Vande Bharat Express connects Varanasi to Khajuraho and opens a new chapter in spiritual and cultural tourism in India

Posted on November 4, 2025

Vande Bharat Express is set to redefine spiritual and heritage tourism in India by launching its new route connecting Varanasi and Khajuraho via Chitrakoot on November 8. The introduction of this semi-high-speed train, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents a transformative step in modernizing connectivity across the heart of India’s cultural and sacred landscape.

The new route connects three of the most revered destinations in North India. Varanasi, the eternal city of the Ganges, stands as a symbol of India’s eternal spirituality. Known for its UNESCO-listed temples and intricate sculptures, Khajuraho reflects the architectural brilliance and artistic heritage of the country. Deeply rooted in ancient myth, Chitrakoot adds a divine layer to this trail, completing a route that fuses faith, history and art into one unforgettable journey.

For international travellers, especially from Europe, the launch comes as a much-needed revival of the popular travel circuit. The absence of direct air links between Khajuraho and Varanasi has discouraged many foreign tourists, forcing travel companies to remove Khajuraho from traditional itineraries in North India. The new train restores this connection, offering a seamless, fast and affordable link that encourages visitors to rediscover India’s cultural heart. It also opens the door to integrated travel experiences linking Delhi, Agra, Jhansi, Orkha, Khajuraho and Varanasi, reviving a circuit once cherished by global travelers.

For local travelers and pilgrims, the Vande Bharat Express brings equal excitement. The new line reduces the need for costly inter-state vehicle permits and long road journeys between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. With smoother access and faster travel, pilgrims can now visit several holy sites in a single trip, including Ayodhya, Vindhyachal, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Gaya. The result is a stronger, more interconnected spiritual tourism circuit that unites sacred destinations under a modern travel network.

Varanasi’s hospitality and tourism industries are already gearing up for a new wave of visitors. With the successful completion of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project in 2021 and the consecration of the Ram Mandir in 2024, spiritual tourism in the region has grown significantly. Vande Bharat connectivity to Khajuraho and Chitrakoot is expected to extend tourists’ stay, increase hotel occupancy, and boost local businesses – from restaurants and transport providers to artisans and souvenir sellers. Varanasi, already one of the most visited cities in India, is now set to become the central gateway for both pilgrimage and cultural exploration.

Khajuraho, on the other hand, would benefit greatly from renewed accessibility. The temple town, once a highlight of the Indian heritage circuit, has seen a decline in foreign arrivals due to poor connectivity. With the arrival of Vande Bharat, Khajuraho’s status as a premier heritage destination is expected to be revived, attracting travelers seeking a deeper understanding of India’s artistic and spiritual identity. This route also reinforces the connection between the architectural wonders of central India and the spiritual aura of the Ganges plains.

The inclusion of Chitrakoot further enriches the journey. Known as the place where Lord Rama spent years in exile, Chitrakoot has long been a center of worship and mythology. The new train route will make it easier for pilgrims and cultural tourists to visit this sacred site, supporting local tourism and the regional economy while promoting lesser-known heritage sites that form part of India’s vast spiritual geography.

Besides its cultural impact, the Vande Bharat Express also brings tangible economic and environmental benefits. Faster rail services will encourage more sustainable travel by reducing reliance on short domestic journeys and long car journeys, which are expensive and polluting. The project is in line with India’s goal of promoting eco-friendly tourism while promoting regional development. Local economies across the route – from artisans and guides to small businesses – are expected to gain new opportunities as the influx of tourists increases.

The launch of the Varanasi-Khajuraho route coincides with three other new services of Vande Bharat: Lucknow-Saharanpur, Delhi-Ferozepur and Bengaluru-Kochi. Together, these projects reflect a national strategy to build modern, efficient and interconnected railway systems that promote tourism and regional growth. The Vande Bharat fleet has quickly become a symbol of India’s technological advancement and its vision of sustainable, high-quality travel.

The Vande Bharat Express connecting Varanasi to Khajuraho is more than just a train, it is a bridge between India’s ancient spirit and its modern aspirations. It connects the banks of the Varanasi River to the stone carvings of Khajuraho and the sacred hills of Chitrakoot, offering travelers an immersive passage through history, devotion and art. As he begins his journey, this route stands as a testament to India’s ability to preserve its timeless heritage while embracing the future of travel.