IRCTC isn’t just train-ticketing. Its tourism arm offers travel packages—covering internal Indian travel (rail + road + stays) and even international destinations. These packages typically include: train/coach travel, accommodation, meals, local sightseeing/transfers, travel insurance, guided services. Booking is done via the official portal (register/log-in) or authorised agents.
Why November is a Good Month for IRCTC Packages
- November in India is post-monsoon in many parts, meaning clearer skies, comfortable travel.
- IRCTC launches special seasonal tours in November (e.g., pilgrimage trains, heritage circuits) as the weather becomes favourable. For instance, a 12-day “7 Jyotirlinga” pilgrimage train begins 18 Nov 2025.
- The “November/December” window is often used for both winter starts and for tours to colder/hill regions where the season opens.
Key Featured IRCTC Packages for November 2025
Here are some of the specific IRCTC tour packages that are scheduled in or start in November 2025. Use these as examples of what is available.
1. “7 Jyotirlinga” Pilgrimage by Bharat Gaurav Train
- Duration: 11 nights / 12 days (18 Nov – 29 Nov 2025) starting from Yog Nagri Rishikesh.
- Route: Rishikesh → Omkareshwar → Mahakaleshwar → Nageshwar → Somnath → Trimbakeshwar → Bhimashankar → Grishneshwar → return.
- Pricing (approx): Comfort (2AC) – ~ ₹54,390; Standard (3AC) – ~ ₹40,890; Economy (Sleeper) – ~ ₹24,100.
- Inclusions: Vegetarian meals, hotel/dharmashala stays, guided visits, travel insurance, tour escort.
- Why special: All-in-one pilgrimage by train, covering major sacred sites in a fixed schedule.
2. “Holy Kashi” Spiritual Tour
- Duration: 5 nights / 6 days; starting 18 Nov 2025 from Kochi/Coimbatore region.
- Destinations: Varanasi (Kashi) → Prayagraj → Ayodhya → Bodh Gaya.
- Starting price: ~ ₹39,750 per person (varies by room/boarding).
- Good for: Travellers looking for a deeper spiritual circuit with comfortable travel arrangements.
3. Rajasthan Heritage Tour
- Duration: 6 nights / 7 days; starts from Lucknow on 24 Nov 2025.
- Destinations: Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer (key heritage/cultural Rajasthan destinations).
- Inclusions: Air travel (or specified travel), hotel accommodations, meals, guided sightseeing. Good for heritage lovers.
4. International Packages
- IRCTC also offers tour packages from Mumbai such as: Thailand (Phuket & Krabi: 3–9 Nov 2025), Vietnam (10–17 Nov), Sri Lanka (24–30 Nov) etc.
- These are all-inclusive with return airfare, local transfers, guided sightseeing, meals, visa/permit assistance. Good for outbound travel.
How to Choose the Right Package
Here are criteria and tips to pick a suitable package:
A. Match your travel style & schedule
- If you prefer pilgrimage/spiritual travel: go for 7 Jyotirlinga or Holy Kashi.
- If you prefer heritage/culture & comfortable hotels: Rajasthan heritage package.
- If you want international travel in Nov: look at Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka packages.
- Check how many days you can spare: 5–6 days vs 7+ vs 10+.
B. Understand inclusions & travel class
- Check whether the train/coach class is 2AC/3AC/Sleeper and whether it’s comfortable for you/family. E.g., in “7 Jyotirlinga” tour, economy sleeper is cheapest but comfort-wise different.
- Verify meals (veg/non-veg), type of accommodation (hotel category vs dharamshala), transfers included.
- Confirm travel insurance, guide/escort included.
- For international: check visa, airfare, local transfers.
C. Budget & Hidden Costs
- The published price may depend on boarding point, room category, number of travellers. E.g., Holy Kashi starts at ₹39,750 but that is “starting fare”.
- There may be optional add-ons: special darshan, room upgrades, onboard services.
- For sleeper class vs AC class difference is large.
- If travelling in group, check group discounts or promotional offers.
D. Booking & Cancellation
- Always book via the official IRCTC tourism portal or authorised agent.
- Read the “Terms & Conditions” carefully: cancellation policy, refund policy, medical/emergency clauses.
- Early booking is recommended—popular packages may fill quickly. For example, some tours begin booking early in November.
E. Special Considerations
- If travelling with elderly/family: prefer AC class, shorter travel legs if possible.
- Check the weather for destinations: e.g., hill-areas or early winter zones may require warm clothing.
- For train-based tours: boarding/station points may vary — check convenience.
- For international tours: passports, visas, health/travel insurance etc.
Pros & Cons of IRCTC November Tours
Pros:
- All-in-one packages reduce planning stress (travel + stay + meals + transfers).
- Wider choice of themes: spiritual, heritage, international.
- Credibility of IRCTC (large organisation) gives assurance.
- Some good value deals especially if booked early.
Cons / Things to Watch Out:
- Fixed itinerary: less flexibility compared to independent travel.
- For budget/lower class options (e.g., sleeper class) comfort may be less. For example: some Reddit users note that sleeper class in winter/hill regions may be less ideal.
- Additional costs may crop up (optional excursions, single occupancy supplements).
- For international tours, airfare + visa + other extras may make price higher than expected.
Practical Checklist Before You Book
- Choose destination + itinerary that suits your group (family, solo).
- Select travel class & accommodation category you’re comfortable with.
- Confirm departure date, duration, boarding point.
- Read inclusions: what meals, what transfers, what sightseeing.
- Check price breakdown: is it per person, twin/double sharing, single occupancy surcharge.
- Review cancellation policy.
- Ensure you have valid ID/adult/child details etc. For some tours, vaccination certificate or COVID norms may still apply (depending on current rules). For example, the 7 Jyotirlinga tour mentions ID + vaccination.
- Pack appropriately: clothing, medications, traveller’s checks for weather.
- For train-based tours: check station logistics (boarding time, baggage allowance).
- Arrive early at boarding station to avoid last-minute hassles.
If you’re looking for a stress-free, organised travel experience in November, IRCTC’s tour packages are a compelling option — especially for spiritual, heritage, or international travel segments. With clear examples like the 7 Jyotirlinga pilgrimage or the “Holy Kashi” tour, you get a sense of what’s on offer. The key is to pick the itinerary that matches your interests, budget, and comfort level, and to book in time.
