Namaste. My name is Rohit and I am a travel guide. For the last 8 years I have been guiding pilgrims. Every week somebody asks me "Bhaiya, how much does the IRCTC tour package cost?"
There is no single response to this question. IRCTC has several package options which include visits to Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj. Each option varies by length of time, class of travel, city of departure, and what is included in the package. Prices can vary widely, with some options costing around ₹16,400 per person and others costing up to ₹43,500 per person.
This is an easy to follow breakdown of all the different IRCTC packages that include visits to all three of the sacred cities. This will help you know exactly what is included in each package, the cost of each package, the duration of each package and how you can go about booking the package. I've tried to make this as simple and straightforward as possible, using the most up to date official IRCTC information.
Let us begin.
Why Choose an IRCTC Tour?
IRCTC is a public sector undertaking by the government of India. There are many benefits when you choose one of their travel packages.
Why Pilgrims Choose IRCTC:
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Government-backed: Operated by a Navaratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways
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All-inclusive: Most packages cover travel, stay, meals, and sightseeing
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Concessionary Fares: Approximately thirty-three percent (33%) off the price of tickets on Bharat Gaurav train tours are provided by Indian Railways.
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Trusted: No hidden charges, transparent pricing
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Darshan assistance: Packages include guided visits to major temples
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Senior-friendly: Comfortable train travel with berths for rest
What IRCTC Does Not Provide:
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No paid VIP darshan (darshan is always free)
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No airport transfers (unless specified)
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No personal expenses coverage
IRCTC Packages Covering Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj
Here is a complete breakdown of every IRCTC package covering these three sacred cities.
| Package | Duration | Departure | Sleeper (SL) | 3AC | 2AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kashi Tirtha Yatra | 9 Days | Tirunelveli | ₹16,700 | ₹26,100 | ₹34,100 |
| Ayodhya-Kashi Punya Kshetra | 10 Days | Secunderabad | ₹16,500 | ₹25,600 | ₹33,400 |
| Ayodhya-Kashi with Baidyanath | 10 Days | Secunderabad | ₹16,400 | ₹25,500 | ₹33,100 |
| Prayagraj, Ayodhya & Varanasi Ex Mumbai | 6 Days | Mumbai | — | ₹25,555 | — |
| Holy Kashi (with Flights) | 5–6 Days | Coimbatore | — | — | ₹39,750+ |
| Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya (Bhopal) | 7N/8D | Bhopal | — | — | ₹15,100–₹18,400 |
Package 1 – Kashi Tirtha Yatra (9 Days)
This is the most popular IRCTC pilgrimage package covering Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, along with Gaya and Bodh Gaya.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 Days / 8 Nights |
| Departure | Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) |
| Boarding Stations | Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, Tiruchirappalli, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Tambaram, Chennai Egmore, Gudur |
| Tour Dates | September 9 to September 17, 2026 |
| Places Covered | Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj |
Pricing:
| Class | Per Adult | Child (5–11 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Sleeper) | ₹16,700 | — |
| Standard (3AC) | ₹26,100 | — |
| Comfort (2AC) | ₹34,100 | — |
What You Will See:
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Gaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple
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Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Temple, Kashi Vishalakshi Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, Evening Ganga Aarti
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Ayodhya: Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi
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Prayagraj: Triveni Sangam, Hanuman Mandir
Package 2 – Ayodhya-Kashi Punya Kshetra Yatra (10 Days)
This package offers a longer, more comprehensive tour including Puri and Konark.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
| Departure | Secunderabad |
| Boarding Stations | Charlapalli, Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Gudivada, Bhimavaram, Tanuku, Nidadavolu, Rajahmundry, Samalkot, Tuni, Duvvada, Pendurti, Vizianagaram |
| Tour Date | August 4, 2026 |
| Places Covered | Puri, Konark, Gaya, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Prayagraj |
Pricing:
| Class | Per Adult | Child (5–11 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (SL) | ₹16,500 | ₹15,400 |
| Standard (3AC) | ₹25,600 | ₹24,300 |
| Comfort (2AC) | ₹33,400 | ₹31,800 |
What You Will See:
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Puri: Lord Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple
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Gaya: Vishnupad Temple
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Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple & Corridor, Kashi Vishalakshi and Annapurna Devi Temple, Evening Ganga Aarti
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Ayodhya: Ram Janma Bhoomi, Hanumangarhi, Aarati at Sarayu River
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Prayagraj: Triveni Sangam
Package 3 – Prayagraj, Ayodhya & Varanasi Ex Mumbai (6 Days)
This is the most convenient package for pilgrims from Mumbai and western India.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Departure | Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) |
| Boarding Stations | Bhusaval, Itarsi |
| Departure Day | Every Friday |
| Train | Train No. 12293 (outbound), 12294 (return) |
| Places Covered | Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Varanasi |
Pricing (3AC Comfort):
| Occupancy | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Triple Sharing | ₹25,555 |
| Twin Sharing | ₹27,000 |
| Single Occupancy | ₹34,500 |
| Child (5–11) with bed | ₹24,200 |
| Child (5–11) without bed | ₹22,650 |
What You Will See:
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Prayagraj: Triveni Sangam, Alopi Devi Mandir, Lete Hue Hanuman Temple, Anand Bhavan Museum
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Ayodhya: Hanuman Garhi, Sarayu Ghat, Shri Ram Janma Bhoomi Mandir
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Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Package 4 – Holy Kashi with Flights (5–6 Days)
This is the premium option, covering Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Bodh Gaya with flight connectivity.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5–6 Days |
| Departure | Select Southern Cities (Coimbatore, etc.) |
| Travel Mode | Flights |
| Places Covered | Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya |
Pricing:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Starting Fare | ₹39,750 per person |
| Inclusions | Flights, hotel stays, local transfers, guided sightseeing, some meals |
Why Choose This Package:
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Fastest option — flights instead of trains
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Includes Bodh Gaya (Buddhist pilgrimage site)
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Premium hotels and guided tours
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Ideal for those with limited timePackage 5 – Varanasi Prayagraj Ayodhya Rail Tour (Affordable Option)
This is the most budget-friendly IRCTC package covering the three cities.
