Pune, May 23 (Reporter) The second journey of the Manaskhand Express Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train commenced from Pune on Thursday, marking another milestone in promoting tourism in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. A total of 302 enthusiastic tourists embarked on this 10-night/11-day journey, which will take them through a series of culturally rich and scenic destinations in the Kumaon region. The train will traverse various significant stops, including Lonavala, Kalyan, Vasai, Vapi, Surat, Vadodara, Ratlam, and Ujjain, ultimately reaching Tanakpur railway station in Uttarakhand on May 24, 2024. Upon arrival, IRCTC has organised an all-inclusive package that includes accommodations, bus, and taxi services for the tourists. Priced at a starting price of Rs 28,020, the tour package aims to introduce travellers to both major and lesser-known sites in the Kumaon region. The itinerary covers a plethora of destinations such as Purnagiri Temple, Hatkalika Temple, Kasar Devi, Katarmal, Kainchidham, Chittai Golu Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Sharda Ghat, Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, Nanakmatta Gurudwara, Bhimtal, Nainital, Almora, Chaukori, Tea Garden of Champawat, Baleshwar Temple, and Mayawati Ashram. The journey was inaugurated with a traditional Marathi welcome, featuring drums, musical instruments, Aarti, Tilak, and a shower of flowers. The tourists expressed their excitement about exploring new destinations through this comprehensive tour package. The Manaskhand Express, named after the Kumaon region as referred to in ancient Indian texts, is a joint initiative by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and IRCTC. The train’s first successful journey was conducted on April 22, 2024, with 280 tourists. Following this success, the second journey has been launched to continue promoting tourism in the region. Shri Sachin Kurve, Secretary Tourism and Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, highlighted the importance of this initiative. He stated, "This unique initiative of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board is the first of its kind in India, where efforts are being made to promote tourism in lesser-known places through a dedicated tourist train." The Manaskhand Express is designed to offer a comfortable travel experience with three AC train coaches, each accommodating only four passengers to ensure enhanced comfort. The train’s exterior is adorned with visuals showcasing Uttarakhand’s natural, cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage. The air-conditioned pantry car serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Uttarakhandi cuisine. During the journey, tourists will deboard at Tanakpur and stay at various hotels and homestays, with night halts planned at Tanakpur, Champawat/Lohaghat, Chaukori, Almora, and Bhimtal. This initiative aims to provide an immersive experience, allowing travellers to explore the rich heritage and scenic beauty of the Kumaon region. For more information and bookings, interested individuals can contact IRCTC or visit the official website...////...