For wildlife enthusiasts in Mumbai, the call of the wild just got easier to answer. IRCTC has unveiled a series of new tour packages, making it simpler than ever to explore Maharashtra's famed tiger reserves without the hassle of planning.
An All-Inclusive Wildlife Adventure
In partnership
with the Maharashtra Forest Department, IRCTC has launched five 'Vandarshan' wildlife packages designed to be a one-stop solution for travellers. These tours bundle train travel, accommodation, local transport, meals, and, most importantly, confirmed wildlife safari permits into a single booking. The initiative aims to make exploring destinations like Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve more accessible and organised. Each tour is structured as a four-night, five-day trip, with departures scheduled from Mumbai every Thursday starting from November 19, 2026.
The Five 'Vandarshan' Itineraries
Travellers can choose from five different itineraries, each combining a major tiger reserve with another nearby sanctuary to offer a diverse wildlife experience. The packages primarily feature the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Pench Tiger Reserve, paired with other significant habitats. The five combinations offered are: Tadoba with Bor Tiger Reserve; Tadoba with Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve; Pench with Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary; Tadoba with Umred-Paoni-Karhandla; and Tadoba with Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. This variety allows visitors to select a tour based on their specific interests, whether it's the high tiger density of Tadoba or the rich biodiversity of Pench.
Focus on: Tadoba and Bor Tiger Reserves
One of the flagship packages combines the world-renowned Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with the Bor Tiger Reserve. The journey begins with an overnight train ride on the Vidarbha Express (12105) from Mumbai's CSMT, with pick-up points at Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan, arriving at Wardha the next morning. From there, travellers are transferred to a hotel near Tadoba. The itinerary includes jungle safaris in Tadoba, known for its frequent tiger sightings and rich biodiversity. The trip also covers the scenic Bor Tiger Reserve before the return journey from Wardha. The package includes 2AC or 3AC train tickets, AC vehicle for local transport, hotel accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the resort), and travel insurance.
Focus on: Pench and Umred_Karhandla
Another popular option pairs Pench Tiger Reserve, the inspiration for 'The Jungle Book', with the Umred_Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, an important tiger corridor. This tour also departs from Mumbai on a Thursday, arriving in Nagpur the following day. Guests are then transported to their resort near Pench. The package includes safaris in both Pench and Umred_Karhandla, offering chances to see tigers, leopards, gaur, deer, and a wide array of birdlife. This itinerary is particularly exciting due to frequent sightings of tigresses with cubs in these forests. The return journey commences from Nagpur, concluding the five_day trip.
Cost, Inclusions, and Key Details
The cost of the packages varies based on the chosen itinerary and accommodation class (2AC or 3AC). Prices for the 'Vandarshan' tours start from approximately ₹29,500 per person on a triple _sharing basis. These packages are comprehensive, covering return train fare, accommodation, specified meals at the resort, all road transfers between stations and parks, and jeep safari charges. However,' travellers should note that expenses of a personal nature,' such as camera fees at the reserves,' laundry,' and meals during the train journey,' are not included.' Availability is limited,' with IRCTC allocating only six berths in 2AC and six in 3AC for each weekly departure,' so advance booking is highly recommended.
How to Book Your Trip
Booking these wildlife tours is a straightforward process.' Interested travellers can visit the official IRCTC Tourism website,' irctctourism.com.' On the website,' navigate to the 'Holidays' section and select 'Packages,' where you can find the 'Vandarshan' tours listed.' After selecting the desired package and departure date,' you can proceed with the booking by logging into your IRCTC account or as a guest.' The website provides detailed itineraries,' inclusions,' and terms and conditions for each package,' ensuring transparency before you confirm your wild adventure.