Key Details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Nights / 8 Days |
| Departure | Bhopal |
| Places Covered | Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya |
Pricing:
| Occupancy | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Twin Occupancy | ₹18,400 |
| Triple Occupancy | ₹15,100 |
| Child with bed | ₹11,900 |
| Child without bed | ₹10,750 |
Source:
Why Choose This Package:
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Most affordable IRCTC option
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Family-friendly pricing
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Child rates available
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Convenient for travellers from central India
What Is Included in IRCTC Packages
Most IRCTC packages covering Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj include the following.
| Inclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Train Travel | Return journey in the selected class (SL, 3AC, or 2AC) |
| Hotel Accommodation | Deluxe or standard hotels on sharing basis |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner (lunch during train journey not included in some packages) |
| Road Transfers | AC vehicle on sharing basis |
| Sightseeing | Guided tours to major temples and sites |
| Travel Insurance | Included in most packages |
| GST | Included in the price |
What Is Not Included
| Exclusion | Details |
|---|---|
| Lunch | During train journey and some days |
| Personal Expenses | Shopping, tips, laundry |
| Entry Fees | Temple entry (most are free) |
| Boat Rides | Ganga boat rides in Varanasi |
| Camera Fees | Where applicable |
| Darshan Tickets | Any paid darshan (none officially exist) |
| Airport Transfers | Unless specified |
Important: No IRCTC package includes paid VIP darshan. There is no official paid VIP darshan at any of these temples. Anyone offering one is a tout.
How to Book an IRCTC Tour
Booking an IRCTC tour is straightforward. Here are the steps.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to www.irctctourism.com and search for packages covering Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj.
Step 2: Select Your Package
Choose based on duration, departure city, class, and budget.
Step 3: Check Inclusions
Review what is included and excluded. Confirm meal arrangements and hotel categories.
Step 4: Enter Passenger Details
Provide names, ages, and ID proof details for all travellers.
Step 5: Make Payment
Pay online using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Step 6: Download Confirmation
You will receive an email and SMS confirmation with your tour details.
Booking Tips:
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Book 2–3 months in advance, especially for festival seasons
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Check for LTC (Leave Travel Concession) eligibility
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Verify cancellation and refund policy before paying
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Confirm boarding station and timings
Cancellation Policy
IRCTC has a standard cancellation policy for tour packages.
| Days Before Departure | Deduction |
|---|---|
| More than 30 days | 10% of package cost |
| 15–30 days | 25% of package cost |
| 7–14 days | 50% of package cost |
| Less than 7 days | No refund |
Important: Cancellation policies may vary by package. Always confirm before booking.
Tips for Booking Your IRCTC Tour
1. Book Early
IRCTC pilgrimage packages fill up fast, especially during festival seasons (Ram Navami, Diwali, Holi). Book 2–3 months in advance.
2. Choose the Right Class
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Sleeper (SL): Most budget-friendly, but basic
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3AC: Comfortable, air-conditioned
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2AC: Premium, more privacy
3. Check Boarding Stations
IRCTC packages offer multiple boarding and deboarding stations. Choose the one closest to you.
4. Pack Smart
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Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Water bottle
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Personal medicines
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Power bank
5. Keep Your ID Handy
Government photo ID is mandatory for train travel and temple darshan.
Conclusion
An IRCTC tour covering Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Prayagraj is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to complete this sacred circuit. With packages starting from ₹16,400, it offers a government-backed, all-inclusive experience that takes care of travel, stay, meals, and sightseeing.
Whether you choose the 6-day Mumbai package, the 9-day Kashi Tirtha Yatra, or the premium flight-based Holy Kashi tour, you will visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Ram Mandir, and the Triveni Sangam in one seamless journey.
If you can, book early. Choose the right class. And when you stand at the Triveni Sangam after darshan at Kashi and Ayodhya, you will understand why this journey is unlike any other.
This is Kashi. This is Ayodhya. This is Prayagraj. This is an experience of a lifetime.
Jai Shri Ram. Har Har Mahadev.
Plan Your IRCTC Tour
For bookings, queries, and custom packages:
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Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj Tour Packages
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Hotel Reservations in Varanasi / Ayodhya / Prayagraj
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Ram Mandir Darshan Assistance
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Ganga Aarti and Saryu Aarti Arrangements
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Customized Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Groups
