For wildlife enthusiasts in Mumbai, planning a trip to the jungles of Central India often involves juggling multiple bookings. IRCTC's tour packages aim to simplify this, offering all-in-one itineraries that cover travel, stay, and safaris.
The 'Vandarshan' Initiative
In partnership
with the Maharashtra Forest Department, IRCTC has launched a series of wildlife tour packages from Mumbai called 'Vandarshan'. The goal is to make wildlife tourism more accessible by bundling confirmed train tickets, accommodation, local road transport, and crucially, safari permits into a single booking. This eliminates the hassle for travellers of having to secure each component separately, especially the often hard-to-get safari permits in popular tiger reserves. The initiative features several itineraries that allow travellers to explore some of Maharashtra's premier wildlife destinations.
A Multi-Stop Itinerary Example
The headline's promise of multiple jungle stops is delivered through five distinct itineraries launched under the Vandarshan banner. For example, one popular package combines visits to the famous Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve with the Bor Tiger Reserve. Another pairs Tadoba with the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, while a different option links Pench Tiger Reserve with the Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. These five-day, four-night tours are designed to give travellers a comprehensive wildlife experience, often visiting two different parks or sanctuaries within a single trip.
The Travel and Safari Plan
These tours typically begin from Mumbai's CSMT station, with the onward journey on the Vidarbha Express (12105) every Thursday. The return trip is scheduled on the Vidarbha Express (12106) from Gondia, arriving back in Mumbai. Depending on the chosen package, the boarding and deboarding stations may vary. The packages include confirmed berths in AC 2nd tier or AC 3rd tier coaches. Upon arrival, all local travel between stations, hotels, and safari gates is handled by AC vehicles as part of the package. Each itinerary includes confirmed jungle safari permits, which are a major draw for these tours.
What's Included and What to Expect
An IRCTC wildlife package typically covers your return train journey, accommodation in well-appointed hotels or resorts near the national parks, and a set meal plan (often including breakfast and dinner). All road transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary are included. A key inclusion is the jungle safari itself, which is conducted in open jeeps or canters, accompanied by a forest guide. However, travellers should note that expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, camera fees, or any meals not specified in the itinerary, are generally excluded.
Cost and Booking Details
The cost of these packages varies based on the specific itinerary and the class of accommodation chosen (e.g., twin sharing, triple sharing). For instance, one of the Vandarshan packages covering Tadoba and Bor starts from around ₹29,500 per person. It's important to check the official IRCTC Tourism website for the exact costs and inclusions for each tour, as prices can change. Due to the popularity of these reserves, the tours have limited capacity, with IRCTC allocating a small number of berths for each trip, making advance booking essential. Bookings can be made directly through the IRCTC Tourism portal.
