UP Vistadome Jungle Safari Train: How to book India’s most scenic wildlife rail journey

Through the heart of the wild — India’s Vistadome Train Safari glides across the forests of Uttar Pradesh, offering a rare window into untouched wilderness. (Image: UP Eco Board)

Imagine gliding through dense forests, watching peacocks dance beside the tracks and sunlight flicker through towering sal trees — all from the comfort of your train seat. Welcome to India’s only jungle safari train, the Vistadome Jungle Safari, an eco-tourism experience that lets you travel through the wild heart of Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region without a jeep or bumpy trail in sight.

This extraordinary route connects Bichia (near Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary) to Mailani (gateway to Dudhwa National Park), covering roughly 107 km of untouched wilderness. Here’s your complete guide to this one-of-a-kind safari — what to expect, how to book, and why it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

About the Vistadome Jungle Safari Train

The Vistadome Coach redefines the meaning of scenic travel. Fitted with wide glass windows, see-through roofs, and a transparent viewing section, the train immerses passengers in the sights and sounds of nature. It’s designed for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and travellers who crave a slow, mindful journey through India’s wild frontiers.

Instead of dusty roads, you’ll glide past a cinematic landscape — sal forests, wetlands, meadows, and farmlands — each teeming with life. From flocks of migratory birds and herds of deer to the distant roar of a tiger, this journey feels like travelling through a live nature documentary.

The Route: Bichia to Mailani

The train operates along the Bichia–Mailani metre-gauge line, running through the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The 4.5-hour route passes some of India’s most biodiverse landscapes — the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhwa National Park, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary.

Along the journey, expect shifting scenery:

• Dense Woodlands – Sal and teak trees create a green tunnel as shafts of sunlight break through.
• Wetlands and Grasslands – Spot herons, kingfishers, and swamp deer near shimmering water bodies.
• Open Meadows – Watch herds of deer grazing and peacocks spreading their feathers.
• Rural Hamlets – Glimpses of village life in sync with the rhythm of the forest.

Journey Details

The Vistadome Jungle Safari Train operates on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), making it an ideal short getaway for travellers.

UP Vistadome Jungle Safari Train (Image: UP Eco Board)

How to Book Your Vistadome Safari Train Ticket

Booking is simple and can be done online via the IRCTC website or app:

Step 1: Visit irctc.co.in or open the IRCTC app.

Step 2: Enter Mailani or Bichia as your boarding/destination points.

Step 3: Choose the Vistadome coach for the jungle safari route.

Step 4: Enter passenger details and make a secure payment.

Step 5: Download your e-ticket or keep a printout for travel.

Tickets can also be booked through authorised travel agents or tour operators. Since seats are limited, advance booking is recommended — especially during weekends and holiday seasons.

What to Expect on Board

• Panoramic Views: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a transparent roof make you feel one with the forest.
• Air-Conditioned Comfort: Cool interiors and reclining seats ensure a comfortable journey.
• Viewing Deck: The rear glass section offers uninterrupted forest views — ideal for photographers.
• Nature Sounds: The train moves slowly, allowing you to hear birdsong, rustling leaves, and distant animal calls.
• Limited Connectivity: Mobile networks fade in forest zones — so disconnect, relax, and soak in the silence.

• Best Time to Visit: October to December, when the forest is lush and wildlife sightings are frequent.
• Carry Essentials: Binoculars, camera, power bank, water, and light snacks.
• Coordinate Transport: Arrange your pickup and drop-off in advance since the train passes through remote areas.
• Combine Experiences: Pair your journey with a stay or safari in Dudhwa, Kishanpur, or Katarniaghat.
• Eco-Etiquette: Avoid littering and maintain silence to respect the forest environment.

The Vistadome Jungle Safari Train isn’t just a journey — it’s a sustainable way to experience India’s wilderness. By promoting rail-based ecotourism, it minimises disturbance to wildlife while offering travellers a rare window into the wild.

From misty mornings in the sal forests to the golden glow of sunset over the Terai plains, every moment on this train feels like a scene from a forgotten paradise. For anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature, this is India’s most enchanting train journey — one that proves the wildest adventures can happen on rails.