IRCTC To Launch First-Ever Heritage Tour Covering Key Sites From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Life—All You Need To Know

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to operate the first of its kind heritage tour on ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit’ that will cover the key sites associated with the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha kingdom.

This marks the first dedicated rail itinerary commemorating the life and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

According to IRCTC, the six-day tour will begin from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and proceed to various historical destinations across Maharashtra.

The first stop will be Raigad Fort, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire and the site of his Rajyabhishek (coronation).

Tourists will alight at Mangaon Railway Station, the nearest railway link to the fort, on the Konkan Railway Network and visit the hilltop site before returning to the train for the next leg.

After visiting Raigad, tourists will return to the train which will then head towards Pune. Dinner will be served and guests will check in to a hotel for the night.

Day two will cover major locations in Pune including Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati Temple, and Shivsrushti—a historical theme park that recreates key moments from Shivaji Maharaj’s life using 3D visuals and interactive exhibits. Guests will stay overnight in a hotel in Pune.

Lal Mahal is a red-colored palace constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji's father Shahaji Bhosale for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 CE.

The present-day structure was rebuilt in 1984 on a part of the land where Lal Mahal stood and houses a vast collection of oil paintings that depicts significant life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The temple of Kasba Ganapati, the presiding deity of Pune dates back to the 1893 and is believed to have been earmarked by Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mother. Since then, the city is known as the city of Ganesha.

On third day, the tour will head to Shivneri Fort, Shivaji Maharaj’s birthplace, situated 95 km from Pune near Junnar.

Later, tourists will visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple before returning to Pune for the night.

The fourth day will begin with a train journey to Satara, followed by a visit to the iconic Pratapgarh Fort—site of the 1659 battle between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan.

This encounter played a critical role in establishing Maratha supremacy in the region.

Day five will include travel to Kolhapur, where tourists will visit the Mahalakshmi Temple (Ambabai) and the historic Panhala Fort.

This fort is known for its connection with Shivaji Maharaj and the valor of his commander Baji Prabhu Deshpande.

The tour will conclude with the train returning to Mumbai on sixth day.

The tour packages are priced at Rs 13,155 per person for Sleeper Class (Economy), Rs 19,840 for 3AC (Comfort), and Rs 27,365 for 2AC (Superior).

Prices are inclusive of train travel, hotel accommodation, meals, transfers, sightseeing, insurance, and escort services.

IRCTC has assured that all necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all participants.

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