BANGALORE, JUNE 13:  Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will operate a Hubli-Tirupati pilgrimage package in partnership with South Western Railway (SWR).

IRCTC will take passengers on rail tour package from Hubli to Tirupati and back daily. The tour package is being launched from June 14 onwards from Hubli Railway Station by train No 17416 Kolhapur-Tirupati Haripriya Express.

According to an SWR release, the pilgrimage package tour includes confirmed to and fro train journey in sleeper class by train No. 17416/17415 Kolhapur-Tirupati-Kolhapur Haripriya Express, from Hubli to Tirupati and back to Hubli.

Initially, six berths in second class sleeper coach No S4 and berth numbers 25 to 30 will be being earmarked for pilgrimage tour travellers by train leaving from Hubli at 19-20 hours and arrive at Tirupati at 08-10 hours the next day.

The pilgrimage tour package includes Seeghra Darshan of Lord Sri Venkateshwara at Tirumala by Road and en route, by road, the tour includes visit to Tirupati, Tiruchanuru, Srinivasa Mangapuram, Kanipakam and Sri Kalahasti Temples.

Travel to Tirupati is in a non-AC Vehicle, accommodation in non-AC Room, vegetarian food at Tirupati. In the return direction, the passengers will board the Train No 17415 Tirupati-Kolhapur Haripriya Express at Tirupati Railway Station at 9 pm and arrive at Hubli Railway Station at 8:25 am the next day. The accommodation for return journey is earmarked in S5 coach and berth numbers are from 57 to 62.

The tariff of the pilgrim package tour is Rs 4,550 a person for four days/three nights. Booking has to be done at least four days in advance. The package is designed in order to cater to the needs of pilgrims from North Karnataka.

Source: The Hindu, DT. June 13, 2013.