Vistadome Railway Coaches, India

 On par with the Executive Coaches in the various Indian Railway Trains, or better to call it an upgrade of the EC, Vistadome Coaches are the latest state - of - the - art additions in a few of the most scenic and popular zones of the Railways. 

The Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that "The routes for running trains using the Vistadome coaches in the composition of trains are selected on the basis of the natural scenic beauty of the areas through which the trains pass,"  in a reply in Rajya Sabha.

These coaches are the ultimate in luxury that adds to the thrilling experience of traveling by long distance trains across the length and breadth of the country. The routes chosen for the time being include places that have extremely natural beautiful landscape, be it the Konkan, the Dooars, the Himalayan ranges, coastal palm lined plains and the stunning locales of North East India. 

Date of Commencement - 11th February 2022

Number of Trains with Vistadome Coaches - 45

Proposed Total Number of Trains - 90

Manufactured By - Integral Coach Factory in Chennai on the LHB (Linke-Hofmann Busch platform/technology). 

Features of the See - Through Vistadome Coach

1. Transparent plexiglass glass roofs

2. Seating capacity of 36

3. Rotating Seats with a cup holder, back pocket, armrests, push button to recline, individual charging sockets for mobile phones and laptops 

4. Pusback Chairs. 

5. AC 

6. Cushioned wooden interiors

7. Modified windows

8. Designer LED lights 

9. An observation lounge offering a panoramic 360° view

10. 44 seats in each coach

    
    
    

Base Fare of Executive Vistadome Coaches 

1. 1 to 50 kms - ₹ 425

2. 991 to 1000 kms - ₹ 2677

List of Some of the Trains with Vistadome Coaches 

1. Western Railway Zone

• Ahmedabad - Kevadiya Express; Train

Number 20947/48 • 

• Ahmedabad - Kevadiya Express; Train

Number 20949/50

• Mhow - Patalpani - Kalakund (MG); Train Number 52965/66

• Bilimora - Waghai (NG); Train Number -09501/02, 09071/72

• Mumbai Central - Gandhinagar Capital Shatabdi Express; Train Number - 12009/10

2. Central Railway Zone

• Mumbai - Pune Deccan Express; Train Number: 11007/08, 02123

• Pune - Mumbai Deccan Express, Train Number : 02124

• Mumbai Madgaon / Janshatabdi Express; Train - Number: 12051/52

• Deccan Queen Express; Train Number: 12123/24

3. Northeast Frontier Railway Zone

• Alipurduar - New Jalpaiguri Express; Train

No.: 15777/78

• Guwahati - Badarpur Express; Train No.:

15887/88

• Tinsukia - Naharlagun Express; Train No.: 15907/08

• Train Numbers 52593/95/98/44, 52541, 52540, 52556

• Naharlagun-Guwahati Shatabdi Express; ,Train Number 12087/88 

4. East Coast Railway Zone

Visakhapatnam - Kirandul Express; Train Number: 18551/52

5. Northern Railway Zone

Kalka - Shimla Express; Train Number 52453/54 and 52459/60

6. South Western Railway Zone

• Yesvantpur - Mangalore Express; Train Number 16539/40, 06211/06212, 06575/06576 

• Yesvantpur - Karwar Express; Train Number 16515/16

• Yesvantpur - Mangalore Express; Train Number 16575/76

• Yesvantpur Shivamogga Express; Train Number 16579/80

 

7. North Eastern Railway Zone

Mailani Bichia Special (MG); Train - Number 05319/20

8. South Coastal Zone 

Visakhapatnam - Araku, Train Number 58501-58502 

Places To See Via VistaDomes

1. Madgaon, Goa

2. Araku Valley

3. Mangaluru, Karnataka

4. Tinsukia, Assam

5. Pune, Maharashtra

6. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

7. Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh.  

8. Alipurdaur, West Bengal

As it is, a long distance train journey via the Indian Railways is always a thrilling, memorable and enjoyable time for most people. On top of that, these upgraded Vistadome Coaches provide the traveller with a unique opportunity to experience the train journey to exotic locations of the country in a totally unique style. The coaches enhance and elevate it to an another level altogether. 

