A Hassle-Free Gateway to the Wild
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has introduced a series of wildlife tour packages under the 'Vandarshan' initiative. These packages are designed to offer a seamless
and organised travel experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The core appeal lies in the convenience: a single booking covers confirmed train tickets, accommodation, local transport, meals, travel insurance, and, most importantly, guaranteed jungle safari permits. This eliminates the usual stress of coordinating multiple bookings, especially for safaris in popular reserves, which often get booked out well in advance. The tours are specifically aimed at promoting Maharashtra’s rich biodiversity and making its spectacular forests more accessible to everyone, from families to photographers.
Explore Maharashtra's Premier Tiger Country
These tours focus on the tiger-rich landscapes of the Vidarbha region. IRCTC has curated five different itineraries, each combining a couple of reserves to offer a comprehensive wildlife experience. The destinations include some of India’s most prominent tiger habitats, such as Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, celebrated for its frequent tiger sightings, and Pench National Park, known for its dense forests. Other sanctuaries covered in the various package combinations are Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Umred-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Each of these parks offers a unique ecosystem and the chance to spot not just majestic tigers, but also leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), deer, and a wide array of birdlife.
Itinerary, Inclusions, and Costs
The packages are structured as a 4-night, 5-day journey, with departures scheduled from Mumbai every Thursday. Travellers will journey aboard the Vidarbha Express (Train No. 12105) for the onward trip, with boarding available at several stations including CSMT, Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan. The return journey commences on Sunday. The cost of the packages varies based on the itinerary and the class of travel chosen (2AC or 3AC). For example, the 'Vandarshan' tour covering Tadoba and Bor Tiger Reserve starts from approximately ₹29,500 per person on a triple-sharing basis in 3AC. This price typically includes the roundtrip train fare, hotel/resort accommodation, specified meals (like breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the destination), all road transfers in airconditioned vehicles, and the safari charges.
Limited Availability and How to Book
These wildlife tours are designed as a limitedcapacity offering to ensure a quality experience. For each departure, IRCTC has reserved a small quota of six berths in 3AC and six in 2AC, making it essential for interested travellers to book well in advance. The first of these tours are scheduled to begin on November 19, 2026. The booking process is straightforward. Travellers can book these packages directly through the official IRCTC Tourism website, www.irctctourism.com. On the website, navigate to the 'Holidays' section and then to 'Packages' or 'Tour Packages'. You can search for the 'Vandarshan' packages or filter by the origin city (Mumbai) to find the relevant listings, view detailed itineraries, and complete your booking online.
