UP Government Launches India’s First Vistadome Jungle Safari Train – All You Need to Know

Panoramic view from India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train through Dudhwa’s wild beauty and Katarniaghat’s lush landscapes. (Image: X/@AwasthiAwanishK)

Imagine gliding through a dense green jungle, the morning mist hanging low, wild calls echoing through the woods—all from the comfort of your train seat. Uttar Pradesh has just made that dream a reality.

The scenic route connects Dudhwa Tiger Reserve and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in a one-of-a-kind safari experience. In a groundbreaking blend of rail travel and wildlife tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government and Indian Railways have launched India’s first Vistadome jungle safari train—a panoramic journey through some of the country’s most biodiverse terrain.

This isn’t just a train ride. It’s a front-row seat to the wild.

One Journey, Three Forests

Launched under the ‘One Destination, Three Forests’ initiative by the UP Eco-Tourism Board, the route links Dudhwa National Park, Katarniaghat, and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary—three of the richest biodiversity zones in India. The idea is simple yet powerful: give travellers a seamless way to experience the wild heart of Uttar Pradesh, one forest at a time.

What’s Inside the Vistadome Coach?

This is no ordinary train. Think rotating plush seats, extra-large glass windows, and a transparent rooftop designed for nature-watching. Whether you’re tracking a tiger trail or gazing out at marshlands and tree canopies, the views never stop coming.

This eco-luxury ride offers not just wildlife sightings but also an immersive encounter with wetlands, grasslands, farmlands, and dense forests. And the best part? You don’t even need to leave your seat.

The Route: Bichia to Mailani – 107 km of Pure Jungle Drama

• Train Number 52259: Departs Bichia (Bahraich) at 11:45 AM → Arrives Mailani (Lakhimpur Kheri) at 4:10 PM
• Train Number 52260: Returns from Mailani at 6:05 AM → Reaches Bichia by 10:30 AM
• Ticket Price: Rs 275 per head
• Total Distance: 107 km
• Travel Time: Approx. 4 hours and 25 minutes

More Than Just a Train Ride

This jungle journey isn’t only about breathtaking views. It’s about education, empowerment, and ecotourism.

Weekly trips are being organized under the Youth Tourism Club to introduce schoolchildren to conservation.

Familiarisation tours (FAM trips) for travel influencers and bloggers will help spread the word far and wide.

Plans are in place for transport links from Lucknow to Katarniaghat, complete with potential subsidies to make travel easier.

And by roping in local homestays and resorts, this initiative is also boosting employment and sustainable development in forest-fringe communities.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

This isn’t just another train. It’s India’s first train that turns the railway track into a wildlife corridor for travellers.

From the monsoon’s lush burst of green to winter’s golden silence, the journey offers something new every season. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, a family of first-time safari-goers, or simply a traveller seeking offbeat adventures—this ride is a memory in motion.

With its scenic splendour and conservation-first vision, Uttar Pradesh has rewritten the rules of safari travel. So next time you think of a jungle holiday, think beyond jeeps. Think tracks. Think Vistadome.

Because in this journey, the jungle doesn't begin when you arrive—it starts the moment you board.