, and Srirangapatna temple, St. Philomena's Church, visit
Chamundi Hill, Mysore Maharaja Palace & Brindavan Garden. Ooty- Called the
Queen of Hill Stations picturesque, green Udhagamandalam better known, as Ooty
is the most popular hill station in the South.
Himalayan Tranquility: North-Eastern India is the land of
Blue Mountains, Green Valleys and Red River. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas
this region is abundant in natural Beauty, Wild life, Flora and Fauna and its
colourfull peoples.
Himalayan Glory Package: Shimla was declared the summer
capital of the erstwhile British Raj in India. Manali in the Beas River valley,
is an important hill station in the Himalayan Mountains of Himachal Pradesh State. It is very pleasant to discover the beauty of Himalayan range from these hill places.
Eastern Triangle: North-Eastern India is the land of Blue Mountains, Green
Valleys and Red River. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas this region is abundant
in natural Beauty, Wild life, Flora & Fauna and its colorful people's. A
blend of which makes it the most beautiful Eco-Tourism destination in South
Asia. The land of majestic mountains, crowned with peaks of sapphire blue -the
North-East happens to be the region where the sun rises first in the entire
country. The North-East is a heaven for tourist, beckoning one who needs to
relax and unwind. For those who yearn for adventure and excitement, there are
mystique and romance in exploring wild life in its true forms and natural
habitat, experiencing gushing streams and waterfalls picturesque mountain
ranges- all fostered by mother nature. It was the perfect Holiday one could
expect away from the crowd straight into the lap of Nature.
It is recommended that the passenger who wish to take rail
tourism journey shall familiarize with various other packages offered by IRCTC
and then to select specific package as per his budget and place of interest to
visit.
