Looking for an escape from city life? IRCTC is making it easier than ever for Mumbaikars to explore India's incredible wildlife with a range of new, all-inclusive holiday packages. Here's what you need to know about these wild adventures.
Your All-in-One Ticket to the Wild
Planning a wildlife
safari can often be a complex affair, involving separate bookings for travel, accommodation, and the all-important safari permits. In a move to simplify this, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with the Maharashtra Forest Department to launch 'Vandarshan', a series of all-inclusive wildlife tour packages. These packages are designed to provide a seamless experience, bundling confirmed train tickets, hotel stays, local transport, meals, and guaranteed safari permits into a single booking. This initiative makes exploring Maharashtra's renowned tiger reserves more accessible and hassle-free for everyone from families to wildlife photographers.
Five New Adventures from Mumbai
Starting from November 19, 2026, IRCTC is rolling out five distinct itineraries, each planned as a four-night, five-day journey. These tours conveniently depart from Mumbai every Thursday via the Vidarbha Express (12105). The packages are curated to showcase the rich biodiversity of the region, with options that include Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Each itinerary offers a unique combination of these destinations, allowing travellers to choose the adventure that best suits their interests.
Journey to the Land of Tigers
Among the most popular destinations is the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, often hailed for its high density of tigers. Multiple 'Vandarshan' packages feature Tadoba, pairing it with other nearby reserves like Bor or Tipeshwar. A typical tour includes travel from Mumbai in 2AC or 3AC train coaches, accommodation in or near the reserve, and multiple jeep safaris to maximize wildlife spotting opportunities. While seeing a tiger in the wild is never guaranteed, these organised tours significantly increase your chances by taking you to the right places at the right times with experienced guides.
Explore the World of Pench
Another flagship offering is the tour to Pench National Park, the legendary forest that inspired Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'. The IRCTC package for Pench is often combined with the Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Like other packages, this one is an end-to-end solution. It covers your train journey from Mumbai, transfers to the national park, comfortable stays, and scheduled jungle safaris. Pench is known not just for tigers but also for leopards, sloth bears, and a rich diversity of birdlife, making it a comprehensive wildlife experience.
Package Costs and Booking Details
The cost of these wildlife packages varies depending on the itinerary and accommodation class selected, with prices starting from approximately ₹29,500 per person. It's important to note that these tours have very limited availability. For each weekly departure, IRCTC has allocated only six berths in the 3AC coach and six in the 2AC coach, making advance booking essential. Bookings can be made directly through the official IRCTC Tourism website, where you can find detailed itineraries, inclusions, exclusions, and departure dates. Given the high demand for safari permits, especially during peak seasons, booking early is highly recommended.
