A train journey between Bangalore and Mangalore just became a lot more scenic. The South West Railways recently introduced 2 Vistadome coaches that will allow travelers to appreciate the beauty of the Western Ghats as they whizz past.
What Makes The Vistadome Coach Special?
The Vistadome coaches are characterized by wider windows, wide rear windows and seats that recline and rotate a full 180 degrees. The wider windows offer a 360-degree view of the passing hills and valleys. Rather than needing to turn your head to look out of the window, travelers can turn the chair to face the window.
Each coach has a seating capacity of 44 seats. To ensure uninterrupted views, travelers must leave all their baggage on luggage racks at the end of the coaches.
The introduction of Vistadome coaches on this route follows their successful running on routes between Mumbai – Pune, Visakhapatnam – Araku Valley, Mumbai – Goa and Kalka – Shimla.
The maiden service of the Vistadome coaches was flagged off from Mangalore on July 11th, 2021. The two coaches were attached to the Mangaluru Junction-Yeshwantpur weekly special express (06540). Booking for the Vistadome coach opened on July 7th and was well received. Over 75 seats were booked for the inaugural journey.
Booking A Seat In The Vistadome Coach
The coaches will be attached to trains running between the Mangaluru junction and Yeshwantpur. It is currently planned for them to run on 1 weekly train and 2 tri-weekly trains. The three trains are:
- The Yesvantpur-Mangaluru Jn-Yesvantpur Express Special (06575/06576)
- The Mangaluru Junction (Jn)- Yesvantpur Express Train (06540/06539)
- The Yesvantpur-Karwar tri-weekly special (06211/06212)
Seats on the Vistadome coach are priced at Rs 1,500. This is comparable to the price of a seat in the executive class of the Shatabdi express.
The monsoons that will see the Western Ghats turn a lush green are the ideal season to take a trip on this unique coach.
