New Delhi: Amid the hustle and bustle of 'Ram bhakts', all what you could see at Safdarjung railway station on Wednesday were people adorning haldi-roli tilak on their foreheads, marigold garland around their necks, luggage by their side amid soothing shlokas of Ramayana for their unique 'religious' train journey on Sri Ramayana Express.
The Express will cover all important destinations associated with the life of Lord Ram in a 16-day all inclusive tour package which is spread in India as well as Sri Lanka, having four destinations.
It was a treat for your eye if you missed watching Ramleela this October. You could have met Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman and his 'vaanar sena' for reel before the much-awaited train's arrival at the platform.
The passengers, mostly elderly, were present at the platform much before the train's arrival and seen all decked up for their journey, witnessing their cultural performances in their colourful attires as you enter the station.
Band-baja triumphs and elated people -- passengers and onlookers -- were scattered around the small railway station.
The all inclusive tour package will cover all meals, accommodation and wash and change facilities in dharmashalas, all transfers, sight-seeing arrangements and dedicated tour manager of IRCTC who will be travelling with the tourists during the entire tour, official sources said.
Named as Shri Ramayana Yatra-Sri Lanka, the pilgrimage circuit will have two travel components - one each in India and Sri Lanka.
After leaving Delhi, the train will make its first stop in Ayodhya followed by Hanuman Garhi Ramkot and Kanak Bhawan temple. The train will then cover the important destinations of Ramayana circuit such as Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Varanasi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram.
The Ramayana Express train has an overall capacity for 800 passengers. Attractively priced at only Rs 15,120 per person, the tour package will is going to be a favourite pick for the tourists aspiring for the same. The Sri Lanka leg of the tour has been charged separately.
The passengers opting for Sri Lanka leg of the Ramayana Yatra package can take a flight to Colombo from Chennai. IRCTC presently offers five-night six-day Sri Lanka tour package at a cost starting from Rs 36,970 per person.
The tour package will cover destinations like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo and Negombo.(UNI)