Vacation Special-Guwahati and Shillong by train
Vacation Special-Guwahati and Shillong by train
Description:-
“Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Train”, one of the most affordable, all-inclusive tour package, covering all the important tourist places in the country. Booking of Bharat Darshan Special Tourist Trains is available online on IRCTC website. Bookings can also be done through IRCTC Tourist Facilitation Centre, Zonal Offices and Regional Offices.
Destination covered :- Puri – Guwahati – Kamakhya – Shillong – Cherrapunji – Kolkata
Boarding Point:- Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Virudunagar Jn., Madurai, Dindigul, Karur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Perambur, Nellore, Vijayawada
Deboarding Points:- Vijayawada, Nellore, Perambur, Katpadi, Jorpettai, Salem, Erode, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar Jn., Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli.
| Package Details | |
| Package Name | Vacation Special – Guwahati & Shillong |
| Destination Covered | Puri – Guwahati – Kamakhya – Shillong – Cherrapunji – Kolkata |
| Traveling Mode | Bharat Darshan Train |
| Station/Departure Time | Tirunelveli: 00.05 hrs |
| Class | Budget |
| Frequency | 18.04.2025 |
Package Tariff:– (Inclusive of GST)
| Package cost |
| Rs.17,010/- |
Itinerary
Destination covered :- Puri – Gangtok – Tsongo Lake – Darjeeling – Tiger Hill – Kolkata
Boarding Point:- Tirunelveli, Kovilpatti, Virudunagar Jn., Madurai, Dindigul, Karur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Perambur, Nellore, Vijayawada
Deboarding Points:- Vijayawada, Nellore, Perambur, Katpadi, Jorpettai, Salem, Erode, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar Jn., Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli.
Itinerary Dated :- 18.04.2025 to 29.04.2025
Itinerary No :- SZBD381A
| PLACE | ARRL. | DEP. |
| Departure from Tirunelveli | — | 00.05 hrs |
| Departure from Kovilpatti | 01.15 hrs | 01.20 hrs |
| Departure from Virudunagar Jn. | 02.30 hrs | 02.35 hrs |
| Departure from Madurai | 04.15 hrs | 04.20 hrs |
| Departure from Dindigul | 05.50 hrs | 05.55 hrs |
| Departure from Karur | 07.05 hrs | 07.10 hrs |
| Departure from Erode Jn | 09.45 hrs | 10.05 hrs |
| Departure from Salem Jn | 11.05 hrs | 11.10 hrs |
| Departure from Jolarpettai | 12.55 hrs | 13.00 hrs |
| Departure from Katpadi Jn | 14.20 hrs | 14.25 hrs |
| Departure from Perambur | 16.25 hrs | 16.30 hrs |
| Departure from Nellore | 19.50 hrs | 19.55 hrs |
| Departure from Vijayawada | 01.00 hrs | 01.05 hrs |
| Arrival Puri | 17.00 hrs | Night Stay |
| Darshan of Puri Shri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple Board train from Puri at night | — | 22.00 hrs |
| Full day & over night train journey | — | — |
| Evening Arrival at Kamakhya. Transfer to accommodation. Night stay at Kamakhya. | 17.00 hrs | Night stay Kamakhya. |
| Visit to Kamakhya Temple. Night stay at Kamakhya. | Halt | Night stay Kamakhya. |
| Morning Departure from Guwahati by road to Shillong [3 hrs drive]. Full day Shillong Sight Seeing | Halt | Night stay at Shillong |
| Morning Departure from Shillong to Cherrapunji [2 hrs drive]. Visit view points at Cherrapunji, Afternoon Departure from Cherrapunji to Guwahati [4 hrs drive]. | Halt | Night stay at Guwahati |
| Early morning departure from Guwahati to Kolkata | — | 03.00 hrs |
| New Jalpaiguri | 15.30 hrs | 16.00 hrs |
| Arrival Kolkata or Shalimar in the morning. [Compulsory Train Fresh up] Visit :Belur Math, Kali Temple & local shopping if time permits. Departure from Kolkata or Shalimar at late night. | 08.00 hrs | 23.00 hrs |
| Arrival Vijayawada | 22.00 hrs | 22.15 hrs |
| Arrival Nellore | 03.15 hrs | 03.20 hrs |
| Arrival Perambur | 06.30 hrs | 06.35 hrs |
| Arrival Katpadi Jn. | 08.30 hrs | 08.35 hrs |
| Arrival Jolarpettai | 10.10 hrs | 10.15 hrs |
| Arrival Salem Jn. | 12.30 hrs | 12.35 hrs |
| Arrival Erode Jn. | 13.45 hrs | 14.10 hrs |
| Arrival Karur | 15.20 hrs | 15.25 hrs |
| Arrival Dindigul Jn. | 17.00 hrs | 17.05 hrs |
| Arrival Madurai Jn. | 18.10 hrs | 18.15 hrs |
| Departure from Virudunagar Jn. | 19.15 hrs | 19.20 hrs |
| Departure from Kovilpatti | 20.30 hrs | 20.35 hrs |
| Arrival Tirunelveli Jn. | 22.00 hrs | Tour Ends |
NOTE:
1. The package cost is inclusive of the additional road transport cost incurred for covering destinations by road viz, New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok – Darjeeling – New Jalpaiguri.
