Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis flagged off the Bharat Gaurav Express from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Monday morning, launching a special tourist circuit dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of the Maratha warrior king. The train’s departure coincided with the 351st anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, commemorated as Shiv Rajyabhishek Day.

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CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "My greetings to everyone for the Shiv Rajya Abhishek day. 351 years ago, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Hindavi Swaraj. Bharat Gaurav Yatra Train for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj circuit, which started today, will take the passengers to all the prominent places related to Shivaji Maharaj in the next 5 days. I want to thank Railway Minister Ashwni Vaishnaw and PM Modi for this.The train is 100% booked on its first journey. 710 passengers are travelling in it today, and 80% of the passengers are aged below 40 years. This means that the youth wants to know about our history."

Bharat Gaurav Express Six-Day Heritage Tour Sites 

The Bharat Gaurav Express will take passengers on a journey through some of Maharashtra’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, including forts, temples, and museums. The six-day itinerary features visits to Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad, Panhala, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati Temple, and the Shivsrushti theme park. The tour also includes prominent religious sites such as the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur.

Bharat Gaurav Express Day-Wise Plan 

Day 1: Arrival at Mangaon for a visit to Raigad Fort, followed by an overnight stay in Pune.

Day 2: Explore Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati Temple, and the Shivsrushti theme park; overnight stay in Pune.

Day 3: Visit Shivneri Fort and the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple; return to Pune for the night.

Day 4: Travel to Satara to visit Pratapgad Fort, then proceed to Kolhapur for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Explore Mahalakshmi Temple and Panhala Fort in Kolhapur.

Day 6: Depart from Kolhapur and return to Mumbai.

Bharat Gaurav Express- Couches, Meal And Ticket Price 

Central Railway officials confirmed that all seats in the Economy (Sleeper) Rs 13,155, Comfort (3AC) Rs 19,840, and Superior (2AC)Rs 27,365 categories were sold out for the maiden run. The all-inclusive tour package offers a comprehensive experience, covering train travel, hotel accommodations, vegetarian meals, local transfers, sightseeing, travel insurance, and escort services.

The journey is part of Indian Railways' Bharat Gaurav initiative, aimed at promoting domestic tourism through theme-based trains that showcase India's rich cultural and historical heritage.

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Passengers can book their journey throughwww.irctctourism.com or seek assistance by calling 8287931886. This helpline serves as a common contact number for tourism planning and bookings across Maharashtra and Goa.