Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to Showcase the Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

As part of a first-of-its-kind heritage tour on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit, Indian Railways will take tourists to prominent historical locations associated with the life of the founder of the Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Tour Itinerary Overview:

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train will begin its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai, and proceed to Mangaon railway station on the Konkan Railway network — the nearest station to Raigad Fort. This fort holds immense historical importance as the site of Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and his later capital. After visiting the fort, tourists will return to the train and depart for Pune, where arrangements for dinner and overnight hotel stay will be made.

Day 2: Pune Sightseeing

Tourists will visit:

  • Lal Mahal – Originally built in 1630 by Shahaji Bhonsle for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji. The current structure, rebuilt in 1984, features a vast collection of paintings depicting Shivaji’s life.

  • Kasba Ganpati Temple – Pune's village deity, established in 1893, believed to be selected by Jijabai herself. Since then, Pune is known as the city of Lord Ganesha.

  • Shivsrushti – India’s largest theme park based on Shivaji Maharaj’s life, offering 3D experiences and interactive sessions.

After another overnight stay in Pune:

Day 3:

Tourists will visit Shivneri Fort, around 95 km from Pune, near Junnar city. This fort is Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace and symbolizes Maratha pride against Muslim rule. After lunch, they will visit the sacred Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. They will then return to Pune for the night.

The much-awaited Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Tour will commence on 9th June 2025. This 5-night, 6-day journey will begin at CSMT and accommodate up to 748 passengers in a modern Bharat Gaurav AC Tourist Train, with Sleeper, Second AC, and Third AC coaches. Passengers may also board the train at Dadar and Thane stations. Tickets can be booked online on a first-come-first-served basis via the IRCTC website.

Day 4:

The train will head toward Satara, where tourists will explore Pratapgad Fort – the historic battleground of the 1659 conflict between Afzal Khan and Shivaji Maharaj, pivotal in establishing the Maratha Empire. After lunch, the train will continue toward Kolhapur.

Day 5:

The train will arrive at Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur. After breakfast and freshening up at the hotel, tourists will visit:

  • Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai)

  • Panhala Fort, located in the Sahyadri ranges, where Shivaji Maharaj stayed for over 500 days and later executed a legendary escape. The fort is also known as the "Fort of Snakes" due to its serpentine layout and is associated with Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj. It is also remembered for the valor of commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande.

In the evening, the train will begin its return journey to Mumbai, arriving on the 6th day.

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