Images - www.indiatimes.com

Link shared here 

Information Source - www.irctchelp.in

The Golden Chariot - Splendour of South

Splendor of South is a special Luxury Train that runs for 7 nights and 8 days. The train covers Banglore, Chennai, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Trichirapalli and Tanjore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Backwaters and Kochi/ Allepey and ends at Banglore.

The journey of this coach takes through the historical temple cities of Tamilnadu and Luxurious Beaches of Kerala. The tour covers the two states of South India Tamilnadu and Kerala starting from Banglore and ending at Banglore. The coaches of this tour resemble the coaches of The Golden Chariot Train.One can enjoy the colourful splendour of the southern region of India

The tariff (it is subjet to change every year) for October 2013 - March 2014 (For Indian Nationals) Single - 26400 per person/night 184800 for 7 nights per person Double - 19800 per person/night 138600 for 7 nights per person Triple - 16500 per person/night 115500 for 7 nights per person The tariff for International travellers Single - 831 USD per person/night 5817 for 7 nights per person Double - 627 USD per person/night 4389 for 7 nights per person Triple - 545 USD per person/night 3815 for 7 nights per person. For children upto 5 years 10% of the tariff For kids between 5 and 12 half fare Tour Cost Includes: Drive with the hotel train "The Golden Chariot – Splendor of The South“ in a deluxe cabin with attached bathroom All meals, including tea, coffee and mineral water Gala Dinner in Poovar Kathakali dance show in Kochi Transport for sightseeing’s with an air-conditioned deluxe bus Entrance fees to monuments and museums Accompanying German and English speaking guides Local Taxes and fees Travel documents Tour Cost Does Not Include: Alcoholic beverages Personal expenditures like tips, Spa Wagon, Business - centre, etc. Visa for India Flights

Toy Train from Neral to Matheran

Toy Train from Neral to Matheran is a toy train laid by Abdul Hussain, son of Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy of Mumbai. The narrow guage railway line to Matheran was constructed between 1904 and 1907.

Train timings of the toy train:

Neral -> Matheran:
depart 0730, arrive 0930
depart 0850, arrive 1110
depart 1015, arrive 1210
depart 1215, arrive 1405
depart 1705, arrive 1900

Matheran -> Neral:
depart 0700, arrive 0840
depart 0945, arrive 1125
depart 1340, arrive 1520
depart 1445, arrive 1625
depart 1625, arrive 1810

The train commences its journey from Neral and the travel timing is about 90 minutes. The train starts its ascent after crossing Hardar Hills and reach the Jamnapatti station where the rail and road run parallel to each other. Then the train runs through a tunnel and zig zags forward and backward. Before the train reaches the tunnel it crosses the Bhera Kund and the Horseshoe embarkment near Mount Barry. After the tunnel, the train crosses the Panorama Point and the Simpson Tank and reaches the Matheran Bazaar. The railway line is 12 1/2 miles long and the speed is limited to 12 miles per hour only.

Journey from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling by Toy Train

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway - is one of the four Toy Trains of India. It is a 2 ft narrow gauge railway that runs between Siliguri and Darjelling run by the Indian Railways. The 86 kms ride starts from the plains and move towards the hills. The journey starts with a warmer climate and moves to a chill and cold climate. So while travelling in the Darjeeling toy train one need to keep warm clothes handy.

Nearing Darjeeling town

The route stretch from Tindhara to Gayabari station is a scenic beauty of jagged rock faced mountains of Giddapahar through which the train passes through and reaches the Gayabari station at 3400 ft. The train stops at Pagla Jhora where it stops for water. Then the train reaches Mahanadi Bazar station which is at 4000ft and which is also close to the source of the Mahanadi river. From here the train reaches Kurseong station at 4864 ft travelling west. Kurseong a little hill station where one can see the culture and tradition of a hill town and hill people. From Kurseong the train crosses through the Kurseong bazar which gives a glimpse of the Tibetian prayer flags while crossing over Hussel and Khola. The train passes through the forests of maple, chestnut, pear, cherry and cardamom plants. The train then reaches Tung at 5656 ft.

