Dreaming of spotting a tiger in the wild, but daunted by the complex planning? For Mumbai's wildlife lovers, there's a seamless solution. IRCTC's new tour packages offer an accessible and organised gateway to the heart of India's jungles.
Your Hassle-Free Ticket to the Wild
The Indian Railway
Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has launched a series of wildlife tour packages from Mumbai called 'Vandarshan'. These tours are designed to be an all-in-one solution for safari enthusiasts, removing the usual stress of booking trains, hotels, and elusive safari permits separately. Each package bundles confirmed train tickets, accommodation, local road transport, meals, and, most importantly, guaranteed wildlife safari permits. This integrated approach is particularly beneficial as safari permits are subject to strict forest department regulations and can be difficult to secure, especially during peak seasons. The initiative aims to make exploring Maharashtra's rich biodiversity more convenient and accessible for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike.
Explore Maharashtra's Premier Tiger Country
The tours from Mumbai open up a corridor to some of Central India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves. The itineraries primarily focus on two anchor destinations: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, famous for its high tiger density, and Pench Tiger Reserve, known for its healthy and growing big cat population. Depending on the chosen package, travellers can also explore other vital habitats. There are five distinct itineraries which combine these premier parks with other significant sanctuaries like Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. These forests offer a chance to witness not just majestic tigers, but also leopards, gaur (Indian bison), deer, and a diverse array of birdlife in their natural setting.
A Look at a Typical 5-Day Itinerary
Each of the 'Vandarshan' tours is structured as a four-night, five-day journey. A typical trip begins with an overnight departure from Mumbai on a Thursday aboard the Vidarbha Express (12105). Upon arrival at the designated station near the national park the next morning, travellers are transferred to their pre-booked accommodation. The following days are filled with the main attraction: thrilling jungle safaris. The packages generally include multiple safaris, often in the early morning and late afternoon, to maximize wildlife sighting opportunities. After the safari experiences, the tour concludes with a return overnight train journey, departing from a station like Gondia on a Sunday and arriving back in Mumbai. This structured schedule ensures a comprehensive yet compact wilderness experience.
Cost, Availability, and Inclusions
These packages offer significant value by consolidating multiple expenses into a single cost. Prices for the tours start at approximately ₹29,500 per person, though the final cost depends on the specific itinerary and the class of train travel chosen (2AC or 3AC). It's important to note that these tours have limited availability. For each departure, IRCTC has allocated a small number of berths—typically six in 3AC and six in 2AC—making advance booking essential. This limited capacity ensures smaller group sizes and a more exclusive experience. The package cost typically covers roundtrip train fare, all road transfers between stations, hotels, and safari gates, accommodation, specified meals, and the safari permits.
How to Book Your Wildlife Adventure
Booking one of these wildlife tours is a straightforward process done through IRCTC's official channels. The easiest way is to visit the IRCTC Tourism website (irctctourism.com). On the homepage, navigate to the 'Holidays' section and then select 'Packages' or 'Tour Packages'. You can then search for the 'Vandarshan' packages or browse by destination. Each package listing provides detailed information, including the full itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and terms and conditions. Bookings can be made directly on the website using an IRCTC account. Given the limited seats available for each tour, it is highly recommended to plan and book your trip well in advance.
