Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced Buddhist Circuit Special Train that will be an eight-day-long journey covering all those places that hold a prominent significance to the life of Buddha. If you have been seeking a spiritual vacation, this package can be the ideal gift for you. The said train will cover places of spiritual significance, such as Bodhgaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Sarnath, Varanasi, among others. 

For this special Buddhist Circuit, Indian Railways has launched a swanky train that comes equipped with all the high-end facilities. In fact, as per the latest news reports, the design of this 12-coach train has been developed along the lines of the luxury train, i.e., the Maharaja Express. 

High-end amenities of this swanky train have piqued the curiosity of people. Designed on the lines of Maharaja Express, this train is enhanced with touchless taps, leather interiors, sofas, bio-vacuum toilets and adjustable reading lights. Reportedly, the train also has a separate pantry for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers. 

The passengers will get to stay in decent hotels as they cover the said Buddhist circuit. Passengers will be allowed to book tickets either on a per-night basis or on a full-tour basis, and will be charged accordingly. Of the 12 coaches of this luxury train, 4 are first-class AC coaches, 2 second-class AC coaches, 2 power cars, 2 dining cars and 1 AC coach for the staff. While the first-class AC coach has the capacity to accommodate 24 passengers, the second-class AC coach will be able to accommodate 30 passengers. 

The journey will be via exclusive air-conditioned train as per the itinerary, sightseeing, accommodation will also be done as there is in the itinerary, road transport by AC coaches, and travel insurance. There will be Hindi/English speaking tour escort, meals and sightseeing trips also as per the itinerary. 

However, the package will not include Nepal and India visa fees, items of personal use like medicine, laundry, alcoholic drinks etc., hotel stay in Delhi before and after the trip, road transfers to and from Delhi-Safdarjung railway station, air ticket, and fees for flash/still video camera at monuments or other places of interest. 

Further, IRCTC is also offering 50% discount on companion travel on this special train. This package will let passengers pay full price for the ticket of first passenger and avail 50 percent discount on the ticket of accompanying passenger. This discount is available for all nationalities. 

Plan ahead as the discounts can be availed on the basis of berth availability and will remain valid till the date of departure. Those who have already booked the berths i.e., before the announcement of the offer, they will however not be able to take advantage of this offer.