The Vistadome Coach

Charging points at every seat

Everything you want to know about Coach

Capture the most scenic views not just with your cameras but also in memories too!

Did you know there are as many as 45 trains in India having vistadome Coaches? These coaches are strategically added based on the natural scenic beauty on the routes which otherwise are not visible.

I was longing for the most iconic train journeys of the time. The newest baby in the Indian railways is the desirable visatadome coaches in various regions. Being in South India, the Western Ghats is the most beautiful section for its natural landscapes and terrain. It looks even more beautiful during the monsoons.

I had a chance to travel in Mangalore – Yeswantpur train in a vistadome coach. I travelled from Mangalore to Sakleshpur, as most of the ghat section and mountains like Kumara Parvatha can be admired on this route.

Even though most people have travelled in the Vistadome coach, some still have to experience it. They still have some doubts and questions, answers to which they are looking for.

Views Enroute

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book my Vistadome coach?

Besides providing glorious sights, the Vistadome coach offers luxury and comfort at its best. Vistadome coach seats can be booked on the Indian Railway portal, www.irctc.co.in.  The fare is similar to that of the executive class of Shatabdi of the Indian Railways. There is no separate category as Vistadome, you have to book the ticket in ECC (Executive Chair Car) category in the mentioned trains.

What are the train number and fares?

The trains from Yeswantpur, Bangalore to Mangalore, Karwar and Shimoga have Vistadome coaches. The trains with the ECC category only have Vistadome coaches. The train numbers Karwar Express number 16515 from Yeswantpur to Mangalore and Majn Ypr Exp number 16576 is from Mangalore to Yeshwantpur. The current one-way full fare is Rs 1525 ( as of 22.03.2022). The senior citizen /students concession does not apply to this fare.

How many seats does a coach have?

A coach has 44 seats with 180 degrees rotation giving that comfort and luxury to enjoy the sceneries. Each reclining seat has a back pocket, a foldable food tray /table, an armrest, and a cup holder. The electric charging points are available with every seat for charging mobile phones, laptops and cameras. For the benefit of visually impaired passengers, the seat numbers are also written in Braille.

 Does it include any sightseeing like other tourist trains?

No. the trains with Vistadome coaches are the regular trains with these special coaches. These are not tourist trains by IRCTC and do not have any tour packages.

Can we choose the stations for boarding and de-boarding?

Yes. You can choose your station for boarding and de-boarding. You don’t have to necessarily complete the journey.

Is food/ snacks included in the train fare?

No. The food is not included in ticket fare unlike Rajdhani or Shatabdi trains. However, there is a well-stocked pantry with some fresh snacks and food like Vada, samosa, biryani, pulao, upma etc and packed food like water bottles, biscuits, chips, cold drinks etc. at an additional cost. You can also carry your food.

Is it safe / convenient for senior citizens?

Yes very much. There were many senior citizens in our coach who were travelling in Vistadome for an experience only.

Where do I store my Luggage?

 There is no overhead space to keep your luggage or your handbag. The luggage storage is available at the end of the coach and is close by.

 How are the washrooms?

Like other premium trains in India, the washrooms are well maintained in this train too.

The highlight of the Bangalore-Mangalore route is the 45 km stretch from Sakleshpur to the Subrahmanya Ghats section. The observatory deck at the end of the Vistadome coach allows you to enjoy and capture the spectacular views of the ghat section.

Well Stocked Pantry

Luggage Counter

Observatory