Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Parikrama: First Tour of Bharat Gaurav Tourism Train Completed

 

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Parikrama: First Tour of Bharat Gaurav

Tourism Train Completed
Maharashtra Always Ready to Celebrate Glorious Indian Culture and History

-          CM Devendra Fadanavis

CM Thanks Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Mumbai, June 21:The first journey of the Bharat Gaurav Tourism Train dedicated to the valor and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj under the "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit" has been successfully completed. Over six days, the tourists aboard this special train got a unique opportunity to visit iconic sites associated with Shivaji Maharaj's legendary life. Calling the tour a memorable tribute to the great Maratha king, the tourists wholeheartedly praised the joint initiative of the Ministry of Railways, Government of Maharashtra, and IRCTC.

The first run of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit by the Bharat Gaurav train was held from June 9 to 14. On this occasion, Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis expressed his gratitude to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He stated, "This initiative that revives the glorious history of Shiv Chhatrapati and evokes Maharashtra's pride has received an overwhelming response from tourists. The Central Railways and IRCTC have enthusiastically and positively supported the Maharashtra Government’s vision. The efforts of all departments, officials, and staff involved have been commendable. Through Bharat Gaurav Railways, it is vital to connect the younger generation with Indian culture and our proud history. Maharashtra will always be ready and lead in organizing such endeavors,” affirmed the Chief Minister in a letter sent to Minister Vaishnaw.

            The Bharat Gaurav Tourism Train was flagged off on June 9, Shivrajyabhishek Day, by CM Fadanavis from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. The route included Raigad, Pune (Kasba Ganpati, Lal Mahal, Shivsrushti), Bhimashankar Jyotirling, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgad, Kolhapur (Mahalaxmi Temple), Panhala, and concluded back in Mumbai.

• The first stop was Mangaon in Raigad district. From there, tourists traveled by special buses to Raigad Fort, the capital of Swarajya. Some took the ropeway, while others trekked to the fort, experiencing the grandeur of the coronation site.
• On Day 2, the train reached Pune, where tourists visited Shivsrushti, Lal Mahal, and Kasba Ganpati, the deity revered by Rajmata Jijau.
• On Day 3, the group toured Shivneri Fort—Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace—and later visited the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred sites.
• On Day 4, the train departed for Satara. On Day 5, tourists explored Pratapgad, a site bearing witness to Shivaji’s valor. They also visited the Tulja Bhavani Temple on the fort.
• The journey also offered breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges.
• On the night of Day 5, the train proceeded to Kolhapur, where on Day 6, the tourists visited the Mahalaxmi Temple and Panhala Fort. Here they were briefed about Shivaji Maharaj's military architecture, his escape from the Panhala siege, and the bravery of Baji Prabhu Deshpande and Veer Shiva Kashid. The tour concluded that evening as the train departed Kolhapur for Mumbai.

During the six-day, five-night journey, the organizers ensured excellent facilities for accommodation, tea, snacks, meals, and local travel. At every destination, local authorities and tourism stakeholders extended a warm welcome. Expert guides provided inspiring historical insights about Shivaji Maharaj's life and landmarks. Tourists highly appreciated the initiative and shared their enthusiastic feedback with IRCTC.

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