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Published on September 8, 2007

India is offering Buddhist pilgrims luxury-train tours of some of the faith's most important locations, including Bodhigaya and Lumpini.

The package is a great way to tour India without having to brave the confusion of India's public transport.

The six sites are scattered across the vast north of the sub-continent.

The Maha Parinirvan special train started operating this month and the trips are on offer until March, the coolest part of the year.

The package is a seven-day-eight-night affair and, in addition to visits to the religious sites, takes in the capital New Delhi, and the Taj Mahal at Agra.

"It's a special, new product that will excite Thais and all Buddhist travellers in the region," India Tourism director in Singapore, K N Thakur, tells an East and Southeast Asian roadshow.

The journey will take in Bodhgaya, where the Lord Buddha gained enlightenment; Rajgir, where he spent the 17 previous years; Sarinath, the site of his first sermon; his birthplace of Lumpini in Nepal; and Kushinagar where he died. The itinerary includes the world's oldest Buddhist university at Nalanda.

The rail trip rolls out of Safdarjung station in New Delhi, used exclusively by "special" trains. It guarantees smooth passport and visa processing.

The trip terminates in the same location.

Prices start at US$88 (Bt3,020) a night for air-conditioned three-tier coaches, $105 per night for two-tiers and $150 per night for first-class coaches. Included is food, off-train accommodation, sightseeing, transport, entrance fees and travel insurance.

India Tourism bills the train as luxury with clean conveniences and dining, staffed by well-trained stewards and round-the-clock security.

Facilities for meditation, prayer and chanting are available.

Transport at holy sites is provided and off-train stays are in top hotels.

For travellers with less time there is a three-day option.

For more information and bookings visit www.indiarailtours.com.

Lekha J Shankar

Special to The Nation