Planning a trip to see Maharashtra's majestic wildlife is now simpler than ever. IRCTC has teamed up with the state's Forest Department to offer all-inclusive holiday packages, taking the hassle out of your next jungle adventure from Mumbai.
Introducing 'Vandarshan' Wildlife Packages
In a significant
move for wildlife enthusiasts, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a series of wildlife tour packages from Mumbai under the banner 'VANDARSHAN – Explore Nature. Discover Wildlife!'. This initiative, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, simplifies travel to the state's premier tiger reserves and sanctuaries by bundling train travel, accommodation, local transport, and confirmed safari permits into a single booking. The tours are designed as a four-night, five-day itinerary, making them a perfect long weekend getaway for families, photographers, and nature lovers. The inaugural trips are set to commence from November 19, 2026, offering a streamlined way to experience the region's rich biodiversity.
Your Travel and Stay, All Sorted
These packages have been curated for convenience, with travel from Mumbai arranged on the Vidarbha Express (12105), which departs every Thursday. The return journey is scheduled on train 12106, leaving from the Gondia/Wardha region on Sunday. To ensure a comfortable and exclusive experience, IRCTC has earmarked a limited number of berths for these tours—typically six seats in AC 2-Tier and six in AC 3-Tier for each departure, making early booking advisable. Upon arrival, travellers are transferred to pre-booked hotel or resort accommodation. The packages generally include meals as specified in the itinerary, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the resort, allowing you to focus solely on the wildlife experience.
The Safari Itineraries
The 'Vandarshan' initiative features five distinct itineraries that combine some of Maharashtra's most celebrated wildlife hotspots. While all are centered around the rich tiger habitats of the Vidarbha region, they offer unique combinations for exploration. The packages include visits to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, widely known for its high density of tigers. Depending on the chosen itinerary, your trip to Tadoba might be paired with a visit to Bor Tiger Reserve, Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. Another dedicated package combines the classic Pench Tiger Reserve, the fabled setting of 'The Jungle Book', with the Umred-Paoni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. This variety allows travellers to choose a tour based on their specific interests, be it the flagship tigers of Tadoba or the diverse fauna of Pench.
What's Included and How to Book
The core appeal of these packages is their all inclusive nature. A typical package includes your return train journey in the chosen class (AC -2 or AC -3), all road transfers from the deboarding station to the resort and for safaris, accommodation, specified meals, and most importantly, confirmed jungle safari permits. This removes the significant challenge of securing safari bookings, which often fill up months in advance. The packages also include travel insurance and applicable taxes. Prices vary based on the specific itinerary and accommodation choices, with starting prices reported to be around ₹29,500 per person on a triple -sharing basis. Bookings and detailed itineraries can be found directly on the IRCTC Tourism official website, ensuring a secure and reliable reservation process.
