Uttar Pradesh Launches First-of-Its-Kind Vistadome Coach Service for Eco-Tourism

Strategic Insights -

In a major push to promote eco-tourism and attract nature lovers, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a unique Vistadome coach service connecting the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. This initiative marks Uttar Pradesh as the first state in the country to offer a jungle safari experience via a Vistadome train, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the forest landscape. The service aims to offer travelers a thrilling wildlife experience while showcasing the natural beauty of the state, with plans to expand it to daily operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vistadome coach service is the first of its kind in India, offering a jungle safari experience through specially designed coaches with large glass windows and transparent roofs.
  • The service connects the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, covering a distance of 107 kilometers and lasting approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes.
  • The ticket price for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park is just ₹275 per tourist.
  • The service is currently available only on Saturdays and Sundays but plans to extend it to all days of the week based on positive feedback.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board has launched this service to offer tourists a unique nature trail and jungle safari experience throughout the year.
  • The train service is also affordable, with a special package being prepared to transport tourists from Lucknow to Katarniaghat, with potential subsidies to make it more accessible.
  • The Vistadome coach service not only passes through forests and wildlife sanctuaries but also offers tourists close views of natural landscapes such as wetlands, grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands.
  • This initiative will boost tourism and generate employment opportunities at the regional level, empowering the local economy by involving homestay owners, resort operators, and travel agents.

Statistics:

  • The train service covers a distance of 107 kilometers inside the forest.
  • The journey lasts approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes.
  • The ticket price for the route from Katarniaghat to Dudhwa National Park is ₹275 per tourist.
  • The train stops at nine stations in total: Bichia, Manjhara Purab, Khairatia Bandh Road, Tikunia, Belerayan, Dudhwa, Palia Kalan, Bhira Kheri, and Mailani.

Sources:

  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Pioneer.