For Mumbaikars seeking an escape into nature, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has rolled out a series of wildlife tour packages, making it easier than ever to explore Maharashtra's celebrated tiger reserves.
Introducing 'Vandarshan' Wildlife Tours
In a significant
move for wildlife tourism, IRCTC's West Zone has partnered with the Maharashtra Forest Department to launch five new tour packages under the banner 'Vandarshan'. These curated trips, which begin on November 19, 2026, are designed to offer a seamless and organised way to experience the state's rich biodiversity. The core appeal of these packages is their all-inclusive nature, combining train travel, accommodation, local transport, and, crucially, confirmed wildlife safari permits into a single booking. This eliminates the common hassle tourists face in coordinating multiple bookings for a jungle safari trip.
Key Destinations Covered From Mumbai
The 'Vandarshan' packages focus on the prominent tiger habitats in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. There are five distinct itineraries available for travellers departing from Mumbai. These packages primarily feature tours to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve. Depending on the specific itinerary chosen, trips may also include visits to other important wildlife sanctuaries such as Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This provides a range of options for both first-time visitors and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts.
Package Structure and Duration
Each of the five wildlife itineraries is structured as a four-night, five-day trip. The journey from Mumbai typically commences every Thursday evening aboard the Vidarbha Express (Train No. 12105). After the tour, which includes travel to the reserves, hotel stays, and safaris, the return journey commences on Sunday, getting travellers back to Mumbai. This schedule is designed to be convenient for those looking for a long weekend getaway. Due to the exclusive nature of these tours, IRCTC has allocated a limited number of berths—six in 3AC and six in 2AC—for each weekly departure, making advance booking essential.
What's Included in the Cost
The primary benefit of these IRCTC packages is their comprehensive nature. The cost typically covers several key components of the trip. This includes roundtrip train tickets in either 2AC or 3AC class, as selected during booking. Upon arrival, all road transfers between the railway station, hotel, and safari gates in airconditioned vehicles are included. Accommodation in standard hotels or resorts near the national parks is also part of the package, along with a meal plan that usually includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most importantly, the packages come with confirmed Jeep safari permits for exploring the wildlife reserves, and also include travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
A Look at the Pricing
The cost of the 'Vandarshan' wildlife packages varies depending on the specific itinerary and the class of train travel chosen (2AC or 3AC). As an example, the starting price for a tour covering Tadoba and Bor has been announced at around ₹29,500 per person. For a package including Pench and Umred - Karhandla, prices start from approximately ₹31,400. These prices provide a baseline, and it's important for travellers to check the official IRCTC Tourism website for the exact cost based on their preferred dates and occupancy (double or triple sharing), as these factors can influence the final price.
How to Book Your Tour
Booking these wildlife packages is a straightforward process handled directly through IRCTC's official tourism portal. Interested travellers can visit www.irctctourism.com, search for the 'Vandarshan' packages or specific destinations like Tadoba or Pench, and view the detailed itineraries. The website provides complete information on inclusions, exclusions, and costs. Bookings can be completed online using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and UPI. After successful payment, a confirmation is sent to the registered contact details. For any specific queries, travellers can also reach out to IRCTC's tourism support channels.
