7 Stunning Train Routes To Vadodara That Will Heal Your Soul
1. Express Mumbai Central – Vadodara (via Western Railway)
The Indicative express Mumbai Central–Vadodara is one of the most special and well-known train journeys. It is one of the most traveled routes because it connects two of the major cities located in Western India. This train route goes through western railway lines and it has a stretch in Maharashtra and Gujarat too. Throughout the trip, the passengers are surprised with breathtaking views of forests, rivers, and the small towns of the Konkan region. Towards the end, on approach to Vadodara, the train traverses through fertile regions having sugarcane fields followed by mango orchards. This journey takes around 4 to 5 hours. To visitors who want to enjoy amazing views while traveling, this is the best option.
2. Delhi – Vadodara Rajdhani Express (via Western Dedicated Freight Corridor)
For travelers arriving from North India, the Delhi-Vadodara Rajdhani Express comes with an added touch of luxury and natural beauty. This superfast train takes about 10-12 hours to travel from the country's capital to Vadodara. Travelers on board are treated to magnificent views of the Aravalli Hills with sprawling wheat fields and peaceful villages. It traverses Rajasthan which showcases traditional havelis and desert scenery before entering the lush green Gujarat region. This journey is ideal for long-distance travelers given the modern facilities, top-notch service and attentive staff on board.
3. Ahmedabad – Vadodara Double Decker Express
This is the most scenic and short train ride between two major cities in Gujarat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara. With a total distance of only 100 kilometers, this ride lasts about 2 hours. This trip is highlighted by the views of the Mahi River and wide, well-kept farmlands that passengers can admire. During the monsoon season, the region turns into a green paradise and is a feast for the eyes. The double-decker coaches are a highlight of the ride, which enables travelers to take in elevated views of the beautiful landscapes around.
4. Chennai–Vadodara Superfast Express (via South Central Railway)
People from the southern parts of India will find it easier to travel using the Chennai–Vadodara Superfast Express. This train travels through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. It passes through some of the most beautiful cities and regions of India, such as the Deccan Plateau and its majestic forests and picturesque paddy fields. The beauty of stone-riddled land morphing into open fertile lands towards Vadodara is magnificent. It takes around 24 hours to complete this route, which helps travelers appreciate diverse simplistic geographic magnificence across the country.
5. Jaipur–Vadodara Express (via North Western Railway)
The Jaipur–Vadodara Express is yet another blessing for those who love nature. Starting in the Pink City of Rajasthan, this train crosses the great Thar Desert and semi-arid regions before arriving in the lusher parts of Gujarat. The difference between the arid desert lands and the green agricultural regions is breathtaking. As if this wasn't picturesque enough, old forts and temples alongside colorful markets add to the marvelous scenery. The entire trip takes around 14-16 hours, and passengers are sure to appreciate the beautiful views outside.
6. Kochuveli–Vadodara Express (Southern Railway)
People from Kerala will particularly enjoy the Kochuveli computerized Express. Taking passengers from Thiruvananthapuram to Vadodara, this train travels through the Western Ghats which features regal mountains, stunning waterfalls, and tea gardens. Coastal plains that are in the north region of Kerala are beautiful to witness, followed by the lowlands in Gujarat. The journey takes about 36 hours to complete and for nature lovers who enjoy long and relaxing train journeys, this route will be quite rewarding.
7. Howrah–Vadodara Express (Eastern Railway)
The Howrah Vadodara Express has one of the longest routes, covering eastern India and Gujarat. This train sets off from Kolkata, moves through the eastern part of the country, encompassing West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and finally routing to Vadodara. Passengers are treated to scenes that include picturesque hills of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, valleys near the Narmada River, and tribal villages surrounded by thick forests. In addition to natural beauty, travelers can see the multiculturalism of India during this 28-hour journey.
Why Select Train Travel to Vadodara?