Train going through cross roads

From Tung the train reaches Sonada at 6552 ft and passes through the Sonada bazar giving a glimpse of Tibetan Stupa. Before reaching Ghoom, the train passes through the Senchel Reserve forest. One can get to see bright blooms of rododendrons, cream magnolias and orchids during the spring. The Senchel Reserve forest region is a world wide bird watching centre and the top of the hill is the famous tourist spot Tiger hill which gives a different and unique view of Himalayas and one can watch sunrise from this point. The train then crosses the town of Jore bunglow where the roads are narrow and this is the place where the traffic in and out of Darjeeling crosses. The train stops here for a while till the traffic clears if one happens. After crossing this town the train reaches Ghoom at 7407 ft.

Inside DHR toy Train

From Ghoom the train moves towards Darjeeling pasing through Batasia Loop from where one can see a splendid view of the Darjeeling town and the Kanchenjunga peak. The train then reaches the Darjeeling Station. The total travel time all along the route is about 9 hours (which could extend an hour more too).

All along the route from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, there are lots of road crossings and almost all through the journey the train runs quite parallel to road and one can see cars and other vehicles running very close. The famous song of Meri Sapnon ki Rani from the movie Aradana is shot in this train and all along the route.

Darjeeling Railway Station

Kangra Toy Train of India - Unesco Heritage

Kangra Toy Train links Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. The entire journey in this train is mostly through maze of hills and valleys and also through 2 tunnels. The 163km long route was opened to traffic in the year 1926. The entire journey takes about 9 hours.

The Kangra Toy Train starts from Pathankot a northeastern Punjab town which is at a height of 333 mts. The train passes through grider bridges that are constructed over beautiful rivers. After an hour the train reaches Nurpur Road at the height of 402 mts. From here the journey starts towards southeast where the train stops at Bharmar, Nadpur Bitali, Guler, Lunsu and Jwalamukhi road which is at 579 mts. Most of the stations are small ones and have simple buildings. These stations connect nearest tourist destinations.

From Jwalamukhi Road station, the train starts towards Kangra Station in the northern direction. The train crosses the Bathu bridge and crosses the Dhaundni tunnel (250 ft long) and Daulatpur tunnel (1070 ft long). The train reaches Kangra Station at about 686 mts. From here the train travels towards east and south and reaches the stations of Nagrota, Palampur before reaching Palampur, which is a tourist paradise during summer.

From Palampur the train starts its ascend and travels close to the Dhauladhar range and reaches Baijnath Paprola station which is at 943 mts. From here only 4 coaches start its journey further and so the train stops at this station for about 45 minutes. The train reaches Ahju station crossing the Bhir gorge at 1210 mts the highest point in the entire travel stretch. The train moves towards Joginder nagar the last stop which is at 1139 mts.

The entire journey is through meter guage. The passengers can view the snow capped Dhauladar hills. The valleys and rivers comes in the right side when travelling from Pathankot. One can get a picturesque view of the rivers and valleys if they get a seat in the right side of the compartment.

Shivalik Palace - The Luxury Coach

Shivalik Palace, a special tourist coach, which is a 6 seater one, which can be classified into a deluxe hotel room. This can be attached with any train that runs between Kalka and Shimla so that a good view of the valleys, mountains and lot more.
The journey in this coach is absolutely elite class one. It have a kitchen with kitchen ware which can be used by the tourists themselves. It have two rooms and is suitable for a family of 6. The entire coach is nicely decorated with lights, music system, a load of indoor games, books and magazines to get entertained if at all the view outside is boring, though which is not to happen at any time.

The rooms have folding cushion beds. The kitchen have a dining table and refrigerator. The bathrooms are fitted with modern amenities.

The total fare is Rs. 8,225.00 (both ways), and for the up direction - Rs. 4,790.00 and for down direction Rs. 3,495.00. A complimentary retiring room for two at Shimla  comes with the fare.

Shivalik Queen - Tourist Coach for Honey mooners

A luxury tourist coach launched in the year 1998, especially for the honey moon couples. There are two sections in each coach which is designed elegantly from wall to wall and the windows are curtained beautifully. There is a bell to communicate with the driver and microphone to communicate with the guard. Magazines and newspapers are provided for free. The fare for a couple is approximately around Rs. 750 per couple in which meals are also included. This coach can be attached along with any mail or express from Kalka-Shimla.

