IRCTC’s ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train Tour’ Receives Overwhelming Response Ahead Of June 9 Departure | File Image
The recently launched “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit Train Tour” by IRCTC has received an overwhelming response from the public. Scheduled to depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai on 9th June 2025, the heritage tour aims to offer passengers a unique opportunity to explore key locations associated with the legacy of the great Maratha warrior.
A total of 710 passengers have booked the tour, with 480 in the Economy (Sleeper) class, 190 in Comfort (3AC), and 40 in Superior (2AC), reflecting strong interest across all categories. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Circuit” is specially curated tour to showcase the glorious history and the grand heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in a five days journey.
The tour is a joint collaboration is a joint collaboration between Maharashtra Government, Indian Railway and IRCTC.The train covers landmarks such as Raigad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Pratapgarh Fort, Panhala Fort, Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganpati and Shivsrushti, all of which depict the important facets of the life of legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
With convenience and accessibility at its core, the train provides a seamless experience to the passengers to explore the glorious past and rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.The 06 days itinerary will commence its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT.) On Day 1 for Mangaon Railway station on the Konkan Railway network, the closest railway link for Raigad fort.
The first destination is Raigad, known for the eponymous hill fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation or Rajyabhishek had taken place and was later his capital from where he ruled.
On completion of the sightseeing, the tourists would return back to the train as it proceeds for the next destination, Pune wherein the tourists will be having dinner followed by overnight stay at hotel at Pune.
On Day 2 of the tour, the prominent sites that the tourists would be covering at Pune are Lal Mahal, Kasba Ganapati and Shivsrushti. L
al Mahal as the name suggests 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. Later in the day, the tourists shall be visiting Shivsrushti– the largest historical theme park showcasing the legend of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Tourists will watch the life story of the Maratha ruler in 3D and will enjoy other interactive sessions.After a night’s rest at Pune.On Day 3, the guests will be travelling to Shivneri, situated at a distance of 95 kms from Pune city. The Shivneri Fort is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Junnar City. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a symbol of Maratha pride and resistance against Muslim rule.
Post lunch, the tourists will be visiting Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples before returning back to Pune for night halt.On Day 4 of the itinerary, the tourists will be boarding the train for onward journey to Satara.
The key site to be covered from this station is Pratapgarh Fort which is of immense historical importance because of the Battle of Pratapgad that took place in 1659 between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bijapur Sultanate general Afzal Khan. This battle had set the stage for the establishment of the Maratha Empire.
Post visit, the tourists will take lunch at a suitable place and start back for the train as it proceeds for the last destination of this tour, Kolhapur.On Day 5, the train will arrive at Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur Railway Station early morning.
Post wash & change and breakfast at a hotel, the tourists will proceed for Mahalakshmi Temple popularly known as Ambabai followed by the Panhala Fort. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, the hill fort bears a testament to many battles and is closely connected with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who spent over 500 days as where he was held captive and later escaped. The Panhala Fort – also called as the ‘Fort of Snakes’ since it is zigzag in shape. The Fort is associated with the life history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shambhaji Maharaj. It is remembered for the heroic valour shown by Baji Prabhu Deshpande, the commander of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during the fight in capturing the Fort.
In the late evening, the train starts back on its return journey for Mumbai and reaches early morning in Mumbai on Day 6.
The all-inclusive price in all categories will cover train journey in respective classes, night stay at comfortable hotels, all meals (vegetarian only), all transfer & sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance, services of tour escort etc. All necessary efforts will be made by IRCTC to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests.
