It's time and we know you're all set to feel the fizz of a lifetime on a trip to Kashmir in its peak season! But before you pack your bags, you need to read this article. Because we have a piece of mindblowing news for you!
Picture yourself zipping through Kashmir Valley in a glass-roofed coach, where you can see the sky changing colours and the mountains looming over you. Imagine feeling the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze as you pass by the lush green fields and the fragrant saffron dunes.
Imagine being surrounded by your loved ones, sharing stories and laughter as you witness the wonders of nature. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not. It’s the reality of the Vistadome Coach, the newest and coolest way to travel in Jammu and Kashmir. This state-of-the-art carriage is a game-changer for the region’s transportation infrastructure, offering visitors an extraordinary journey they will never forget.
From Banihal to Budgam: A Scenic Ride Through Paradise
The Vistadome Coach was inaugurated on 19 October by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha. It begins its journey from the charming town of Banihal in South Kashmir and covers 90km to reach Budgam in Central Kashmir. Along the way, you can relax in plush double-wide reclining seats that rotate 360 degrees. This ingenious feature lets you enjoy a sweeping view of the Kashmir scenery as you glide through the scenic terrain. The journey lasts about two hours, during which you can feast your eyes on the glorious saffron dunes of Pampore in Pulwama, visible through the full-glass windows.
On a clear day, you can also catch a glimpse of the snow-covered Pir Panjal range, a majestic mountain chain within the Lesser Himalayan region. As the train crosses the Sangam Bridge toward Anantnag, you will witness a changing mosaic of landscapes, from orchards to rice fields. To protect you from the harsh midday sun, an electrically controlled opalescence creates a soft shade over the roof, ensuring your comfort and safety. The stopovers in Pulwama and Qazigund also give you the opportunity to visit the sacred shrines of Syed Fareeduddin and Mir Syed Mohammed Hussain Simnani.
Travel in Style and Comfort with the Vistadome Coach
The Vistadome Coach is not just a window to the wonders of Kashmir but also a symbol of travel comfort. It was designed and developed by the Indian Railways’ Integral Coach Factory in Chennai to enhance the travel experience. Not only does it offer a larger viewing area, but it also allows families and friends to sit facing each other during the journey.
Automatic doors ensure that the interior remains warm, even as the temperature outside plummets below zero. Convenient power sockets to charge devices, automatic sliding doors with sensors, well-designed luggage racks, energy-efficient LED lighting and a GPS-enabled information system are some of the other features that make the Vistadome Coach a delight to travel in.
So, when are you planning to witness Kashmir valley in full bloom through the vistadome?
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