Palace on Wheels - Experience the life of Maharajas

Palace on Wheels was first started in the year 1982 as a means to promote Rajasthan Tourism. The entire train had coaches that were used in the British period and this train was regarded as a special Heritage Tourist Train. The main aim of the Palace on Wheels train was to provide an unique experience for the tourists of Rajasthan. 


The first train of the Palace on Wheels which run using steam engine started running from October 1982. 
 
 

In the year 2009, Indian Railways started running the new luxury train Palace on Wheels or Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train which covers a circuit of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Chittorgarh Hill Fort, Udaipur, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and Tajmahal of Agra. 

The entire tour circuit trip is for seven nights and eight days though there is an option to book for minimum of 4 nights journey from Jaipur to Udaipur.

Palace on Wheels is a splendid and enchating royal journey in train. The train itself gives the feel of the era of the Maharajas. The Palace on Wheels have luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and all these comes with personalized services. 


The train Palace on Wheels have 14 carriages and all the carriages are well designed and decorated with the Rajput style. 


The coaches named after the princely states of Rajputs are decorated with Rajasthani style. 


All the saloons in the coaches have channel music, intercom facilities, attached toilets with 24 hours supply of cold and water shower. 

The names of the 14 coaches are:
1. Alwar
2. Bharatpur
3. Bikaner
4. Bundi
5. Dholpur
6. Dungargarh
7. Jaisalmer
8. Jaipur
9. Jhalwar
10. Jodhpur
11. Kishangarh
12. Kota

13. Sirohi
14. Udaipur


Each saloon have a mini pantry and a lounge. One can get hot and cold beverages and refreshments and a place to relax. 


The bar in the Palace on Wheels is well stocked with Indian and International brands.

Facilities in Palace of Wheels: 
There are individual and Common Facilities available in the Palace on Wheels


Individual Facilities
All the 14 coaches are airconditioned deluxe salons, and have 4 twin bedded chambers. 


The luggage is placed in the respective salons and the passengers can board just as it is enjoying the royal welcome.


Every guest is provided with a welcome kit on arrival which have stationery items, brochures, cards and anything more needed can be asked for from the Khidmatgar. A complimentary beer or wine is also provided to the guests. 

A personal attendant - Khidmatgar is always at the service of the passengers and they take care of every need of the passengers.

Safety measures and other arrangements are made to safely secure the personal belongings in the train.

The guests are provided with toiletries. Soaps, shampoos and moisturizers are provided in the train. 

Special assistance is provided to needy in the form of wheel chairs, creches and special personal assistant. 

The two restaurants in the Palace on Wheels are named as Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurnat.  guests can choose from the Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines on board Palace on Wheels. Mineral water is served to all the guests on board


Every morning the guests are given newspapers and dailies along with a hot cup of tea or coffee or any beverages of choice. A large collection of magazines are also available to choose from.



Common Facilities
Guests can play Indoor games like Chess, Playing cards, Chinese Checkers, Carom Board and Crossword Puzzles.

The lounge in every coach provides a great place for relaxing and interacting with other guests.

To post mail, a mail box is provided on board.


Medical aid is provided in the train. First aid is available immediatly and in case of need a doctor can be arranged in the nearest station.


Guests can choose from a vareity of handicrafts from Rajasthan from the Emporium inside the Palace on Wheels which is owned by the state. 


The entire train is a no smoking train.

Charter Train from Pathankot to Palampur

One can avail of a one way charter train journey for family and friends. The journey can be availed from any station to any station between the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar toy train. The total cost of the exclusive train is Rs. 22206/= (source IRCTC website). The charter train feature is as follows:

There are 4 First Class coaches with a seating capacity of 18 each and also a SLR Guard Van. The train departs from Patankot at 8.30 am and reaches Palampur at 1.15 pm with just 3 stops in between. On the return journey the train departs from Palampur at 1.30pm and reaches Pathankot at 7.00pm.

For bookings and enquiries one can contact:
Deputy GM(Tourism)-IRCTC-New Delhi
Ph no. (011) 23235264
Fax no. (011) 23210321

email: tourismz@irctc.com