Experience the Western Ghats Up Close: New Vistadome Coach Takes Train Travel in Kerala to Another Level

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The Western Ghats, a beautiful mountain range running parallel to the western coast of India, feature evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, high-altitude shola grasslands, and scrub jungles. A journey through the beautiful mountain ranges of the Western Ghats offers an intriguing and mystical experience for every traveller.

Now, with the newly added Vistadome coach on the Madurai–Guruvayur Express (16327/16328), passengers can savour the beauty of the Western Ghats, which are also a hotspot of biological diversity.

The Vistadome coach service will operate on a trial basis from October 22, 2023, to January 15, 2027. The inaugural service departed from Madurai at 11:35 AM on October 22. One such coach has been allotted to the Madurai–Guruvayur Express. The journey—traversing steep mountain ranges, lush green hillsides, tunnels, and riverbanks—promises a truly unique experience for travellers.

Natural Beauty Through Glass Windows

Large glass windows are the primary attraction of the Vistadome coach. Passengers can relax in the 44 executive reclining seats and enjoy the passing scenery. Wi-Fi facilities are also available. Some Vistadome coaches feature glass roofs specifically designed to offer a clearer view of the surrounding landscapes.

For those interested in photography or vlogging, this journey presents a golden opportunity to capture the beauty of nature. It allows travellers to photograph the splendour of the Western Ghats while enjoying the views along the way.

Also on the Mumbai–Goa and Bengaluru–Mangaluru Routes

Vistadome coaches have already gained popularity on various tourist routes across India, including the Mumbai–Goa and Bengaluru–Mangaluru routes. They are designed to enhance the viewing experience for passengers travelling through picturesque landscapes.

In Kerala, the Kollam–Punalur–Sengottai route is renowned for its natural beauty. A journey in a Vistadome coach along this stretch—characterised by mountain ranges, tunnels, and riverbanks—is expected to provide a significant boost to railway tourism.

Ticket Fare: ₹1,875

The fare for a journey in a Vistadome coach from Madurai to Guruvayur is ₹1,875. Southern Railway has allocated this coach on a trial basis. If the service receives a positive response from passengers, its permanent continuation may be considered.

The new coach is expected to help showcase the scenic beauty of the Kollam–Punalur–Sengottai route to more travellers and transform the train journey into an engaging leisure experience.