Nothing compares to the charm of a quintessential Indian rail journey, always accompanied by a sense of nostalgia. Thanks to India’s diverse landscape, the country is blessed with gorgeous train routes that enhance the overall experience. The Indian Railways has introduced Vistadome coaches on select trains, offering passengers the opportunity to maximise their journey.
Featuring glass ceilings and expansive windows, these coaches provide panoramic 360-degree views of the surroundings. The Vistadome coaches are equipped with rotating seats and an observation lounge. Additionally, these coaches boast a digital entertainment system and Wi-Fi facilities.
Here are some of the destinations you can travel to by train with Vistadome coaches while enjoying the scenic routes in India.
Scenic journeys to explore through a Vistadome coach
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
One of the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla has everything that the seasoned traveller seeks. From colonial buildings and bustling markets to stunning vistas and cool cafes, Shimla will never disappoint you. The 95.5-kilometre Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway line was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2008.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 52459/60 Kalka – Shimla Him Darshan
- Train Number 52453/54 Kalka – Shimla NG Express
Madgaon, Goa
Goa continues to be the favourite beach destination of Indians. Known for its happening nightlife, sandy beaches, Portuguese architecture, and lush greenery, Goa is simply incredible. The iconic Mumbai to Goa route introduces you to the magnificent Western Ghats and the pastoral Konkan region. Embark on the Mumbai-Madgaon Express and get drenched in nature’s beauty as the train passes through enchanting waterfalls, dark tunnels, and age-old bridges.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 12051/52 Mumbai CSMT – Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express
- Train Number 22119/20 Mumbai CSMT – Madgaon Tejas Express
Kevadiya, Gujarat
Kevadiya has gained immense popularity in a short time, thanks to the Statue of Unity. Towering at 597 feet, it is the world’s tallest statue. Constructed in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat was included in Time magazine’s second annual list of the world’s greatest places. Built on the Sadhu Bet islet near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in the Narmada district, the statue is also famous for the Kevadia Zoological Park.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 20947/48 Ahmedabad – Kevadiya Express
- Train Number 20949/Ahmedabad – Ekta Nagar (Kevadiya) Jan Shatabdi Express
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Nestled in Vizag, Araku Valley sits about 2,990 feet above sea level. The Eastern Ghats watch over its numerous tunnels, waterfalls, orchards, valleys, and gardens. The Anantagiri and Sunkrimetta reserve forests and expansive coffee plantations add to the Valley’s lush green cover. From adventurous trekking opportunities to leisurely spots for a stroll – Araku offers tourists a whole range of experiences. The rail route from Vizag to Araku via Kirandul is utterly blissful, to say the least.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 18551/52 Visakhapatnam – Kirandul Express
- Train Number 08551/Visakhapatnam – Kirandul Special
Dooars, West Bengal
Translating to ‘door’, Dooars is a gateway to the neighbouring country of Bhutan. It is bound by River Teesta on the east and River Sankoshi on the west. The pleasant weather serves as an invitation for migratory birds as well as elephants, bison, leopards, barking deer, and rhinos. Take a stroll in the tea gardens of the region and explore history at the Buxa Fort. Dooars is a few hours away from New Jalpaiguri and can be reached by the Vistadome train mentioned below.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 15777/78 Alipurduar – New Jalpaiguri Express
Pune, Maharashtra
Board the Deccan Queen Express and get ready for the experience of a lifetime. One of the most stunning rail routes in India, the Mumbai-Pune Vistadome experience will take you through verdant hills, gentle rivers and deep valleys of the scenic Western Ghats. Pune is known for its treks and hill forts. Besides heritage monuments, gardens, and lakes, it also presents a thriving culinary scene and a buzzing nightlife.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 11007/08 Mumbai – Pune Express
- Train Number 12123/24 Deccan Queen Express
- Train Number 12125/26 Pragati Express
Mangalore, Karnataka
The coastal town of Mangalore or Mengaluru, famous for its scrumptious cuisine, is home to some of India’s cleanest and most tranquil beaches. The train journey from Bengaluru to Mengaluru is extremely picturesque and takes you through the mesmerising Western Ghats. The train begins from Nettana and ends at Sakleshpur. A prime attraction on this route is the Siribagilu station, perched on top of the Brahmagiri range.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 16539/40 Yesvantpur – Mangaluru Jn. Weekly Express
- Train Number 16575/76 Gomteshwara Expres
- Train Number 16515/16 Yeswantpur-Karwar Express
Haflong, Assam
The Vistadome service from Guwahati to Haflong is among the first few started by the Northeast Frontier Railway. Assam’s only hill town of Haflong offers a pocketful of adventures to the discerning traveller. The lush landscapes, cotton clouds, rolling green valleys, and magnificent hills are just some of the reasons that make Haflong a very popular getaway option.
Trains with Vistadome coaches:
- Train Number 05888 Guwahati – New Haflong Tourist Special Train
- Train Number 15887/88 Guwahati-Badarpur Express
Darjeeling, West Bengal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the toy train operated by Darjeeling Himalayan Railways also features Vistadome coaches, allowing travellers to enjoy panoramic views of the misty hills and verdant greenery of the tea gardens. First completed by the British in 1881, the toy train is an iconic part of Darjeeling, with people visiting the city especially for this scenic ride.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 52539/New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling AC Passenger
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Jharkhand also offers the Vistadome experience on the New Giridih Station to Ranchi Junction intercity train. This route features stunning landscapes you can embrace with the 360-degree views of the train coach. Enjoy glimpses of Jharkhand’s lush green fields, dense forests, rivers and undulating mountains.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 18618/New Giridih – Ranchi Intercity Express
Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir
The Kashmir valley has also welcomed a Vistadome coach on the Badgam-Banihal route for travellers to experience the breathtaking beauty of this “Paradise on Earth”. Through spring, summer, autumn and winter, the train provides travellers breathtaking views of the falling brown chinar leaves and snow falling on top of the train through its glass roof. This scenic train route runs through Srinagar as well.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 04688/Badgam – Banihal Vistadome Special
Siliguri, West Bengal
Enjoy panoramic views of lush tea gardens as you enjoy a train ride to Siliguri on a Vistadome coach. The city is located on the foothills of the Himalayas, and the train journey offers scenic views of the mountains, meandering through gorgeous dense forests and changing landscapes.
Trains with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 12042/New Jalpaiguri – Howrah Shatabdi Expres
Radhikapur, West Bengal
The Vistadome experience has been added to the train route heading to the Bangladesh-India border. The border town of Radhikapur serves as one of the gateways to Bangladesh, with the rail route connecting the Biral Railway Station. The Vistadome train, however, only extends to Radhikapur, offering gorgeous views throughout the ride.
Train with Vistadome coach:
- Train Number 13054/Kulik Express
(Feature image credit: Shutterstock)
Related: Vande Bharat Trains Launched In 2023: Routes, Timings And Other Details
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: The booking of Vistadome ticket can be done online via IRCTC. There is no separate category. You just have to select Executive Chair Car (ECC) while booking the ticket.
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