Train journeys are often about more than just reaching your destination, especially when the route takes you through lush green forests, misty mountains and scenic valleys. Now, passengers travelling between Tamil Nadu and Kerala can enjoy these views from a whole new perspective. Southern Railway has introduced its first-ever Vistadome coach in the Madurai Division on the Madurai-Guruvayur-Madurai Express, giving travellers a chance to soak in the beauty of the Western Ghats through panoramic glass windows and a glass roof.
SR Introduces Vistadome Coach On Madurai-Guruvayur Express
According to The Indian Express, Southern Railway has added an Executive AC Chair Car Vistadome coach to train numbers 16327 and 16328, which operate between Madurai in Tamil Nadu and Guruvayur in Kerala. Railway officials said the move aims to improve the passenger experience and let travellers enjoy the scenic landscapes along the route.
Thirteen arches. One glass-roofed window to the Western Ghats.🚆
Madurai – Guruvayur Express with the Vistadome coach crosses the landmark Pathimoonu Kannara (13-arch bridge) for the first time!
The train passed over the bridge near Aryankavu station on the Sengottai – Punalur line, giving passengers a panoramic view of the scenic Western Ghats from the Vistadome coach.
#Madurai #GuruvayurExpress #Vistadome #Sengottai #Punalur #Aryankavu #SouthernRailway #IndianRailways
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) October 23, 2026
The coach will operate on a trial basis until January 2027, with services having begun on October 22. It has a seating capacity of 42 passengers and features wide glass windows, a panoramic glass roof, rotatable seats, reclining pushback chairs and modern toilet facilities.
The electrically operated glass roof can also be switched between transparent and translucent modes, allowing passengers to adjust their viewing experience.
Also Read:8 Stunning Hill Stations In India You Can Travel To In Vistadome Coaches And Enjoy 360 Degree Views
Dates, Operating Days & More
The Vistadome coach on Madurai-Guruvayur Express will operate on select days of the week in both directions. Here’s the schedule announced by Southern Railway:
- Madurai to Guruvayur: The coach is attached to train number 16327 from October 22, 2026, to January 15, 2027. It operates on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Guruvayur to Madurai: The coach is attached to train number 16328 from October 23, 2026, to January 16, 2027. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Reservations for the Vistadome coach are open through authorised Indian Railways booking channels.
The basic fare for the Executive Vistadome AC coach starts at ₹515, while the reported fare for the complete Madurai-Guruvayur journey is ₹1,875 per passenger. The fare varies depending on the destination, with the journey to Punalur reportedly costing ₹1,010 and the journey to Ernakulam Town costing ₹1,570.
What Makes The Madurai-Guruvayur Train Route Special?
One of the biggest attractions of this journey is the Sengottai-Punalur ghat section, which passes through the Western Ghats. The route offers views of rolling hills, green valleys, forested slopes and mountain passes, making it particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy scenic rail journeys.
The historic Pathimoonnu Kannara Bridge, popularly known as the 13-Arch Bridge, is another highlight along the route. Passengers will also travel through a series of railway tunnels, including a kilometre-long tunnel between Bhagawathipuram and Aryankavu.
The Aryankavu Pass and the Sengottai Gap are among the notable geographical features of this stretch, which connects the plains of Tamil Nadu with Kerala. The surrounding region is also known for attractions such as Palaruvi Waterfalls, Thenmala’s eco-tourism destinations and the Courtallam waterfalls near Tenkasi.
Also Read: Video: Hong Kong Has A Train That Turns 4-Min Journey Into An Underwater Adventure
So, are you excited to travel on this route?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@KSRadhakrish
FAQs
Which train route on the Southern Railway has the new Vistadome coach?
Southern Railway has introduced its first Vistadome coach in the Madurai Division on the Madurai-Guruvayur-Madurai Express, operating under train numbers 16327 and 16328.
On which days does the Vistadome coach operate?
The coach operates from Madurai to Guruvayur on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On the return journey from Guruvayur to Madurai, it operates on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Which scenic attractions can passengers see on the Madurai-Guruvayur train route?
Passengers can enjoy views of the Western Ghats, particularly along the Sengottai-Punalur ghat section. Highlights include the Aryankavu Pass, forested hills, green valleys, railway tunnels and the historic Pathimoonu Kannara Bridge, also known as the 13-Arch Bridge.
