They say a journey can change your soul. But what if your journey is through the soul of Maharashtra itself? IRCTC has introduced Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit – a rail-bound odyssey that’s equal parts spiritual retreat, heritage hunt, and royal tribute. This Maharashtra tour by train, operated by IRCTC under the Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train, is a homage to valor, devotion, and legacy rolled into 6 glorious days and 5 memorable nights.
Departing from Mumbai’s grand Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on 9th June 2025, this special IRCTC tour spans iconic destinations such as Raigad, Pune, Shivneri, Bhimashankar, Pratapgad, Kolhapur, and Panhala — places that breathe stories of one of India’s greatest warriors.
For heritage buffs and spiritual seekers alike, it’s a perfect fusion of Indian temple train tours and Maratha magnificence.
Place You’ll Visit in Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Tour Itinerary
● Start your Maharashtra tour by train with a visit to Raigad Fort, the coronation site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Perched high and proud, this fort (accessible by ropeway, included in the package!) was once the capital of the Maratha Empire. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of Ganga Sagar Lake here as well.
● On the second day, explore the Lal Mahal, Shivaji’s childhood home, and the divine Kasba Ganpati Temple, Pune’s presiding deity, installed by Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale herself. Add to that a visit to Shivsrushti, a thematic marvel that walks you through the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj.
● Begin your third day with Shivneri Fort, Shivaji’s birthplace, and by afternoon, enter the tranquil forests to reach Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India. A key element of this Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga tour is that it blends serenity and sanctity.
● On your fourth day, board the train from Pune to Satara and then bus your way to the historic Pratapgad Fort. Standing tall at 3,500 feet in Satara, it was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656.
● On the fifth day, pay your respects at the sacred Shri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur, one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas revered in Hinduism. It is believed to grant moksha or fulfill desires, making it a spiritual crown jewel in Indian temple train tours. Later, explore the Panhala Fort. It offers breathtaking vistas of verdant hills and lush valleys from its perch atop its hill.
Inclusions
IRCTC’s attention to detail makes this journey seamless. Here’s what’s packed into this Maharashtra rail tourism experience:
● Comfortable stay in hotels across categories – from non-AC to 3-star equivalents
● Vegetarian meals onboard and off-board
● Non-AC/AC buses for sightseeing
● Entry charges of monuments and Shivsrushti and ropeway charges at Raigad Fort.
● Travel insurance and on-train security
Tariff ranges from ₹13,155 (Sleeper) to ₹27,365 (AC II) onwards per person*— a price for five nights and six days of spiritual enrichment and historic immersion? Absolutely worth it.
Why This Circuit is Special
While temple tours often focus on deities alone, this Maharashtra tour by train has a unique twist — it fuses spiritual devotion with the stories of a king who spread righteousness, built temples and defended dharma. This is not just about ticking boxes off a Jyotirlinga list; it’s about absorbing the aura of Maharashtra, from hilltop forts to forest shrines.
It’s a fine addition to the growing interest in Maharashtra tourism, offering both depth and diversity. And for lovers of Indian temple train tours, this is a rare chance to walk through sacred grounds and royal battlegrounds.
So, are you ready to board a train where every station echoes the footfalls of a warrior saint? Where every temple is more than just a stop — it’s a story? If your soul says yes, head over to the official IRCTC tourism page and secure your berth on this Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga tour meets fort-adventure combo!
Let your next getaway be more than just a trip. Let it be a spiritual homecoming, a legacy ride, and a historical voyage. Because sometimes, the most powerful prayers are whispered not in temples, but atop forts, in the wind, with the spirit of Shivaji Maharaj beside you.
