With rapid acceleration, a top speed of 160 km/h, and top-notch passenger facilities, these trains are set to change the landscape of inter-city and long-distance overnight travel throughout the nation. Whether you’re eager to see the enchanting Western Ghats, embark on a historical journey to famous forts, or bask in the rocky terrains of the South, the Vande Bharat trains have turned the journey itself into a vital part of your holiday experience.
Explore some of the premier Vande Bharat routes and iconic tourist destinations you can discover along the way:
1. New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
Two Vande Bharat Express trains run between New Delhi (NDLS) and Varanasi Junction (BSB). Covering a distance of 759 km in precisely 8 hours at an average speed of 95 km/h, the 22436 train leaves New Delhi at 6:00 am and reaches Varanasi at 2:00 pm, while the 22416 departs at 3:10 pm and arrives at 11:05 pm. Both trains operate six days a week except Thursdays.
During the journey, passengers can stop at Prayagraj Junction to visit the sacred Triveni Sangam or explore the historic Allahabad Fort and Patalpuri Temple. A visit to Kanpur offers a chance to see the renowned 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 roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes. Traveling through Katpadi and Bengaluru, it presents a mix of vibrant urban areas, historic landmarks, and picturesque settings.
En route, passengers can stop at Vellore to visit the Vellore Fort and Golden Temple; explore Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Bangalore Palace; or check out Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Srirangapatna Fort, which is located just before Mysuru.
3. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express (20707/20708) and (20834)
Both Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Expresses operate six days a week (excluding Tuesdays), covering 699 km in about 8 hours and 45 minutes while connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
This route showcases a variety of cultural and historical sites, including the Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort in Warangal, as well as Kanaka Durga Temple and Undavalli Caves in Vijayawada. Passengers can also make a brief stop in Rajahmundry for a scenic boat ride on the Godavari River.
4. Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Indian Railways has finally sanctioned the eagerly awaited Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which will operate as an overnight sleeper train connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) with Bengaluru’s KSR station. The overnight trip is anticipated to take around 14 to 17 hours, which is significantly quicker than other trains on this route.
This train will traverse the ruggedly beautiful Western Ghats, giving you the opportunity to explore some of the most breathtaking locations along the way, including Sangli Fort and Sangli Shri Ganapati Temple at Sangli, Unkal Lake and Nrupathunga Betta in Hubballi-Dharwad, along with ancient temples and rocky hills in Davangere and Tumakuru.
