Exploring India on Rails: The Unique Experience of Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train
“Indian beauty is like a blooming lotus – ever radiant and evolving, while being deeply rooted in tradition.” We can say that as the lotus is associated with the depths of water, India’s beauty is drawn from its rich culture, diversity, mountains, landscapes, and its people. To appreciate this lotus and its beauty, an eye is required, one can say travel captures the essence of Indian beauty. It is this essence that is captured by the Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train.
The Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train is part of the initiative led by IRCTC which aims at promoting domestic tourism. The motif of this train service is to make travel convenient and affordable so that it can be accessible to all. The services and destinations offered by this train encompass the numerous places beautifully and holistically. The train service also focuses on the roots of religion, the essence of culture, and the richness of historical landmarks.
This train serves one of the circuits which form the Maa Vaishnodevi Darshan Yatra starting from the Red Fort, then to Qutub Minar, the capital’s Parliament House, and covering the heart of India, and the oldest religious site of Islam in the region, Jama Masjid, along with the world-famous religious architectural masterpiece, the Lotus Temple. Along with historical sites, Delhi also boasts its lively markets and phenomenal street food.
The yatra journeys to Amritsar next, the spiritual and cultural focal point of Punjab. Truly stunning, part of this stop includes authentic Punjabi food. Following this stop is Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, which is revered as a sacred site for Hindus, especially during the trek leading up to the temple. The beauty lies in how people trek to the holy shrine, using palkis, ponies, and even helicopters. The tour wraps up in Haridwar, which is the Gateway to the Gangas famous for the Kumbh Mela held every twelve years. After this the tour moves to Mathura and ultimately ends at the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Concluding the Bharat Darshan experience without indulging in the deeply rooted culture of the south is not possible, which is why IRCTC has introduced Dakshin Bharat Yatra. From the Chandigarh-like south, the trip heads to Bangalore, the gardens and temples rich city, also known as the Silicon Valley of India. Bangalore is famous for its modern technology, so it is also referred to as the Gardens City. The city offers stunning sites, especially the ISKON CETEMPLE, Lalbagh Botonical GARDEN, and Bangalore Palace, an architectural wonder of the city built in the Tudor style architecture.
Mysore, known as the City of Palaces, is famous for its royal heritage, silk saris, and Mysore’s famous Saraswathi systems. The Chamundi hill temple, Mysore palace, musical fountain in Brindavan gardens are the key attractions. The tour now proceeds to the tip of the Indian land mass, Kanyakumari, which is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset when the seams of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian ocean blend. There is the great Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue, and Kanyakumari temple.
Next is Madurai temple city in India known for its ancient temples, Tamil culture, and heritage. Places of primary attraction are the Meenakshi Amman Temple, Therumalai Nayakkar Mahal, and Alagar Kovil. Now comes Rameswaram, the land of the Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is this land of temples that is one of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage places of Sri Rama and rich in culture and vibrance. This splendid journey of the south ends at Tirupati the spiritual capital of Andhra Pradesh, famous for Sri Venkateshwara Temple which is one of the richest and highly visited places of pilgrims in the world. Here also lies the Shri Padmavati Temple and Kapila Tham a waterfall near sacred shiva temple.
Travel itself is not only moving from one physical location to the next; it includes engaging in self-discovery, acclamation, and learning. Traveling also helps one gain a wider understanding while deepening their appreciation for diversity. The Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train offers its well organized circuits that help tourists marvel at the beauty of nature, the culture, and the spiritual heritage of India with its rich history. Whether it is from the royal magnificence of Mysore to the ghats of Haridwar, every place provides new experience to the traveler.
One of the gifts of travel is to witness the phenomenon of ‘unity in diversity.’ India is a great example. His country has different languages, cultures, and traditions, all of which form parts of a single identity. Moving from one region to another reveals how history, religion, and traditions have influenced the country. The peaceful chants at the golden temple, the marvelous Meenakshi Amman temple, and the Bangladorean city’s infrastructure are all distinct parts that contribute to India’s identity.
Also, travel serves as out of classroom education. It encompasses learning adaptability, patience, and perseverance. Exploring the colorful streets of Delhi, enjoying the original Punjabi food in Amasritsar, or climbing up to the shrine of Vaishno Devi provides a lesson no book can explain. Travel also increases thankfulness and one’s ability to stay modest. Glaring at the majestic Taj Mahal or watching the sun rise at Kanyakumari impresses a deep regard towards the extent humans have so creatively mastered civilization.
On a more personal note, I feel travelling helps one grow. It encourages people to step outside their comfort zone to interact enjoying different communities, new cultures, and people. It also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with family, friends, and companions. Lastly one ends up making memories with loved ones that they cherish lifelong.
Travel leads to complete exploration of new worlds and strengthens communities financially. From guides and craftsmen to local shop proprietors, countless individuals benefit from travel tourism, ranging from pilgrimages and historical excursions to cultural tours. One does not only get to enjoy India’s beauty with the Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train, but also aid in fueling the country’s tourism economy.
The real experience of traveling lies within the journey and not only in achieving the final destination. Each mile brings you a step closer to familiarizing yourself with the beautiful world. The stereotypical view of an evolving India shifting to modern ways while still holding onto its roots and traveling interlinks the past, present, and future. Be it through the sacred places of the North or architectural marvels of the South, every travel in India celebrates its incredible history and heritage.
To conclude, the Indian beauty is blossom lotus: deeply rooted yet expanding. To praise this unique beauty, one must partake on a trail, open themselves to new and courageously tackle the diverse nature that describes the nation. Bharat Darshan captures the essence of India and enables everyone to witness the beauty of travel.
By: Rabiya Khan
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