After a six-month pause, one of South India’s most scenic train journeys is back on track. The Vistadome coach on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru route has resumed service, giving passengers a chance to experience the Western Ghats the way they were meant to be seen – slowly, comfortably, and through wide glass windows.
The service was suspended earlier due to electrification work along the ghat section. With the work now completed, the return of the Vistadome has been welcomed by travellers who consider this journey less a commute and more a moving viewpoint through Karnataka’s green spine.
More Than a Train, It’s the Journey
For passengers boarding the train in Bengaluru, the experience begins long before the Ghats appear. As the train moves westward,
the cityscape gradually gives way to open land, small towns and forested stretches. Then comes the moment travellers wait for — the climb into the Western Ghats.
The Vistadome coach is designed for this exact stretch. Large glass windows, a transparent roof section and rotating seats allow passengers to follow every curve of the landscape. Unlike regular coaches where scenery flashes by unnoticed, here the outside world becomes the main attraction.
As the train approaches Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya Road, the scenery turns dramatic. Dense forests press close to the tracks, hills rise and fall in layers, and deep valleys open up suddenly after every bend.
During early mornings, mist hangs low over the slopes. In daylight, the Ghats glow in deep shades of green. In the monsoon months, waterfalls appear almost without warning, tumbling down rocky cliffs beside the tracks.
Why Passengers Love This Route
For many Bengaluru travellers, this train has become a preferred way to reach the coast. Road travel can be tiring and unpredictable, while flights skip the experience entirely. The Vistadome offers a rare middle ground — a relaxed journey that turns travel time into something enjoyable.
Passengers often describe the ghat section as the highlight. Phones are put away, conversations pause, and eyes stay glued to the windows. Families point out distant hills to children, couples quietly take photos, and solo travellers simply watch the scenery roll by.
The train also attracts photographers and nature lovers who see the Western Ghats from an angle few roads can offer. The slow pace through tunnels, curves and forested stretches makes it feel almost cinematic.
Comfort With a View
The Vistadome coach offers features that enhance the experience without feeling excessive. The seating layout allows passengers to turn towards the windows, making sure no view is missed. The glass roof adds to the feeling of openness, especially in forested sections where trees arch overhead.
Though the fare is slightly higher than standard seating, passengers often say the experience justifies the cost. For many, it feels like a short scenic holiday built into a regular train journey.
A Welcome Escape for Bengaluru
For a city like Bengaluru, where daily life is dominated by traffic and screens, the return of this train feels timely. The journey offers an easy escape without planning a full vacation. A weekend trip to Mangaluru becomes as much about the travel as the destination.
With growing interest in slow travel and nature-centric experiences, the Vistadome fits perfectly into what urban travellers are seeking — comfort, calm, and connection with the landscape.
Ticket and Timings:
The Vistadome coach on the Gomteshwara Express from Bengaluru to Mangaluru typically departs from Yesvantpur Junction at around 7:00 AM and reaches Mangaluru Junction by mid to late afternoon, around 4:35 PM, after a scenic journey of roughly 9 hours and 40 minutes through the Western Ghats.
The service runs on select days of the week, allowing passengers to experience the ghat section entirely in daylight. Tickets for the Vistadome coach are generally priced between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 per person, depending on demand and season, reflecting the premium experience of panoramic glass windows and a glass roof. Due to limited seating, passengers are advised to book tickets well in advance through the Indian Railways reservation system.
Back on Track
With the service resumed, demand is expected to remain high, especially during weekends and holiday periods. Passengers are advised to plan and book early, as seats in the Vistadome coach are limited.
As the train once again glides through tunnels, hills and forests, it reminds travellers that sometimes, the most memorable part of a journey is not where you arrive — but everything you see along the way.
