Featuring rapid acceleration, a speed of up to 160 km/h, and premium passenger amenities, these trains aim to revolutionise inter-city and long-distance overnight travel across the country. Whether you want to witness stretches of the Western Ghats, take a historic tour around popular forts, or enjoy the rocky hills of the South, Vande Bharat trains have made the journey itself now a core part of the vacation.
Here are some of the top Vande Bharat routes and best tourist places you can explore along the way:
1. New Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express
Two Vande Bharat Express trains are operating between New Delhi (NDLS) and Varanasi Junction (BSB). Both trains cover the 759 km distance in exactly 8 hours with an average speed of 95 km/h. The 22436 train departs New Delhi at 6:00 am and arrives in Varanasi at 2:00 pm, while the 22416 departs New Delhi at 3:10 pm and arrives in Varanasi at 11:05 pm. Both these trains operate six days a week except on Thursdays.
Along the way, passengers can make a stop at Prayagraj Junction to see the sacred Triveni Sangam or take a historic tour at Allahabad Fort and Patalpuri Temple. You can also make a stop at Kanpur to visit the famous Allen Forest Zoo and JK Temple.
2. Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express (20607/20608)
The Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express connects Tamil Nadu to Karnataka in about 6 hours and 30 minutes. It passes through Katpadi and Bengaluru and offers a blend of bustling urban hubs, historic monuments, and scenic landscapes.
Along the way, passengers can make a stop at Vellore to explore the Vellore Fort and Golden Temple; take a short tour in Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden or Bangalore Palace; or visit Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and Srirangapatna Fort, located shortly before Mysuru.
3. Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express (20707/20708) and (20834)
Both of the Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Expresses operate 6 days a week (except Tuesdays) and cover a distance of 699 km in approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes while connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
On this route, you experience distinct cultural and historical landmarks, including Thousand Pillar Temple and Warangal Fort in Warangal, Kanaka Durga Temple and Undavalli Caves at Vijaywada. Passengers can also take a quick stop at Rajahmundry to take a scenic boat cruise on the Godavari River.
4. Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Indian Railways has finally approved the highly anticipated Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which will operate as an overnight Vande Bharat sleeper train, connecting Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Bengaluru’s KSR station. The overnight journey is expected to take roughly 14 to 17 hours, significantly faster than existing trains on this route.
The train will pass through the rugged, scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats, allowing you the chance to explore some of the most gorgeous places along the route. These spots include Sangli Fort and the Sangli Shri Ganapati Temple at Sangli, Unkal Lake and Nrupathunga Betta in Hubballi-Dharwad, and ancient temples and rocky hills at Davangere and Tumakuru.
