Introducing the 'Vandarshan' Initiative
In a major move to boost wildlife tourism, IRCTC has partnered with the Maharashtra Forest Department to create 'Vandarshan' tour packages. This initiative, unveiled on International Tiger Day (July 29, 2026), aims to provide a seamless and organised
way for tourists to explore the state's rich biodiversity. The core appeal of Vandarshan is its all-inclusive nature; a single booking covers confirmed train tickets, accommodation, local road transfers, and, most importantly, guaranteed safari permits. This removes the usual hassle of coordinating separate bookings for travel, hotels, and highly sought-after park entries, which often sell out months in advance.
Destinations Covered from Mumbai
These new packages, with departures starting from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), focus on key wildlife havens in Maharashtra. The tours will primarily use the Vidarbha Express for the journey. The six destinations included in the Vandarshan initiative are some of the state's most prominent protected areas: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park, Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. It's worth noting that while Maharashtra has six tiger reserves, these packages cover four of them, excluding Melghat and Sahyadri. The goal is to make these prime tiger-spotting locations more accessible to everyone from families to seasoned wildlife photographers.
What's Included in the Packages
The primary benefit of the Vandarshan packages is the convenience of a single, bundled price. Each package includes confirmed train travel, taking the uncertainty out of waitlisted tickets. Upon arrival, local transfers between the railway station, hotel, and safari gates are all arranged. Accommodation and some meals are also part of the deal. The most significant inclusion is the assured jungle safari permit. Securing permits, especially for core zones in popular reserves like Tadoba, can be a challenge, with slots filling up within minutes of becoming available 120 days in advance. By bundling these permits, IRCTC offers immense value beyond just convenience. While package-specific pricing is yet to be fully detailed by IRCTC, the cost of a single safari jeep permit can range from approximately ₹5,800 to ₹12,800, highlighting the value of this guaranteed access.
A Look at the Itinerary and Travel
The initial launch features five curated itineraries, each designed as a four-night, five-day trip. These itineraries are tailored to different interests, including options for families, birdwatchers, and photography enthusiasts. Travellers will depart from Mumbai CSMT on the Vidarbha Express, which provides access to key railheads like Nagpur, Wardha, and Gondia. From these stations, road transfers are arranged to the respective wildlife destinations. For instance, reaching Tadoba involves a road journey of about 140 km from the nearest station, while the Nagzira sanctuary is a more accessible 45 km from Gondia station. This rail-and-road model is central to the Vandarshan concept, connecting urban centres directly to the wilderness.
How to Book Your Safari Adventure
Booking these new safari packages is straightforward and can be done entirely online. Interested travellers should visit the official IRCTC Tourism website (irctctourism.com). On the portal, you can search for tour packages, specifying your departure city as Mumbai. The Vandarshan packages should be listed among the domestic rail tour options. The platform allows you to view detailed itineraries, inclusions, exclusions, and departure dates before proceeding with the booking. The entire process, from selection to payment, can be completed in a few steps, making it one of the most reliable and direct ways to plan your trip. Since core zones of the parks typically reopen on October 1st after the monsoon, that marks the first major window for these trips.
