Vistadome Trains In India: Top 8 Scenic Routes To Experience

India is blessed with some of the world’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes. While flights are quick, road trips are fun, nothing can match the nostalgia of a train journey through mountains, tunnels, valleys, forests, and rivers. India’s gorgeous train routes make the entire journey even more 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. So, here we are with 8 scenic Vistadome train routes that passes through the Himalayan mountains, the Western Ghats, the Konkan coast, and the lush forests of the Northeast.

What Are 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 and equipped with:

• 360-degree rotatable pushback chairs.
• European style large glass windows.
• Anti-glare glass roofs with sky views.
• Sliding doors and Wi-Fi based information system.
• Lounge-style observation decks for a thralling train journey.

8 Scenic Routes To Explore With Vistadome Trains

Here’s everything you need to know about the Vistadome trains to take your travel experience to the next level.

1. Kalka–Shimla Vistadome Route (Himachal Pradesh)

Train Numbers: 52453/54, 52459/60

Train Names: Kalka – Shimla Express, Him Darshan Express

Distance & Duration: 96 km|6-7 hours

Best Time: March–June; December–January

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. Be it summer or winter, this is a must-experience route for nature and heritage lovers.

Key Features:

Ride during winter looks like a wonderland blanketed in snow.

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.

Can enjoy nature through the transparent roofs and windows.

2. Bengaluru–Mangaluru Vistadome Route (Karnataka)

Train Numbers: 16539/40, 16575/76

Train Name: Yeswantpur – Mangalore Express

Distance & Duration: 413 km|9-10 hours

Best Time: October–February

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. This lush green journey is a paradise for monsoon travellers and nature photographers.

Key Features:

• Extremely picturesque 45 km stretch (Sakleshpur-Subrahmanya Ghat portion).
• Siribagilu station is perched atop the Brahmagiri Hills frame in the Western Ghats.
• Views of beautiful mountains, valleys, canyons, and lush flora.
• Rainy season bring even more magnificent landscapes to the area.
• Waterfalls and mist covered mountains.

3. Mumbai–Pune Vistadome Route (Maharashtra)

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

Train Names: Pune Express, Deccan Queen Express

Distance & Duration: 264 km|4 hours

Best Time: July–September

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 on this ride. A short yet unforgettable weekend getaway route.

Key Features:

• Glimpses of Songir Hills, Matheran Hill, Ulhas River, Ulhas Valley, Khandala and Lonavala.
• Passenger information system that is Wi-Fi enabled, and automatic sliding doors.
• Observation deck that will make you feel right in the midst of nature.
• Numerous waterfalls during monsoon season.

4. Mumbai–Madgaon (Goa) Vistadome Route (Konkan Coast)

Train Numbers: 12051/52

Train Name: Mumbai – Madgaon Express

Distance & Duration: 552 km|11 hours

Best Time: August–January

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. Perfect for travellers heading to Goa who want to enjoy, not just the destination but the journey too.

Key Features:

• The iconic route takes you through enchanting waterfalls.
• Passes through long dark tunnels and old bridges.
• Clear glass-top roofs and comfortable seating options.
• Konkan regions unique coastal landscapes.

5. Jalpaiguri–Alipurduar Vistadome Route (Dooars, West Bengal)

Train Numbers: 15777/78

Train Name: Alipurduar – New Jalpaiguri Express

Distance & Duration: 169 km|6 hours

Best Time: October–April

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. An amazing journey, especially for wildlife and forest lovers.

Key Features:

• The train halts at a number of locations including Chalsa, Siliguri, and Hasimara.
• Teesta and Sankoshi river landscapes.
• Passes through dense forests, tea gardens, elephant corridors and wildlife-rich national parks.

6. Visakhapatnam–Araku Vistadome Route (Andhra Pradesh)

Train Number: 08551

Train Name: Visakhapatnam – Araku Passenger

Distance & Duration: 131 km|4 hours

Best Time: October–February

To experience 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 short but breathtaking journey suitable for families will thrill you to bits.

Key Features:

• Passes through over 50 tunnels and 84 bridges amidst magical surroundings.
• Either side of the track offers mesmerizing views of alluring valley and spectacular mountains.
• Spotting of many beautiful cascading waterfalls.

7. Ahmedabad–Kevadiya Vistadome Route (Gujarat)

Train Number: 09249

Train Name: Ahmedabad – Kevadiya Shatabdi Special Express

Distance & Duration: 184 km|3 hours

Best Time: November–February

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. Ideal for travellers visiting the Statue of Unity for a day trip.

Key Features:

• Beautiful River viewsand hilly landscapes.
• Wide angle windows and comfortable ECC seating for better experience.

8. Naharlagun–Guwahati Vistadome Route (Arunachal Pradesh & Assam)

Train Number: 12087

Train Name: Naharlagun – Guwahati Shatabdi Express

Distance & Duration: 333 km|6 hours

Best Time: October–March

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. It is the most unique way to explore Northeast India’s untouched natural beauty.

Key Features:

• The journey takes you through sprawling tea gardens, charming hamlets, and deep valleys.
• Remote hamlets and valleys that are unique to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

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

What Features Do Vistadome Coaches Offer To Passengers

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

Final Thoughts

Introduction of Vistadome trains have made travelling across India’s scenic landscapes truly unforgettable. Exploring the Himalayas, Western Ghats, Konkan coast, Dooars, or the Eastern Ghats, have become easy with these coaches. Now that you know it all, what are you waiting for? Visit IRCTC 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 hear them. Happy travelling!

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