Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
Famous for its incredible tiger sightings against the backdrop of ancient forts and ruins, Ranthambore is a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Previously, reaching this iconic park involved long road journeys or slower trains. Now, several
Vande Bharat Express trains make a stop at Sawai Madhopur Junction (SWM). This station is conveniently located just 10-12 kilometres from the park's main safari gates, a journey of about 20-30 minutes by local taxi or auto-rickshaw. This makes a weekend trip from cities like Delhi or Jaipur not just possible, but comfortable and efficient.
Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
Another gem in Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is nestled in the Aravalli Hills and offers a rugged, wild landscape home to tigers, leopards, and a variety of birdlife. The Delhi-Ajmer Vande Bharat Express route includes a stop at Alwar Junction (AWR), which is the nearest major railhead to Sariska. Located approximately 37 kilometres away, the drive from Alwar to the reserve takes about an hour. The high-speed train connection makes Sariska an easily accessible getaway, perfect for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature without a gruelling travel day.
Tadoba and Pench Tiger Reserves, Maharashtra
Nagpur has emerged as a critical hub for wildlife tourism, providing access to several premier tiger reserves in Central India. Vande Bharat services connecting major cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Bilaspur to Nagpur now place wildlife lovers within easy reach of both Tadoba Andhari and Pench Tiger Reserves. From Nagpur, Tadoba is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive (about 150 km), while Pench is about 2 hours away (around 90 km). This connectivity allows travellers to comfortably reach Nagpur and then proceed by road, making the journey to see the famed tigers of Maharashtra significantly smoother.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense importance. The New Jalpaiguri–Guwahati Vande Bharat Express service has greatly improved access to this northeastern jewel. After arriving in Guwahati, travellers can hire a taxi or take a bus for the four to five-hour road journey to the park entrance. This rail link is a game-changer for domestic tourists, making a trip to the wilds of Assam more approachable by reducing overall travel time and increasing comfort.
Gir National Park, Gujarat
For those hoping to see the majestic Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is the only place in the world to do so in the wild. The Sabarmati-Veraval Vande Bharat Express now makes reaching this unique habitat easier. The train journey takes you to Veraval, which is just 45 kilometres away from Sasan Gir, the main entry point for safaris. A short road trip of under an hour connects you from the station to the park, streamlining what was once a more complex travel plan and opening up Gujarat's incredible wildlife to more visitors.
