Indian Railways is all set to operate a special train for pilgrims that will connect Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with Janakpur in Nepal.

The ‘Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Train’ will also pass through Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Kashi and Prayagraj, according to a statement by the Indian Ministry of Railways.

The first train on the route will be flagged off on February 17 from New Delhi.

“To realise the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places to the people of India and the world, Indian Railways is going to run the train covering two most significant pilgrimage sites Ayodhya and Janakpur,” reads the statement.

“The initiative will strengthen the bilateral relations and also promote the cultural relations between the two countries.”

The travel includes a two-night stay in hotels, one each at Janakpur and Varanasi while the visit to Ayodhya, Sitamarhi and Prayagraj will be covered in the day halt at the destination, the statement added.

The fully air-conditioned train with facilities including two fine dining restaurants, a modern kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, and foot massager provides two types of accommodation—1st AC and 2nd AC.

The proposed seven-day ‘Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train’ tour has its first stop in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, where tourists will visit Shri Ram Janmbhumi temple and Hanuman temple and additionally Bharat Mandir at Nandigram.

After Ayodhya, the train will move to Sitamarhi Railway station in Bihar and tourists will further proceed to Janakpur in Nepal by bus.

During their stay in Janakpur, tourists can visit Ram Janaki Temple, Sita Ram Vivah Mandap and Dhanushadham.

After visiting Janakpur, tourists will return to Sitamarhi the next day and visit Janaki temple at Sitamarhi and Punaura Dham. From Sitamarhi, the train will proceed on an overnight journey to Varanasi. While at Kashi, tourists will visit Sarnath, Kashi Vishwanath temple and corridor, Tulsi temple and Sankatmochan Hanuman temple.

Tourists will move from Varanasi to Prayagraj by bus and visit Sangam, Shankar Viman Mandapam, Hanuman temple and Bharadwaj Ashram. After Prayagraj, the train will return to Delhi on the seventh day of the journey. They will be travelling roughly 2,500 km on the tour. The price for the tour starts from 39,775 Indian rupees per person.