Indian Railways seems to be trying really hard to attract tourists back to trains, since most opt/prefer flights due to various reasons - the main probably being hygiene, cleanliness and comfort. One such attempt is by introducing the luxurious vistadome coach on certain routes.
I have been fond of train travel since a kid, lot of nostalgic memories of visiting Nani's place every summer and the train journeys to and fro. Ofcourse, now as a grown up with a kid, I cannot sleep or be at peace in a train and hence end up avoiding trains for long routes - plus with a full time job, don't even have the time.
My journey in the vistadome happened completely incidentally. For our journey back from Goa from a week's workation, I had booked the executive coach in Goa to Mumbai Janshatabdi Express. I only got to know later that the executive coach or EV on this train is a vistadome coach! I was thrilled and so was the kiddo, because we are always on the lookout for new experiences.
There also is a separate pantry, dedicated attendant and cleaner for the coach. Food options are available for evening snacks (Maggi, Sandwiches, Omlette, Patties, etc) along with tea and coffee, and then for dinner (friend rice, biryani, thali etc). Though, these are all NOT included in the already expensive fare.
The seats are plush and comfortable, with its own charging socket and folding table. The seats are 360 degree rotating - and this is a BIG thing. Earlier in the Tejas Express chair car that I travelled in, the seats were facing with us going backwards direction - and this put my kiddo who was much younger than in a lot of unease.
The viewing dock in the front is pretty useless when travelling from Goa to Mumbai because the geniuses decided to have the engine situated in front of it. Do book this coach when going to Goa, then you will get to enjoy the view totally. Plus also the fact that once the sun sets it is dark outside and the windows and view is of no use, so in the Goa to Mumbai journey you only get to enjoy the view for 3-4 hours.
Lastly, the fare is equal to a early booked flight ticket - but I still feel the train is good if you are planning to stay in North Goa. Definitely to be experienced once.
To sum it up:
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