Traveling by train not only offers some of the best views to capture, but it also enables travelers to indulge in the local culture. Traveling is made easy with the variety of locally brewed chai available near the railway stations and friendly passengers ready to mingle, every single second spent on board enhances the overall experience. Trains offer the best eco-friendly alternative to flights, private vehicles or any other forms of traveling, supporting sustainable tourism guidelines.
Conclusion
Taking the train to Vadodara takes you places as it is a means of transportation that is full of adventure and stunning views. Moving from nearby cities like Ahmedabad or taking a long cross-country drive from miles away metros like Delhi or Chennai, There's always something to be explored. These seven scenic train journeys cover the stunning visuals that India has to offer while making your journey comfortable and fulfilling. So, next time you are planning a trip to Vadodara, trade in the dreaded layover and connect to a train for an experience beyond words, where the sound of the 's' trains defines the rhythm.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Boarding like a star: Inside the world of celebrity private charters
Diljit Dosanjh was seen relishing a spread of gourmet Indian food on a private jet, used during his Dil-Illuminati tour and Kareena Kapoor Khan took private charter for an award event. In 2009, Abhishek Bachchan broke a Guinness World Record by racing to five cities in twelve hours to promote Delhi-6. Years later, in 2016, Priyanka Chopra was juggling shoots for Bajirao Mastani (2015) in Mumbai and Quantico in Los Angeles. How do the A-list celebrities do it all? One answer: private charters. No long security queues. No baggage belts. No waiting for boarding announcements or getting mobbed at terminals. Just a curb-to-cabin glide that turns a 180-minute airport ordeal into a mere 15-minute pit stop. 'Post-pandemic, we've seen a significant surge in celebrity clientele, especially across India, the Middle East and Europe,' says Raaghav Belavadi, founder of private jet operator Hype Luxury. 'Celebrities are leveraging private jets for everything from spontaneous business trips and wellness escapes to quick weekend retreats,' he adds. Sachit Wadhwa, co-founder of Book My Charters, agrees. 'There was a time pre-COVID when one could count on fingers the celebrities that chartered… today, even younger actors, musicians, DJs and influencers fly private.' From bespoke biryani on board to Gulfstream G700s fitted with sleek aesthetics, the skies have never been more exclusive nor more crowded with famous names. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Harry Potter Actors Who Grew Up Stunningly. The Noodle Box Read More Undo Here's a front-row seat to the rarefied world of celebrity air travel, where time, privacy, and personalisation rule the flight plan. Amitabh, Jaya and Abhishek Bachchan travelled together in a private jet when Big B was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 'In a private jet, they can choose the travel time' Charter operators say private flights offer unmatched ease and privacy – 'you can take off and land whenever you want, there's no crowds. It's seamless, flexible and contactless travel." The only requirement? A minimum of three hours' notice. 'We at least need a 3‑hour heads up to arrange for the pilots, the crew, engineers and fueling the aircraft,' Maria explains. In Mumbai, general aviation (private charters) is unavailable during 8–10 am and 5–7:30 pm due to peak commercial traffic. Once aboard, celebrities avoid delays and distractions. 'The car is out and ready on the tarmac. The talent gets out of the jet, gets into the car, and the car is going to the hotel,' says Maria. Saved hours translate into productivity or rest. 'Celebs are using their time on board very productively. Even two hours saved adds up. They conduct meetings, read scripts, or just catch up on rest while flying,' adds Sachit Wadhwa of Book My Charters. There is a proper mirror and lav in the aircraft for the celebrities to get ready Maria Charles, Skyline Charters 'The pet also reaches comfortably' For vacations, celebrities often prefer to bring their pets, and with private charters, animals fly freely in the cabin, not locked away in cargo. 