Responding to a growing appetite for accessible nature escapes, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has introduced all-inclusive wildlife tour packages, making it easier than ever for Mumbaikars to explore top tiger reserves.
What Are the New 'Vandarshan' Packages?
IRCTC,
in a strategic partnership with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has launched a series of wildlife tourism packages branded 'Vandarshan'. These are five-day, four-night itineraries designed to offer a seamless wildlife experience. The tours primarily depart from Mumbai and are centered around Maharashtra's premier tiger habitats, including Tadoba-Andhari, Pench, Bor, and Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserves, as well as sanctuaries like Umred-Karhandla and Tipeshwar. There are five distinct itineraries, allowing travellers to choose a combination of reserves, such as Tadoba with Bor or Pench with Umred-Karhandla, providing variety for wildlife enthusiasts.
Solving the Biggest Travel Hurdles
The primary reason for launching these packages is to eliminate the logistical challenges that often deter tourists. Planning a wildlife safari typically involves juggling multiple bookings: train tickets, hotel accommodation, local transport from the station to the forest, and the most critical part—securing safari permits, which are often limited and sell out quickly. The Vandarshan packages consolidate all these elements into a single booking. According to IRCTC officials, this initiative offers a 'single-window' solution that includes confirmed train berths on the Vidarbha Express, hotel stays, road transfers, and, crucially, guaranteed safari permits, making the entire process hassle-free for travellers.
Catering to a Growing Demand
There is a clear and rising demand for experiential and nature-based travel, especially among urban populations. For residents of a bustling metropolis like Mumbai, a quick and well-organised escape into nature is highly appealing. By launching these tours, IRCTC is directly tapping into this market of families, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a respite from city life. The announcement of the partnership was strategically made on International Tiger Day, highlighting a commitment to not just tourism but also promoting conservation and responsible travel. The goal is to make Maharashtra's rich biodiversity more accessible, encouraging domestic tourism while supporting local communities dependent on the wildlife economy.
An All-Inclusive, Safari-Focused Itinerary
The 'safari-focused' aspect of these packages is a key selling point. The itineraries are built around maximising wildlife sighting opportunities. A typical fiveday tour departing from Mumbai on a Thursday evening includes arrival at a station like Wardha the next morning, followed by a transfer to a resort near the tiger reserve. The package typically includes multiple jungle safaris in open gypsys, often in different zones of the reserves to increase the chances of spotting tigers and other wildlife. For instance, a TadobaBor package includes safaris in both reserves. The packages cover AC train travel (2AC and 3AC), accommodation in resorts or hotels, most meals (meals on the train are usually excluded), and all transfers and safari costs, with prices starting from around ₹29,500.
Convenience and Accessibility from Mumbai
These tours are specifically designed with Mumbaibased travellers in mind. The journey utilises the popular Vidarbha Express (12105 for onward, 12106 for return), with convenient boarding points across the city and its suburbs, including CSMT, Dadar, Thane, and Kalyan. Departures are scheduled every Thursday evening, allowing travellers to leave after the work week, and the return journey has them back in Mumbai by Monday morning, making it a perfect longweekend trip. However, these are limitedcapacity tours, with IRCTC allocating only a small number of berths (often six in 2AC and six in 3AC) for each departure, positioning them as an exclusive offering and encouraging early bookings.