2. The Arrival/ Departure timings at halt stations are tentative, and subject to Railway approval and train running as per schedule.
3. In case certain halts are not approved by Railways, alternative halt arrangements will be made by IRCTC/SZ to cover such sightseeing locations. Under such circumstances announcements will be made in the train. For eg: If halt at Allahabad is not approved by Railways, an alternate halt at Prayag will be requested by IRCTC.
4. IRCTC/SZ is not liable for missing out any publicized coverage of sightseeing locations in certain cases due to exceptional circumstances beyond its control. Eg. Late running of train, traffic jams, strikes, natural calamities, etc.
5. In case of No Show, no refund request will be entertained by IRCTC/SZ.
INCLUSION
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
BUDGET:
- Train journey by SL class.
- Night stay/Fresh up at Dharmashalas/Hall/Dormitories on multi sharing basis.
- Morning Tea/Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & 1 litre Drinking water per day.
- Non AC road transfers on SIC basis.
- Tour Escort & Security on train.
Package Exclusions:
- Items of personal nature i.e. laundry, medicines.
- Entrance fee for monuments.
- Service of Tour Guide.
- All others not mentioned in the Package Inclusions.
Note: Leave Travel Concession (LTC) will be issued by IRCTC for the tourists who avail the Bharat Darshan tours(only the Train fare & Road transfers will be admitted) after completion of the tour.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation Policy:
For cancellation of your ticket, please log in to your account, select the Tour Confirmation Number of the ticket you wish to cancel and cancel your ticket from your booked history on line. Cancellation of your Ticket is possible only on the website www.irctctourism.com, and is not possible on PRS Counters. If the user wishes to cancel his ticket, cancellation rules for Land (Holiday) and Rail Tour Packages as under:
| No. of days before commencement of Trip* | Total Deductions |
| Up to 15 days (excluding departure date) | Rs. 250 /- per passenger |
| Up to 8-14 days (excluding departure date) | 25 % of the package cost |
| Up to 4-7 days (excluding departure date) | 50 % of the package cost |
| Less than 4 days | 100 % of the package cost |
Terms and Conditions:
Guidelines
Food: Morning breakfast with tea/coffee, Lunch, Night dinner/tiffin.
Transport: 55 seater Non push back Non AC/similar bus for pick up from station and sightseeing is arranged. Where buses are not permitted the tourists have to make their own arrangements on alternative modes. Entrance fees, Pooja, Special Darshan charges, Horse ride and Boating charges are to be borne by the tourist.
Accommodation: Hall/Dormitory Accommodation
Items to Bring: Pillows, Bed Sheet, Nylon rope for drying clothes, Lock and key with chain to secure luggage, Bucket with Mug, Torch Light, Umbrella, Medicines, Plates, Glass, etc.
Terms & Conditions
- Passengers have to board and deboard the train at nominated stations as per the final Railway order and local transportation expenses to be borne by tourists on their own.
- The package tour decided by the IRCTC includes Sleeper Class/ Third AC Train Tickets, Pure Vegetarian Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Hall type/Hotel accommodations and Bus for local sightseeing only. Cost value package.
- Being a cost value package, personalized service is not viable; hence kindly converge with the group. In case of any assistance required do contact our group representative.
- No rude behavior will be entertained, further to which you will be forced to drop from the tour.
- Kindly queue while boarding the buses and don’t rush at the accommodation centre. Our representative would allot accommodation as specified.
- It is the duty of the co passenger to provide seats first for the Handicapped and old people.
- You should adhere to the time announced by the tour representatives. Failing which you will have to come to the next destination on your own expenses.
- While traveling, there might be some delay in providing food, so old people and Diabetic passengers should carry some refreshments.
- There might be delay in Train Arrivals and Departures and the train may not be able to follow the train timings for which you will have to bear with us.
- There may be changes in the sightseeing itinerary that may be caused due to arise of situations that have to be adhered.
- Announcement made in the train should be followed strictly to have pleasant travel.
- In case any problem arises during the journey, the company’s decision will be final.
- The tourist should follow the instruction given by the tour representative and should not interfere in the administration.
- No smoking and consuming Alcohol in the train.
- Please carry ID card at all items (like Driving License, Voter ID card, Ration Card, Pan Card) as proof of Identity for cross verification, by Railway Authorities and the same has to be borne by the tourist.
- Alternate arrangements will be made for disruption of tour on account of natural calamities and the cost to be borne by the tourist.
- Arrangements will be made for medical attention during sickness and the cost to be borne by the tourist.
- The tourist will have adhere by the periodical guidelines issued by the authorities on the tour, through announcement and should not intervene in their working and should not cause any inconvenience to co-passengers.
- The tour programme may be subject to alterations due to late running of the train. The final timings will be as per the railway order.
