Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express: IRCTC’s Upcoming Tour Package is a Game-Changer
Let’s be real—traveling to Kashmir has always been a bit of a hassle. Flights are expensive, roads can be unpredictable, and let’s not even talk about the old trains. But guess what? Indian Railways is about to change the game with the Delhi-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express. And here’s the kicker: IRCTC is rolling out a tour package that’ll make this journey smoother than butter chicken gravy. Seriously.
1. The New Vande Bharat Route: What You Need to Know
1.1 The Route (and Why It Matters)
So here’s the deal—this train connects Delhi to Srinagar via Katra, cutting travel time to just 12-14 hours. That’s like binge-watching one season of your favorite show, and boom—you’re in paradise. It stops at Jammu Tawi and Baramulla too, which is perfect for pilgrims and tourists alike.
1.2 Why This Train is Different
Ever been on those old trains where the seats feel like they haven’t been updated since the British left? Yeah, not this one. Wi-Fi, comfy seats, decent food—it’s like they actually thought about passengers for once. And the speed? Let’s just say it puts those rickety old trains to shame.
1.3 When Can You Actually Ride It?
Right now, it’s running between Katra and Srinagar—which is great if you’re starting from there. But the full Delhi-Srinagar route? Should be any day now. Keep checking IRCTC’s website like it’s your ex’s Instagram—you don’t want to miss this.
2. IRCTC’s Tour Package: Worth the Hype?
2.1 What’s in the Box?
Okay, maybe not a box, but the package will probably include hotels, some guided tours, and meals. Price? Around ₹15-25k per person for 4-5 days. Not bad when you consider how much headache it saves you. Early birds might even get discounts—just saying.
2.2 How to Grab Your Spot
Once it drops, you’ll find it on IRCTC’s tourism site. Pro tip: subscribe to their emails unless you enjoy refreshing pages like it’s 2005.
2.3 Why Bother with a Package?
Look, planning trips is exhausting. Between figuring out hotels, transport, and what to see, it’s enough to make you want to stay home. IRCTC’s package? They handle the boring stuff so you can focus on enjoying those Kashmiri sunsets.
3. Srinagar 101: What You Can’t Miss
3.1 The Must-Sees
Dal Lake—obviously. Those shikara rides are Instagram gold. Then there’s the Tulip Garden (spring is magic), and the Mughal Gardens that’ll make you feel like royalty. History buffs, nature lovers—everyone wins.
3.2 Eat, Shop, Repeat
Wazwan cuisine is a flavor bomb—just don’t ask how much ghee goes into it. And the shopping? Saffron, Pashmina shawls… your suitcase won’t know what hit it.
4. Pro Tips for Your Trip
4.1 When to Go
April to October is sweet—flowers blooming, weather just right. Winter? Freezing, but hey—snowy Kashmir is straight out of a Bollywood song.
4.2 Pack Like a Pro
Layers, people. Kashmir’s weather has mood swings. Meds, ID copies, and a power bank—because no one wants a dead phone with those views.
4.3 Staying Safe
Network can be patchy in remote spots. Save emergency numbers, check advisories—basic stuff, but better safe than stranded.
5. FAQs (Because Someone Always Asks)
5.1 Is the train running now?
Katra to Srinagar—yes. Full route? Soon™.
5.2 When’s the tour package coming?
IRCTC’s playing it mysterious, but likely in a few months.
5.3 Direct trains from Delhi?
Not yet—might need to switch at Katra for now.
5.4 How much will it cost me?
Ballpark ₹15-25k per head. Cheaper than regret.
Final Thoughts
This train is about to make Kashmir trips easier than ordering biryani on Swiggy. With IRCTC’s package handling the logistics, all you need to do is pack your bags and your sense of adventure. Keep those notifications on—your Kashmiri dream trip is closer than you think.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
