A Hassle-Free Gateway to the Wild
For many, the thrill of a jungle safari is often tempered by the complexities of organising it. Booking travel, finding suitable accommodation near the national park, and securing elusive safari permits can be a challenging puzzle. Recognizing this, the Indian
Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has stepped in, curating a range of wildlife itineraries designed to be all-in-one solutions for travellers. These packages typically bundle train or flight tickets, hotel stays, local air-conditioned vehicle transfers, and, most importantly, the jungle safaris themselves. This streamlined approach allows wildlife enthusiasts to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
Spotlight on Maharashtra's Tiger Country
In a significant new initiative named 'Vandarshan', IRCTC has partnered with the Maharashtra Forest Department to offer seamless, rail-based tours to the state's premier tiger reserves. Launched around International Tiger Day, these packages are set to boost tourism by simplifying access to some of India's most famous wildlife destinations. The itineraries cover Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, Bor, Navegaon-Nagzira, and Tipeshwar Sanctuaries. Travellers can make a single booking that covers their train journey, accommodation, local transport, and guaranteed safari permits, removing a major hurdle for many tourists. Five distinct itineraries are planned, catering to families, photographers, and adventure seekers, with initial departures from Mumbai.
Exploring the Jewels of the Northeast
The Northeast has long been a hotspot for biodiversity, and IRCTC offers extensive packages to explore this stunning region. A key highlight is Kaziranga National Park in Assam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. These multi-day tours often combine wildlife with cultural sightseeing, covering destinations like Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Guwahati. Packages to the Northeast may include return airfare or train tickets, accommodation, meals (typically breakfast and dinner), and guided sightseeing, including at least one jeep safari in Kaziranga to spot the 'Big Five': the rhino, elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, swamp deer, and wild water buffalo.
Into the Heart of Rajasthan's Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the most celebrated places in India to witness Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. IRCTC offers several tour options for this renowned park, often originating from nearby hubs like Jaipur or major cities like Mumbai. A typical package might be for two or three days, including travel to Sawai Madhopur (the nearest town), hotel accommodation, and meals. While local transport for sightseeing is included, it is important for travellers to note that the cost of the tiger safari itself may sometimes be an additional expense, so it's crucial to check the specific inclusions of each package. These tours often combine a visit to the park with nearby cultural or religious sites.
What to Expect and How to Book
Across its various wildlife tours, IRCTC maintains a standard of service to ensure a comfortable journey. Accommodation is generally arranged in well-appointed deluxe hotels or resorts. Meals, typically breakfast and dinner, are included in the package price. All ground transfers and sightseeing are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort between the station, hotel, and safari gates. Most packages also include travel insurance and all applicable taxes like GST. To book a trip, interested travellers can visit the official IRCTC Tourism website, search for their desired wildlife destination (such as 'Kaziranga' or 'Ranthambore'), select a package, review the detailed itinerary and inclusions, and complete the payment online through various available options.
