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Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026: Eligibility To Route, All About Rajasthan’s FREE Trips

Under the scheme, around 56,000 senior citizens will travel by flight or AC train to religious pilgrimage sites across India and Nepal.

by Tanvi Shrivastava
Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026: Eligibility To Route, All About Rajasthan’s FREE Trips

The Rajasthan government has begun accepting applications for the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026, offering qualified residents the chance to visit major religious destinations free of cost. Want to know more about it? Scroll down.

Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026

As per a report by India Today, under the scheme, around 56,000 senior citizens will travel by flight or AC train to religious pilgrimage sites across India and Nepal. The Rajasthan Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme 2026 will cover travel, hotel accommodations and meals, with all costs covered by the state government. Managed by the Devsthan Department, the scheme was announced in the state budget and seeks to make religious travel more convenient for senior residents.

Under the scheme, 56,000 senior citizens will be picked through a lottery system after they submit their online applications. Of the total participants, 6,000 devotees will travel by air to the renowned Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, and the remaining 50,000 pilgrims will embark on journeys by AC train to various pilgrimage circuits across India. The applications for the Rajasthan Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme are open until June 10, 2026.

Rajasthan residents who are 60 or above as of April 1, 2026, are eligible to apply for the senior citizen pilgrimage scheme. Additionally, husband and wife can fill out the form together through a single application and travel as a couple if selected.

Not only this, but the scheme also provides special support for older travellers. Applicants aged 70 years and above can bring one attendant along with them, with the cost covered by the government.

Also Read: Looking For A Crowd-Free Escape? Uttarakhands Tons Valley Is A Paradise For Nature & Adventure Lovers

Which All Destinations Will Be Covered?

As per the reports, the air travel category will only include a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. But for those travelling by train, the itinerary covers 13 pilgrimage sites, which include

The proposed pilgrimage circuits cover several major religious destinations across India. These include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ayodhya, and Varanasi–Sarnath, as well as Sammed Shikhar, Pawapuri, Varanasi, and Sarnath.

Pilgrims can also visit Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra, and Ayodhya, along with Dwarkapuri, Nageshwar, and Somnath. Other destinations on the list include Tirupati and Padmavati, Kamakhya and Guwahati, and Ganga Sagar and Kolkata.

The scheme further covers Jagannath Puri and Konark, Rameshwaram and Madurai, Vaishno Devi, Amritsar, and the Wagah Border. Pilgrims can also explore Goa’s famous temples and churches.

Additionally, the circuits include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, and Ellora, as well as Bihar Sharif, Patna Sahib, and Patna. Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded is also among the destinations covered under the scheme.

Also Read: Kedarnath & Badrinath Temples Get Special Darshan Slots For Elderly; Differently-Abled Pilgrims

We feel it’s such a great initiative for senior citizens.

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

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First Published: June 02, 2026 1:43 PM

FAQs

How can I get senior citizen darshan in Tirumala?

You can get Senior Citizen darshan in Tirumala by booking the free "Privilege Darshan" quota online in advance.

How to apply for PMJAY for 70 years old?

All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for free medical coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year under the AB PM-JAY scheme, regardless of their income. You can apply online via the PMJAY Beneficiary Portal or by downloading the official Ayushman App.

Is Tirth Yatra free for senior citizens in Rajasthan?

Yes, the Rajasthan Government fully funds pilgrimages for eligible senior citizens under the Varishth Nagarik Tirth Yatra Yojana.