'There are some certifications that need to be done before getting the pet onboard. Usually, the pet is carried in a cage until it reaches the aircraft. Once the aircraft takes off, we release the pet and they can enjoy the flight,' shares Akash Nale of Flyyo. This shift reflects a global trend: flying pets in the cabin significantly reduces stress compared to cargo or cramped carriers under seats. All these jets can be customised with plush leather seats, lie-flat beds, bespoke lighting, entertainment systems, and custom monogramming 'Some want food from their favourite Delhi restaurant' "Food and beverage," says Sachit, "is a big part of the experience." Many celebrities — particularly on Delhi–Hyderabad routes — request signature dishes from favourite restaurants mid-air. One client, despite spending over Rs 50 lakh on a Delhi-Goa return flight, requested poha and Haldiram bhujia instead of a gourmet English breakfast - a surprising but welcome request, says Akash Nale of Flyyo. For early flights, the norm is plant-based or South Indian breakfasts, while lunch usually consists of light options like hummus or a tikka platter. Some are gluten-free, some want coffee from a specific café; on a Mumbai-Delhi run they'll ask us to serve food from their favourite restaurant for the return leg Sachit Wadhwa, BookMyCharters 'Staff bring the luggage early' When fans see paparazzi photos of Bollywood celebrities breezing through Mumbai's Kalina airport, they often wonder how stars manage to travel without luggage. "Staff bring the luggage hours earlier because screening takes time. The celebrity just walks through the terminal straight to the aircraft,' Sachit explains. Still, Maria adds, 'Security check is compulsory for everyone travelling, even at private terminals. ' The cost of flying private A round trip from Delhi to Mumbai and back onboard a Legacy 650 charter typically costs between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 30 lakh, the range depends on customisation, timing, and additional services involved. For events, shoots, or promotions, travel costs are often covered by production houses or event organisers. None of the Bollywood celebrities owns a private jet, confirms Maria and Sachit. All reports about A-list actors owning charter aircraft are false. There is only one South Indian celebrity who owns an aircraft. Ajay Devgn, during an interview with BookMyShow Unscripted, debunked the rumours of owning an aircraft, "No, not at all. I was planning to buy it and had secured one deal too. But it didn't go through. So, it is not true. ' (L) Priyanka Chopra with Nick Jonas' parents. (R) While promoting Selfiee Akshay Kumar entertained everyone in the private jet with his singing. 'Privacy & discretion define our business' Celebrities avoid commercial flights because they crave privacy away from the public glare. 'Bollywood is an area of interest for almost everyone… Everyone wants to see what a star is eating, how he behaves when the cameras are not rolling,' explains Sachit, adding, 'Privacy and being discreet are the most important aspects of our business. They need time to switch off. Our job is to provide that.' For celebs who fly private, discretion is built in. As Maria says, 'The crew is trained in a way that they will never ask for a selfie or autograph.' Some operators even require crew to sign NDAs. Raaghav adds, 'Each movement is orchestrated by operations teams in partnership with airport authorities and private security firms, ensuring zero exposure and complete peace of mind for our clients.' Private jet travel in India also means dedicated terminals – Kalina in Mumbai and the General Aviation terminal in Delhi – where celebrities can arrive just 10–15 minutes before departure. 'With these terminals, celebrity travel is more discreet,' says Sachit. Teams vet aircraft safety first Celebrity entourages also vet aircraft safety before flying. 'Even before the unfortunate Ahmedabad crash, people would enquire about the safety, 'When was the maintenance done…' Charter aircraft are regularly serviced and engineered, taken care of just like any commercial aircraft,' says Maria Charles of Skyline Charters. 'Of course, they ask about the safety, and we provide properly maintained aircraft. We have a maintenance agency, and they are taken care of.' Akash adds, 'There are certified engineers who do the necessary checks after every flight. If a minister is flying, the engineer has to be onboard for safety measures.' 'Celebs prefer first-class for flying international, take private jets for shorter hops' For long-haul international routes, especially US-bound, celebrities typically opt for first-class commercial flights, reserving private charters for domestic legs or short-haul travel. As Sachit Wadhwa of Book My Charters explains, 'If someone wants to travel from New York to Miami, they would use a charter plane because commercial flights often have luggage restrictions. So, we manage those travels too. ' Many operators offer seamless India–London service, often with a single refuel stop. 'We have aircraft that can fly non-stop from India to London and we even do trips to the USA with one stop. That stop is never more than 45 minutes. You just refuel, get fresh food on board, and then take off. Sometimes celebrities don't even realise there's a stop because they sleep through it. They stay onboard during refuelling,' adds Sachit.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Bandikui-Jaipur Expressway open to public, cuts Delhi-Jaipur travel time to 3 hours
