Kerala-bound train’s scenic Vistadome coach draws rush; 100% bookings for 2 months | WATCH

Train travel across the verdant southern border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala took on a brand new look on Thursday as Southern Railway rolled out its first glass-roofed Vistadome coach on the Madurai–Guruvayur Express. Designed for leisure and sightseeing, the specially engineered coach allows passengers to take in 360-degree panoramic views of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and historic engineering landmarks. Railway social media channels and media outlets were abuzz with video clips and photographs showing delighted travellers marvelling at the mountain landscape.  

Commuters thrilled by palace-like comfort and views

For ordinary commuters and tourists boarding the inaugural run, the journey felt far removed from a standard train ride. Inside the air-conditioned coach, passengers sat in cushioned pushback chairs that rotate a full 360 degrees to face wide glass windows. Above their heads, an electronic glass ceiling can switch between clear and shaded glass at the flick of a button. Modern toilet amenities round off the coach.

The public response was immediate. Officials confirmed that the coach is already 100 per cent booked for the next two months.

"It feels like travelling in the 'Palace on Wheels'," said passenger Muthukrishnan. He noted that although "the fare is slightly higher, but the experience is absolutely worth it".

Travel enthusiasts also welcomed the arrival of the scenic coach in South India. "We usually travel to North India for Vistadome rides. Having this in our hometown, right through the Ghat section, is a proud and exciting moment," travel vlogger Balaji told PTI Videos.

Western Ghats valley brings mountain rail charm

The coach was formally flagged off by Madurai Lok Sabha MP Su Venkatesan, who has campaigned for this service for over three years as a member of the railway advisory committee.

"The Sengottai-Punalur section is a magnificent valley in the Western Ghats. Experiencing this natural wonder through a 360-degree viewing gallery is a phenomenal experience, on par with the Mumbai-Goa Konkan route or the Vizag-Araku valley," Venkatesan told reporters.

The route connects two revered temple towns: the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai and the Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. Along the way, it halts at major towns including Virudhunagar, Sivakasi, Rajapalayam, Tenkasi, Kollam, and Ernakulam.

The visual centrepiece of the trip is a 50-kilometre stretch across the Sengottai–Punalur Ghat section. Here, the train chugs across the British-era 13-arch Kannara bridge, winds through dark mountain tunnels, and looks out onto the Palaruvi, Kazhuthurutti, and Courtallam waterfalls, as well as the Thenmala Eco-Tourism Centre.

Timings, ticket fares, and trial period details

The 42-seater Executive Chair Car runs on a three-month trial basis ending on 15 January. If passenger patronage remains steady, railway authorities may make the coach a permanent fixture.

The service operates four days each week. From Madurai Junction, the coach runs on Train No. 16327 from Thursdays to Sundays, operating between 22 October and 15 January 2027. On the return leg, Train No. 16328 departs Guruvayur from Fridays to Mondays, operating between 23 October 2026 and 16 January 2027.

Fares are graded by destination. A seat from Madurai Junction to Punalur costs Rs 1,010. Travelling further to Kollam costs Rs 1,140, while a ticket to Ernakulam Town is priced at Rs 1,570. Passengers travelling the full distance from Madurai to Guruvayur pay Rs 1,875.