Southern Railway Revolutionizes Holiday Travel Experience with Extensive Special Train Services Connecting Popular Pilgrimage and Tourist Hotspots During the Festive Season

Published on December 10, 2025

Southern Railway is enhancing the travel experience this festive season by introducing a series of special train services aimed at providing seamless connectivity between key pilgrimage and tourist destinations. With the surge in travel demand due to the Sabarimala pilgrimage and the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays, these trains are designed to offer a more convenient and comfortable journey for passengers. By covering important routes such as Hubbali, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Bengaluru, the initiative promises to reduce travel stress and ensure that holidaymakers and pilgrims can reach their destinations with ease, making this festive season more accessible for all.

Southern Railway Introduces Special Trains for Pilgrimage and Festive Seasons

Southern Railway has announced the launch of special train services to facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims and holidaymakers during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season and the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities. In response to the surge in passenger demand during this peak travel period, these trains aim to provide a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

The special trains will connect key cities, including Hubbali, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Bengaluru, with multiple stops along the way. With ticket reservations now open, the Southern Railway is ensuring that passengers can plan their journeys well in advance, avoiding the usual holiday season chaos.

1. Hubbali – Thiruvananthapuram North Special (07361)

The first of the special services, the Hubbali – Thiruvananthapuram North Special, is set to depart on December 23 at 6:55 AM. This service will cover a variety of destinations, providing a comprehensive travel route for passengers heading to southern India during the festive season.

• Departure: 6:55 AM, December 23 from Hubbali
• Arrival: 10:30 AM, December 24 at Thiruvananthapuram
• Stops: This service will make several stops along the route, including Haveri, Ranebennur, Davanagere, Kadoor, Arsikere, Tumkuru, SMVT Bengaluru (2:25 PM), KR Puram (2:46 PM), Bangarapet (3:33 PM), Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Pothannur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikkara, Kayamkulam, Kollam, and Varkala.

This route is specifically designed to cater to pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala and tourists heading to Kerala’s famous beach destinations.

2. Thiruvananthapuram – SMVT Bengaluru Special (07362)

For passengers traveling in the opposite direction, the Thiruvananthapuram – SMVT Bengaluru Special train will be available on December 24, offering a comfortable return journey from Kerala back to Bengaluru. This train will ensure that those attending the Sabarimala pilgrimage or visiting friends and family can return home with ease.

• Departure: 12:00 PM, December 24 from Thiruvananthapuram
• Arrival: 5:50 AM, December 25 at Bengaluru
• Coaches: This train will feature a mix of coaches to accommodate different preferences, including one second AC, three third AC, twelve sleeper coaches, and three general coaches, making it accessible to a wide range of passengers.

This train’s timetable is designed to provide passengers with ample time to rest, ensuring they arrive in Bengaluru refreshed for their onward journeys.

3. SMVT Bengaluru – Kollam Special (06561)

On December 27, Southern Railway will introduce the SMVT Bengaluru – Kollam Special train. This service will offer a quick and efficient link between Bengaluru and Kollam, one of Kerala’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its picturesque beaches and the historic Thangassery Lighthouse.

• Departure: 3:00 PM, December 27 from Bengaluru
• Arrival: 7:25 AM, December 28 at Kollam
• Stops: The train will halt at various stations, including KR Puram, Bangarapet, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Pothannur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Changanassery, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Mavelikkara, and Kayamkulam.

This service ensures that travelers from Bengaluru can access the southern parts of Kerala without hassle, especially important during the festive season when demand for travel is typically high.

4. Kollam – Hubbali Special (06562)

The final special service in this festive series will run from Kollam to Hubbali, offering passengers a comfortable route back to northern Karnataka after their holidays. Departing on December 28, this service will ensure that those traveling back to Hubbali can do so in a timely and efficient manner.

• Departure: 10:40 AM, December 28 from Kollam
• Arrival: 10:30 AM, December 29 at Hubbali

This route will provide a direct connection between Kerala and northern Karnataka, allowing passengers to travel without multiple transfers, especially during the busy end-of-year travel period.

Ticket Reservations and Travel Tips

To ensure a hassle-free journey, Southern Railway has encouraged passengers to book their tickets as early as possible. The special train services are expected to fill up quickly, particularly during the peak holiday season, so early reservations are highly recommended. Passengers can book their tickets through the official railway booking platform or at any authorized reservation counter.

It is also advisable for passengers to arrive at the station ahead of the scheduled departure time to avoid any last-minute rush, especially with the increased passenger traffic during this festive season. Passengers traveling with family or in groups should consider reserving their seats together to ensure a more comfortable experience.

Southern Railway is enhancing festive travel with special train services, providing smooth connectivity between key pilgrimage and tourist destinations. These trains cater to the increased demand during the Sabarimala pilgrimage and holiday season, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey for all passengers.

Southern Railway’s introduction of these special trains during the Sabarimala pilgrimage and the festive season will greatly enhance travel convenience for passengers heading to key destinations in South India. With well-timed services, multiple stops, and a range of coach options, these trains will offer a much-needed solution to the increased travel demand. As always, passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance to secure their seats and enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride during this busy period.