With impressive acceleration, a top speed of 160 km/h, and luxurious amenities for passengers, these trains are set to change the landscape of inter-city and long-distance travel across the nation. Whether you want to admire the scenic Western Ghats, take a historical tour of iconic forts, or enjoy the rocky hills of South India, Vande Bharat trains have made the journey an integral part of the experience.
Here are some of the best Vande Bharat routes and tourist destinations to explore along the way:
1. New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
Two Vande Bharat Express trains run between New Delhi (NDLS) and Varanasi Junction (BSB). Both trains cover the distance of 759 km in precisely 8 hours with an average speed of 95 km/h. The 22436 train leaves New Delhi at 6:00 am and arrives in Varanasi at 2:00 pm, while the 22416 departs at 3:10 pm and reaches Varanasi at 11:05 pm. These trains operate six days a week, excluding Thursdays.
Along the route, passengers can stop at Prayagraj Junction to visit the sacred Triveni Sangam or the historical Allahabad Fort and Patalpuri Temple. A detour to Kanpur allows for visits to the well-known Allen Forest Zoo and JK Temple.
2. Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express (20607/20608)
The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express connects Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in about 6 hours and 30 minutes. It travels through Katpadi and Bengaluru, showcasing a mix of vibrant urban centers, historic sites, and beautiful scenery.
Passengers can stop at Vellore to experience Vellore Fort and the Golden Temple; take a quick tour of Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Bangalore Palace; or visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Srirangapatna Fort, just before Mysuru.
3. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express (20707/20708) and (20834)
Both Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express trains run six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) and cover 699 km in approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, connecting Telangana with Andhra Pradesh.
This route features various cultural and historical attractions, such as the Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort in Warangal, as well as the Kanaka Durga Temple and Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada. Passengers can also take a brief stop at Rajahmundry for a scenic boat cruise on the Godavari River.
4. Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Indian Railways has approved the eagerly awaited Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which will function as an overnight sleeper train, connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Bengaluru’s KSR station. The journey is expected to take between 14 to 17 hours, significantly faster than current trains on this route.
The train will traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats, allowing passengers to explore some of the most beautiful locations along the way, including Sangli Fort and Sangli Shri Ganapati Temple, Unkal Lake and Nrupathunga Betta in Hubballi-Dharwad, as well as ancient temples and rocky hills in Davangere and Tumakuru.
