In a bid to boost religious tourism in Uttarakhand, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDC) has announced fixed package rates for pilgrimages to Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Kartik Swami temples, along with a tour of Rishikesh. The special pilgrimage service, including a train from Mumbai, is set to commence on October 3, 2024.
Sumit Pant, Director of UTDC, stated that the package includes a variety of services such as lodging, meals, and transport. One of the major highlights is the inclusion of a helicopter service for the Kedarnath temple, ensuring a comfortable and seamless pilgrimage experience. The package will also offer sightseeing in the Yoga capital, Rishikesh.
The special train will run from Mumbai to Rishikesh, after which tourists will be taken by bus to the pilgrimage sites. The package rates for the Kedarnath pilgrimage include heli service charges, with the standard category priced at ₹56,325 per person and the deluxe category at ₹59,730 per person.
The comprehensive package aims to provide pilgrims with an enriched and spiritually fulfilling journey, ensuring that their stay, food, and transportation are efficiently handled by UTDC. This initiative is expected to encourage more tourists to explore Uttarakhand’s sacred temples and scenic landscapes.