From Ayodhya to Colombo: A look at Indian Railways’ Shri Ramayana Express

The 'Shri Ramayana Express', which can carry 800 passengers, started its service from November 14. The train was flagged off from Safdarjung railway station in New Delhi. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

This latest offering by Indian Railways is named after Lord Ram and will cover destinations associated with the mythological character in India and Sri Lanka. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

People from as far as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were part of the maiden journey – many of them claimed they were active BJP workers and supporters, while others said they were drawn to the train by advertisements. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Others present included housewives from Ghaziabad without their families, senior citizens in groups, and elderly couples. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The special tourist train will offer a 16-day tour package - one in India and the other in Sri Lanka. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will manage the tour. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

As part of branding of the journey, the IRCTC which is running the train, gave the tourists silk scarves and flags which were saffron and green with Ram drawn on them. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

After leaving Delhi, the train will make its first stop at Ayodhya followed by Hanuman Garhi Ramkot and Kanak Bhawan temple. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The train will then cover the important destinations of Ramayana circuit such as Nandigram, Sitamarhi, Janakpur, Varanasi, Prayag, Shringverpur, Chitrakoot, Nasik, Hampi and Rameshwaram. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The cost of the package is Rs 15,120 per person, reported PTI. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

Online booking for the special train will be available on IRCTC website shortly. The booking will also be done by IRCTC's 27 tourist facilitation centres. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)

The Sri Lankan component of the tour package will cover destinations like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo and Negombo, and will be charged separately. (Express photo by Tashi Tobgyal)