South Darshan Train from Punjab Begins Journey

Punjab Spiritual travelers and pilgrims from Punjab have reason to rejoice. Indian Railways is launching a special South Darshan Yatra Train that will depart from Pathankot on July 28, offering a 13-day journey through some of South India’s most revered temples and spiritual destinations.

The tour, being operated by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), is designed for devotees and travel lovers who wish to explore the rich religious heritage of South India in comfort and at an affordable cost.

This special pilgrimage train will follow a well-planned route covering major religious sites such as Rameswaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, and Tirupati. From grand temples to serene coastal destinations, the journey promises to be both spiritually uplifting and visually stunning.

One of the key highlights of the South Darshan package is that everything is included — from meals, lodging, local transfers, to guided temple visits. The train will have sleeper and AC class coaches, and food will be arranged as per the IRCTC’s tour standards. Accommodation at different stopovers will be in dharamshalas or budget hotels, ensuring both comfort and cleanliness.

IRCTC officials stated that this initiative aims to promote religious tourism and provide safe, budget-friendly travel to devotees across India. It is also a great opportunity for senior citizens and those unable to plan individual travel due to language or logistical barriers.

The demand for the tour has already started picking up, especially among religious groups and families. Bookings can be made through the official IRCTC website or nearest booking centers. The tour cost is expected to be highly economical considering the services included.

As part of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, the government has been actively encouraging domestic tourism, and such pilgrimage trains have gained popularity in recent years.

With the train starting from Pathankot, it will also have boarding options from Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana, giving ample flexibility for passengers from across Punjab.

This train journey offers not just travel, but an experience—a chance to reconnect with spiritual roots, explore rich temple architecture, and meet like-minded pilgrims. For many, this is more than just a tour—it’s a soulful journey down South.