- The decision of IRCTC/South Zone will be final on account of problems arising in the conduct of the tour.
IRCTC has right to alter itinerary under unavoidable circumstances and is not liable for any type of natural calamities/ strikes/ cancellations/ delay of train/insurgency of any such nature which is beyond control during the tour period. Management is not accountable for any theft or damage of luggage during the trip. Operation of Bharat Darshan Trip is subject to minimum no. of passengers booked.
For More Information
| Zones/AOs/TIFCs | Contact Details |
| Tourism Information & Facilitation Centre & South Zone Office | 7A, The Rain Tree Place, No. 9 Mc Nicholas Road, Chetpet, Chennai- 600031. Office:.- 044 – 28363726,Mob: 9003140680, 8287931964 |
| Area office – Chennai | 9th Floor, Western Wing, Moore Market Complex, Park Town, Chennai 600003, Ph. No: 044-25330512 |
| TIFC – Chennai | 8287932121, 044-25332548 |
| TIFC – Madurai | 8287931977, 8287932122, 0452-2345757 |
| TIFC – Tiruchchirappali | 8287932070 |
| Area office & TIFC – Coimbatore | 9003140655, 8287931965 |
Here’s the latest verified information on the IRCTC “Vacation Special – Guwahati & Shillong by Train” package, including itinerary format, cost, inclusions, community feedback, and other helpful options:
Contents
🚞 IRCTC Vacation Special – Guwahati and Shillong by Train
✨ Package Overview
- Offers scenic touring of Guwahati and Shillong aboard a specially designated IRCTC rail-tour coach (Budget SL class).
- Includes multi-sharing accommodation in dormitory halls or dharmashalas.
- Road transfers (non‑AC SIC) connect Guwahati to Shillong and nearby sightseeing spots.
- Meals included three times daily, plus morning tea and 1 L drinking water for each traveler.
- An escorting staff and onboard security team travel with the group.
📦 Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Included: Train fare (SL), meals (tea, breakfast, lunch, dinner), shared dorm accommodation, shared road transport, escort & security.
Not Included: Personal expenses, monument entry fees, guide services, laundry, medicines.
Cancellation Policy:
- Up to 15 days before: ₹ 250 deduction
- 8–14 days before: 25% of package cost
- 4–7 days before: 50%
- Less than 4 days: 100% forfeited
💸 Sample Pricing & Itineraries
While exact 2025 dates for this specific package haven’t been publicly updated, IRCTC’s Assam & Meghalaya tour packages via Guwahati for early 2025 offer a pricing benchmark:
- Called “Essence of Meghalaya” ex‑Guwahati, 7D/6N:
- Triple-sharing: ₹ 25,730
- Double-sharing: ₹ 27,850
- Single: ₹ 35,000
- Visit Shillong, Cherrapunji, Dawki, Mawlynnong, etc.
- As of summer 2025, IRCTC launched a larger Assam & Meghalaya package starting at ₹40,700 (from Bengaluru or other boarding points), including flight segments. Similar cost structure applies here.
🧭 Mock Travel Itinerary (6–7 Days Common Format)
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Board rail-tour coach in Guwahati (morning/afternoon). Travel to Shillong or nearby points. |
| 2 | Maintenance stop in Shillong: sightseeing (Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, local markets). |
| 3 | Full day excursion to Cherrapunji & Nohkalikai Falls |
| 4 | Visit Mawlynnong Living Root Bridge & Dawki Lake boat ride |
| 5 | Return to Guwahati via Kaziranga region (optional jeep safari) |
| 6 | Free day in Guwahati for temples or tea garden visit; return home by evening or next morning train |
🌱 Traveler Community Insights
From Reddit and user reports:
“Shared taxis from Khanapara (Guwahati) to Shillong cost ₹450–500 each”
“Pure-veg restaurants like Jiva Veg and Orange Roots are available in Shillong and Cherrapunji”
“Shared-hostel stays and public sightseeing can halve the cost via DIY planning”
Budget travelers often prefer flexible DIY itineraries—especially if traveling outside package windows.
✅ Summary & Options
| Feature | IRCTC Rail Tour Package | DIY Itinerary (Flexible) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Budget sleeper class train + shared coach | Regular trains (e.g., Guwahati–Shillong) + local cabs/shared transport |
| Accommodations | Dormitory-style halls | Hotels, hostels, homestays |
| Meals | Included per package | Restaurants, street food |
| Sightseeing | Fixed guided route | Tailored as per personal pace |
| Cancellation flexibility | Strict refund policy | Self-managed bookings may offer refunds |
| Cost | ₹26,000 to ₹35,000+ per person (approx.) | Can vary widely, often ≤₹25,000 on DIY |
🛤️ What to Do Next
Would you like assistance with:
- Checking IRCTC booking availability or upcoming departure dates?
- A DIY budget itinerary covering Guwahati → Shillong → Cherrapunji → Dawki → Mawlynnong?
- Estimating costs for transport, stay, meals, and sightseeing independently?
Let me know—happy to help plan it out!