From Vizag to Paradise: IRCTC Unveils All-in-One Tours Across India
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) has unveiled a bouquet of air package tours from Visakhapatnam, opening doors to some of India’s most enchanting journeys — from the emerald backwaters of Kerala and the regal deserts of Rajasthan to the sacred heights of the Char Dham and the turquoise waters of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Designed to blend comfort with discovery, these curated itineraries promise travellers a chance to explore the country’s celebrated landscapes and timeless heritage with ease.
Announcing the packages, Kranti P. Sawarkar, Joint General Manager, IRCTC/Bhubaneswar, said they include economy-class flights on IndiGo, three-star hotel stays, breakfast and dinner, sightseeing in air-conditioned vehicles, travel insurance, and the services of an IRCTC tour manager. “Our aim is to create seamless journeys for families, pilgrims, and leisure seekers alike. These tours have been thoughtfully tailored to suit the needs of travellers from Visakhapatnam and nearby regions,” he noted.
Kerala’s green embrace
The ‘Scenic Kerala’ package (September 12–18) invites travellers to step into the emerald heart of “God’s Own Country,” covering Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom and the revered Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. From drifting along the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom in a traditional houseboat to wandering through the rolling tea plantations of Munnar, every stop is curated to reveal a different facet of Kerala’s charm — its lush landscapes, cultural richness, and spiritual grace.
In Kochi, the blend of colonial history and vibrant coastal life sets the stage for the journey, while Thekkady’s spice gardens and wildlife sanctuaries promise encounters with nature at its purest. Kumarakom, with its shimmering waters and bird sanctuaries, offers quiet contemplation before the trip culminates with a visit to the majestic Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple, a beacon of devotion and heritage.
The six-night, seven-day tour is priced at Rs 52,590 for single occupancy, Rs 38,030 for double occupancy and Rs 36,380 for triple occupancy.
“Kerala continues to be a dream destination for travellers seeking both wellness and culture. With Onam just around the corner, this package is particularly well-timed,” observed travel consultant Ravi Kant. “The beauty of curated itineraries is that they allow visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of Kerala in just a few days — a tapestry of traditions, landscapes and experiences woven together with care.”
Rajasthan’s royal trail
The ‘Royal Rajasthan’ tour (October 9–18) offers a passage into the timeless splendour of India’s desert kingdom, taking travellers across Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mt. Abu, Pushkar and Ajmer. Each city tells its own story — of emperors and dynasties, of palaces that echo with grandeur, and of markets that still throb with colour and craft.
The journey begins in Jaipur, the “Pink City,” where the Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort stand as resplendent symbols of Rajput architecture. In Jaisalmer, golden sands and the majestic fort rise like a mirage in the desert, while Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort towers proudly over the “Blue City.” Udaipur, often called the “Venice of the East,” enchants with its lakeside palaces, and Mt. Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, offers a cool respite with its famed Dilwara temples. The sacred towns of Pushkar and Ajmer lend a spiritual rhythm to the otherwise royal narrative of the state.
The nine-night, ten-day package is priced at Rs 77,375 for single occupancy, Rs 60,155 for double occupancy and Rs 56,100 for triple occupancy.
“Rajasthan’s appeal lies in its ability to blend history with spectacle. For many families, this tour is a celebration of heritage — to walk through palaces, watch the desert sunsets, and experience age-old traditions come alive,” said Sunitha Reddy, senior member of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). “The festive season makes it even more magical, with bazaars and folk performances adding colour to the nights.”
Sacred Himalayas – Char Dham Yatra
The Char Dham Yatra (11 nights/12 days) carries travellers to the sacred heights of the Himalayas, tracing a path through Badrinath, Barkot, Gangotri, Guptkashi, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Sonprayag and Yamunotri. Each stop is a spiritual milestone, where snow-clad peaks meet ancient shrines and rivers that are revered as lifelines of Indian civilisation.
Pilgrims walk in the footsteps of sages, with the air thick with chants and the fragrance of incense. Kedarnath, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, offers a rare stillness broken only by temple bells, while the icy waters of the Ganga at Gangotri remind visitors of the eternal flow of faith. Haridwar, at the foothills, completes the circle with its sacred ghats glowing in the golden light of evening aarti.
The package is priced at Rs 81,545 for single occupancy, Rs 71,760 for double occupancy and Rs 67,845 for triple occupancy.
“Spiritual tourism has grown remarkably in recent years,” noted Ajay Sharma, a Hyderabad-based tourism analyst. “The Char Dham circuit is no longer only for elderly pilgrims — younger travellers are also drawn to its combination of spirituality, adventure and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.”
Emerald Isles – Andaman & Nicobar
The ‘LTC Andaman Emeralds’ tour offers a very different kind of escape — a journey across shimmering seas and palm-fringed shores. Covering Port Blair, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Havelock and Neil Island, this package is crafted for those who seek both history and adventure in the lap of nature.
In Port Blair, the echoes of India’s freedom struggle linger in the solemn walls of the Cellular Jail. A short boat ride away, Ross Island unfolds the remnants of colonial heritage now reclaimed by nature. The crystalline waters of Havelock, home to the famed Radhanagar Beach, invite snorkelling and diving, while Neil Island charms with its quiet lagoons and coral reefs teeming with marine life.
The package, priced at Rs 67,165 (single occupancy), Rs 50,570 (double occupancy) and Rs 48,990 (triple occupancy), promises travellers the turquoise embrace of the Andaman seas along with curated comfort.
“The Andamans are increasingly seen as India’s answer to island paradises abroad,” said Sunitha Reddy. “For many first-time flyers from tier-2 cities, this is an accessible yet exotic experience that combines relaxation, history and adventure in equal measure.”
A rising trend
Industry experts note that travellers from tier-2 cities like Visakhapatnam are increasingly opting for curated air tours, which remove the stress of booking flights, hotels and local transport separately. “Convenience has become the new luxury. For many middle-class families, a well-planned package ensures they enjoy the trip without worrying about logistics,” Ms. Reddy added.
Booking details
Bookings can be made at the IRCTC Office, Main Entrance, Gate no. 1, Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Details are available from Sai Prasad (9281495847), K. Venkateswara Rao (9550166168) or Chandan Kumar (9281030748). More information is available at www.irctctourism.com