When one thinks of a safari, the image of an exhilarating jeep adventure through dense jungles often comes to mind. However, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is taking safari experiences to a new level with an innovative initiative. The UP government has launched a Vistadome coach service that connects the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bahraich district to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Pilibhit. This makes UP the first state in India to provide a jungle safari via a Vistadome train.
This train route is specifically tailored for tourists, offering panoramic views of the forest through coaches equipped with large windows and transparent roofs. The initiative will offer travellers an exciting wildlife experience while showcasing the region’s natural splendour. Currently, the service operates on weekends, Saturday and Sunday, with plans to extend it to daily service in the future, which will allow more tourists to enjoy the experience throughout the year.
Vistadome Jungle Safari Train Is Operating Only Over The Weekends For Now
Now, when it comes to the ride, traveling through the Vistadome coach, you will get a chance to explore a 107-kilometer stretch within the forest, immersing yourself in the natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and wildlife. The entire journey takes around 4 hours and 25 minutes, and the ticket prices are set to be affordable at INR 275 per passenger for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park.
The train departs from Bichia station at 11:45 am and stops at various stations before reaching Mailani station in Lakhimpur Kheri at 4:10 pm. The return journey leaves Mailani at 6:05 am and arrives back in Bichia by 10:30 am. During the trip, the train makes stops at nine stations, including Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani. The Vistadome coach allows passengers to enjoy breathtaking views of diverse landscapes, including wetlands, grasslands, cultivated fields, and woodlands. This new service is expected to attract visitors even in the rainy season due to its unique offerings.