Gurugram: The Bandikui-Jaipur Expressway — part of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway — has been opened to the public, significantly slashing travel time between Delhi-NCR and Jaipur in Rajasthan. The 66.91-kilometre-long Bandikui-Jaipur Expressway was constructed at a cost of ₹ 1,368 crore. (HT PHOTO) The new route, opened to commuters on July 15 after safety checks, is expected to reduce Delhi-Jaipur travel time to just two-and-a-half to three hours under normal conditions, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials said. For Amit Yadav, a Gurugram-based IT consultant, it took three-and-a-half hours to reach Jaipur instead of the usual five to five-and-a-half hours using the Bandikui-Jaipur Expressway. 'Last weekend, we drove down to my in-laws' house in Jaipur. We took the new route and the entire journey was incredibly smooth—no heavy vehicles, no city traffic, no bottlenecks. We left at 7 am and reached our destination before 10:30 am,' Yadav said. Similarly, Pallavi Mehra, a Delhi-based marketing executive, took the new route to visit her parents in Jaipur. 'I had heard that the route was partially open, but I didn't know it is fully operational now. Last Saturday we took the new route, and it felt like a completely different experience. The old NH-48 was full of traffic and diversions, but this new expressway felt like an airport runway,' Mehra, who visits her parents in Jaipur every fortnight, said. Also Read: Haryana govt plans to link Global City with Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway 'This section—from Sohna (Haryana) to Maujmabad via Bandikui (Rajasthan)—is a vital link in the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway corridor. It was fully opened to the public after all safety checks and road signage were completed,' a senior NHAI official, requesting anonymity, said. The 66.91-kilometre-long Bandikui-Jaipur Expressway was constructed at a cost of ₹1,368 crore. Also Read: Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway set for ₹245cr upgrade According to NHAI, more than 15,000 vehicles are using the new stretch daily, and the number is expected to rise as more people become aware. The expressway is designed for high-speed travel, with a maximum speed limit of 120 km/h, the NHAI official said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
RailYatri's mid-year data reveals punctuality dip amid Kumbh Mela surge, long-term gains intact
Advt RailYatri's H1 2025 train performance report highlights a modest reversal in punctuality gains, with average delays rising slightly to 36.63 minutes, up from 35.75 minutes in 2024—a 2.45 per cent increase. However, performance remains improved compared to 2023, when the national average stood at 37.91 minutes, indicating that overall momentum toward better service has largely been rise in delays is largely attributed to the surge in travel volumes during the Kumbh Mela, which placed exceptional pressure on major rail routes in the first half of the year. Despite this, the median delay figure remains largely steady, rising only marginally from 18.16 minutes to 18.58 the state level, Rajasthan recorded the most significant improvement, with a 23.61 per cent drop in average delays to 29.74 minutes. The state also saw its median delay improve to 13 minutes. In contrast, Chhattisgarh—which had been a top performer in 2024—saw delays rise by 24.56 per cent , with average wait times increasing to 74.99 train categories, Rajdhani Express services posted a 17.06 per cent improvement in punctuality, bringing average delays down to 29.06 minutes. Meanwhile, Humsafar Express trains saw a notable decline in performance, with delays rising by over 26 per cent to 73.61 of the country's busiest eastern rail corridors—such as Howrah–Kharagpur, Ranchi–Dhanbad, and Bhubaneswar–Cuttack—faced heightened congestion, contributing to regional delays. These pressure points are expected to be central to Indian Railways' future infrastructure and scheduling temporary setbacks, the overall trend continues to point toward a more efficient rail travel experience for Indian passengers.>
