8 Scenic Routes To Travel By Vistadome Trains In India

While flights are quick, road trips are fun, nothing can match the nostalgia of a train journey through the most scenic routes. India is a country blessed with diverse landscapes and to take-in the scenic beauty, train journeys are the best transportation options. To add to it, India is blessed with gorgeous train routes that make the entire journey adventurous and memorable. The Indian railways have been trying all options to make the journey as alluring as the destination itself. One such attempt is the introduction of the Vistadome trains to give its passengers an immersive travel experience.

What Is Vistadome Trains?

Indian railways introduced Vistadome coaches on routes that have scenic beauty to promote tourism. The very first of these coaches was introduced in 2018. Special coaches are attached with trains on some specific routes to get us close to nature and explore India’s beauty. Vistadome coaches are specially designed; it has 360-degree rotatable pushback chairs, large glass windows, anti-glare glass roofs and a Wi-Fi based system to offer passengers an enthralling train journey. Here’s everything you need to know about the Vistadome trains to take your travel experience to the next level.

Scenic Destinations To Explore With Vistadome Trains

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Train Number: 52453/54, 52459/60 Kalka – Shimla Express, Him Darshan Express

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla has six Vistadome coach trains running between Kalka in Haryana and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. The Kalka-Shimla Express is a 96 kilometer narrow-gauge railway line which was inducted into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008. Him Darshan Express, which was started in 2019 can accommodate around 1000 passengers. The scenic route takes you through 102 tunnels, 969 bridges, lush valleys and forests which you can enjoy through the transparent roofs and windows. A ride through the valley in the winter looks like a wonderland blanketed in snow. Be it summer or winter, one must experience this ride!

2. Mangalore, Karnataka

Train Number: 16539/40, 16575/76 Yeswantpur – Mangalore Express

In July 2021, the Indian Railways added Vistadome coaches to a few Bengaluru-Mangaluru trains so that passengers could enjoy the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Each of these Vistadome train Bangalore to Mangalore coaches can accommodate 44 people and has top-notch amenities. The 180 degrees rotating chairs, with the wide glass windows provide stunning views as you travel. The route is extremely picturesque and the 45 km stretch (Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Ghat portion) is the main attraction on this route. Another prime attraction is the Siribagilu station, which is perched atop the Brahmagiri Hills frame in the Western Ghats. Passengers traveling in these coaches can feast their eyes on the mountains, valleys, canyons, and lush flora. Best time to experience this ride is in the monsoon season as the rains bring even more magnificent landscapes to the area.

3. Pune, Maharashtra

Train Number: 11007/08 Pune Express, 12123/24 Deccan Queen Express

The Vistadome coaches began operations here in July 2022. A ride to Pune in Vistadome coaches will give one an experience of a lifetime. One of the most stunning rail routes in India, the Mumbai-Pune route will take you through rolling hills, flowing rivers, and deep valleys.  Travelers can take in the natural splendor of the Western Ghats and also get glimpses of Songir Hills, Matheran Hill, Ulhas River, Ulhas Valley, Khandala and Lonavala on this route. The train comes with a passenger information system that is Wi-Fi enabled, automatic sliding doors, and an observation deck that will make you feel right in the midst of nature. Embark on this train journey to experience something like never before. 

4. Madgaon, Goa

Train Number: 12051/52 Mumbai – Madgaon Express

Vistadome coaches have been added to the Dadar-Madgaon Janshatabdi Express for passengers to sit back to enjoy the scenic views of the Western Ghats and Konkan coast to the fullest. Embark on the Vistadome coach Mumbai to Goa express to soak in nature’s beauty at the most popular beach destination of India. This train runs between the beautiful Konkan coast of Maharashtra and Goa, and also goes through the spectacular Western Ghats. The iconic route takes you through enchanting waterfalls, dark tunnels, and old bridges that provide spectacular views of the region. Clear glass-top roofs and comfortable seating options makes the journey even more comfortable.

5. Dooars, West Bengal

Train Number: 15777/78 Alipurduar – New Jalpaiguri Express

Dooars which translates to ‘door’ is a gateway to the neighboring country of Bhutan. Connected by the River Teesta on the east and the River Sankoshi on the west, this beautiful place can be reached by Vistadome train. The luxurious Vistadome coach travels through the beautiful New Jalpaiguri-Alipurduar route in North Bengal while passing through lush green forests, tea orchards, and rivers of Dooars. Every second of the journey can be enjoyed via the large windows and transparent ceiling of the coach. Before touching its final destination, the train halts at a number of locations including Chalsa, Siliguri, and Hasimara. Enjoy the journey while feasting on food and beverages served in the mini pantry.

Suggested Reads: Toy Trains In India For A Gorgeous Ride

6. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Train Number: 08551 Visakhapatnam – Araku Passenger

Toexperience the magic and splendor of the Eastern Ghats a ride on the Visakhapatnam – Araku Vistadome route is a must. The fully air-conditioned and glass-topped Vistadome coaches offers jaw-dropping vistas of verdant forests, mountain streams, and tribal hamlets along the way. This incredible journey takes one through over 50 tunnels and 84 bridges amidst magical surroundings. Either side of the track offers mesmerizing views, alluring valley on one side and on the other side is the spectacular mountains with cascading waterfalls. Whichever side you look, this ride will thrill you to bits.

7. Kevadiya, Gujarat

Train Number: 09249 Ahmedabad – Kevadiya Shatabdi Special Express

The world’s tallest Statue built in honor of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is a famous tourist spot today in Kevadiya. In a bid to boost tourism and for better connectivity the government has launched direct train service from Ahmedabad to Kevadiya. They have also added a few VIstadome coaches to the train to make the travel and experience more enjoyable. The natural beauty that one can see while travelling is a sight to behold.

8. Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh

Train Number: 12087 Naharlagun – Guwahati Shatabdi Express

The Naharlagun-Guwahati Shatabdi Express is a Vistadome train that travels between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Just like the other Vistadome trains, this luxury train too has rotating seats and glass ceilings that allow passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills. The 343-kilometer journey will take you through sprawling tea gardens, charming hamlets, and deep valleys along the route. Book now for you don’t want to miss out on this beautiful experience.

Check Out Vistadome experience outside India by booking A Machu Picchu Tour Full Day by Vistadome Train.

Special Features Of Vistadome Trains

Made in India Vistadome coaches are also called luxurious tourist coaches because of the unique features and comfort it provides. Let’s take a look at what makes them so special.

• – Vistadome coaches have large glass windows that take inspiration from European style trains. Because of its extra-large windows, passengers get wide-angle views.

• – The seats rotate 180 degrees for better viewing and can be pushed back to give utmost comfort.

• – There is the see-through glass roof-top feature to view the clouds, stars and moon during a train journey.

• – For seamless experience, Vistadome coaches provide high-speed internet facility.

• – Every seat is provided with a separate mobile charging socket.

• – Multi-tiered steel luggage shelves that provide enough space for keeping luggage.

• – Automatic sliding doors to help close and open the door easily.

• – Just like in the aircrafts, these trains also provide foldable snack tables for each passenger.

• – At the end of each Vistadome coach there is a lounge-like space with wide glass windows.

• – Every coach is equipped with a CCTV camera for the safety of the passengers on board.

• – To help visually challenged passengers, Braille signs are placed at convenient places.

• – All coaches are equipped with Bio-toilets that help save a lot of water.

Also Read: The Most Luxurious Trains In The World

Now that you know it all, what are you waiting for? Visit IRCTC Vistadome booking today to book your tickets and if you have already taken the Vistadome train ride, do share your travel experience with us, we would love to read them. Happy traveling!

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