A new way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats is here. Southern Railway has introduced a scenic Vistadome coach on the Madurai-Guruvayur Express, promising travellers an unforgettable journey through lush landscapes.
A Window to the Ghats
The highlight
of this new service is the Vistadome coach itself, designed to turn the journey into a sightseeing experience. This Executive AC Chair Car features wide, panoramic glass windows and a transparent glass roof, offering passengers unobstructed views of the passing scenery. The coach is equipped with 42 executive seats that can rotate and recline, allowing travellers to always face the best vistas. With modern amenities and an observation-lounge feel, the coach is aimed at tourists and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in the journey. The electrically operated roof can even adjust its transparency, giving passengers a customized viewing experience.
The Scenic Route: Madurai to Guruvayur
The coach is attached to the Madurai-Guruvayur Express (Train No. 16327/16328), connecting two of South India's most significant pilgrimage centres: the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. The most anticipated part of the route is the Sengottai-Punalur ghat section, which winds through the magnificent Western Ghats. This stretch is renowned for its natural beauty, passing through dense forests, deep valleys, numerous tunnels, and across picturesque bridges. Key attractions visible from the train include the historic 13-Arch Bridge (Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge), an engineering marvel from the British era, as well as several waterfalls like Palaruvi and Kazhuthurutty.
Trial Schedule and Timings
This scenic service is currently operating on a temporary trial basis. The Vistadome coach is available on Train No. 16327 from Madurai on four days of the week: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This schedule will run from October 22, 2026, until January 15, 2027. For the return journey, the coach will be attached to Train No. 16328 from Guruvayur on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, operating from October 23, 2026, to January 16, 2027. Southern Railway has indicated that the service may become permanent if there is a strong and sustained response from passengers during this trial period.
Fares and How to Book
Tickets for this premium experience are available for booking through the official IRCTC website (irctc.co.in) and at railway station reservation counters. The coach is listed under the class code 'EV' for Executive Vistadome. Fares are tiered based on the distance of travel. The cost for the full journey from Madurai to Guruvayur is approximately ₹1,875. For shorter trips along the scenic route, the fare from Madurai to Punalur is ₹1,010, and to Kollam is ₹1,140. Given the novelty and appeal, the service has seen an overwhelming response, with reports indicating that bookings were full for the first two months shortly after the announcement. Prospective travellers are advised to book well in advance.
