For Mumbaikars craving a quick escape into the wild, the prospect of planning a jungle safari can be daunting. Now, IRCTC has simplified the process, offering all-inclusive five-day wildlife tours to some of Maharashtra's premier tiger reserves.
Your All-in-One Ticket to the Wild
In a collaboration
with the Maharashtra Forest Department, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a series of tour packages named 'Vandarshan'. These trips are designed to be a hassle-free solution for wildlife enthusiasts, bundling train travel, accommodation, local road transport, meals, and, most importantly, confirmed safari permits into a single booking. The initiative aims to make the state's rich biodiversity more accessible, removing the stress of coordinating multiple bookings for trains, hotels, and elusive safari slots, which can be challenging during peak seasons. The tours are structured as four-night, five-day itineraries, perfect for a long weekend getaway.
The Five Safari Circuits from Mumbai
IRCTC is offering five distinct itineraries that pair some of the region's most famous wildlife destinations. Most of the tours centre around the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, known for its high density of tigers. These are combined with other significant sanctuaries to offer a diverse wildlife experience. The five packages are: Tadoba with Bor Tiger Reserve; Tadoba with Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve; Tadoba with Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary; Tadoba with Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary; and Pench National Park with Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. This allows travellers to choose a combination that suits their interests, whether it's the star attraction of Tadoba or the unique biodiversity of parks like Pench and Tipeshwar.
Travel and Logistics Made Easy
All 'Vandarshan' tours from Mumbai utilize the Vidarbha Express (Train No. 12105) for the onward journey, with departures scheduled every Thursday. The return journey is typically on the corresponding train (12106) departing from the Gondia region on Sunday. This fixed schedule makes planning straightforward. Depending on the chosen itinerary, the boarding and deboarding stations will vary, with locations like Wardha and Dhamangaon serving as access points for the different reserves. Upon arrival, all local transfers between the railway station, hotel, and safari gates are handled via prearranged vehicles as part of the package. Accommodation is provided in hotels, and the package generally includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What to Expect on Safari
The main attraction of these tours is the guaranteed access to jungle safaris in opentop gypsy vehicles, operated on a sharing basis. These excursions take you into the core zones of the reserves, where you have the chance to spot majestic tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and a wide variety of birdlife. Tadoba, in particular, is famed for frequent tiger sightings, making it a prime destination for photographers and firsttime safarigoers. The partner sanctuaries like Tipeshwar offer a more tranquil and offthebeatenpath experience. It is important for travellers to remember that wildlife sightings are a matter of chance and to follow all rules and guidelines set by the forest department during the safari.
Booking Your Adventure
These packages are aimed at everyone from families and solo travellers to wildlife photographers. Bookings can be made directly through the IRCTC Tourism website. Given the popularity of these destinations, the packages have limited availability. For each departure, IRCTC has allocated a small number of berths—typically six in 3AC and six in 2AC class—making it essential to book well in advance. The starting price for these tours is approximately ₹29,500 per person, though the final cost will depend on the specific itinerary and chosen accommodation class (Comfort or Deluxe). This allinclusive pricing model provides clarity and convenience for travellers planning their wildlife expedition.
