What is the Vandarshan Plan?
The Vandarshan plan is a new, all-inclusive wildlife tourism initiative launched by IRCTC Tourism in partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department. Announced on International Tiger Day 2026, the scheme is designed to simplify travel for wildlife enthusiasts
by bundling all the essential components of a trip into a single booking. Instead of separately managing train tickets, road transfers from the station, hotel stays, and forest safari permits, travellers can now book everything through one integrated package. This initiative promises to make Maharashtra's rich wildlife more accessible while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
Destinations Covered in Maharashtra
The Vandarshan plan focuses exclusively on Maharashtra's celebrated wildlife corridors. The initial launch covers six key protected areas. These include four major tiger reserves: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, Bor Tiger Reserve, and Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve. In addition, the packages provide access to two notable wildlife sanctuaries: Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This selection offers a diverse experience of the state's fauna and flora, with a strong focus on its thriving tiger population. Two of Maharashtra's six tiger reserves, Melghat and Sahyadri, are not included in the current Vandarshan itineraries.
Seamless Rail and Road Logistics
A core feature of the Vandarshan plan is its integrated transport solution. The packages are structured as rail-based tours, primarily departing from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on the Vidarbha Express. This provides a reliable and comfortable overnight journey to the Vidarbha region, where most of these parks are located. Upon arrival at the designated railway station, the package includes pre-arranged road transport to the respective forest lodges or hotels. This eliminates the common hassle of negotiating local taxi fares or finding reliable transport, ensuring a smooth transition from the train to the jungle.
The Key Benefit: Assured Safari Permits
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the Vandarshan plan is the inclusion of confirmed jungle safari permits. Anyone who has tried to book a safari in a popular tiger reserve like Tadoba knows the challenge: permits are released online 120 days in advance and are often sold out within minutes. This uncertainty can derail an entire trip. The Vandarshan plan, through its official partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department, bypasses this stressful process by offering assured safari bookings as part of the package. This guarantee provides immense peace of mind and is a major draw for travellers who value certainty and convenience.
What's Included in the Package?
The Vandarshan packages are designed to be largely all-inclusive, typically structured as four-night, five-day itineraries. A standard package includes a confirmed train ticket (in the specified class), accommodation in hotels or resorts, all local road transfers by an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guaranteed safari permit. Most packages also cover meals as specified in the itinerary, often including breakfast and dinner. Travellers can choose from different curated itineraries designed for various interests, such as families, photographers, or avid birdwatchers. It is advisable for travellers to confirm the exact details, such as the number of safaris included and whether they are in the core or buffer zones of the park, before booking.
How to Book Your Trip
Booking a Vandarshan tour is straightforward and can be done entirely online. Interested travellers should visit the official IRCTC Tourism website. On the portal, you can search for the Vandarshan packages, which are listed under Rail Tour or Holiday Packages. The website provides detailed information on each itinerary, including departure dates, pricing, inclusions, and terms. Once you select a package, you can proceed with the booking and payment through various online methods like credit card, debit card, or UPI. A booking confirmation is then sent to your registered email and mobile number.
